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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-11-01 Zoning Board of Appeals MinutesTown of Reading ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Minutes of November 1, 2012 „7D JJ. Members Present: Damase Caouette, Chairman 2011 C_ C 20 A 11: 22 John Jarema Robert Redfern John Miles Kathleen Hackett David Traniello Members Absent: None A meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals was held in the Selectmen's Meeting Room of the Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts beginning at 7:00 P.M. Case # 12 -15 A Public Hearing on the petition of Metro PCS who seeks a Special Permit under Section 4.3.5 of the zoning bylaws in order to expand a commercial communication structure on the property located at One General Way in Reading, Massachusetts. Brian Wilson of Metro PCS outlined the history of this property and how they had previously been granted a Special Permit for six antennas by the Zoning Board of Appeals but had only installed three. They now want to add two newer type antennas to the already installed ones on the smokestack. These new antennas are smaller and will not be an obvious change. These two new ones (for site to site communication to increase speed) are just a minor modification to the already installed antennas. The Chairman read a memo from the Building Inspector stating that he had no objections to the proposal. The Board members had a few questions for Mr. Wilson. Mr. Jarema wanted to know how often and how much equipment would eventually be on the smoke stack. The main question was would they remove the older obsolete equipment when they modify with newer equipment. There was some concern as to what was the capacity of the smoke stack. Mr. Wilson said he did not know but expected that Metro PCS would be back in the future for additional modernization as newer options become available. These present changes would not be visible. Mr. Redfern said it was good that Metro PCS knows they need to come before the Board for any changes. November 1, 2012 ZBA Meeting The Chairman asked about the weekly maintenance and Mr. Wilson said there were monthly maintenance calls done by technicians to make sure all the equipment is in good order and all is working correctly. The mention of weekly maintenance was a typographical error. Charles Cullinane of 59 Oak Ridge Road asked a question about the smoke stack. On a motion by David Traniello, seconded by John Jarema, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to grant the Applicant a Special Permit to allow the expansion of a commercial communications structure via the installation of two dish style antennas, measuring approximately one foot in diameter to its existing wireless communication facility utilizing the existing antenna and mounting bracket structure on the existing smokestack/chimney on the property. A condition of the Board's approval shall be that the Applicant shall be required to remove any part of the installation if it has not been actively used for two continuous years. The motion was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0 (Caouette, Redfern, Jarema, Hackett, Traniello). Case # 12 -16 A Public Hearing on the petition of Metro PCS who seeks a Special Permit under Section 4.3.5 of the zoning bylaws in order to expand a commercial communication structure on the property located at 4 Summit Drive in Reading, Massachusetts. Brian Wilson of Metro PCS outlined the history of this property and how in 2008 they had been granted a Special Permit for six antennas by the Zoning Board of Appeals but had only installed three. They want to install a 12" dish dial antenna (for point to point transmission) on the roof of the structure. Ms. Hackett inquired about an additional radio unit mentioned that was to be installed and Mr. Wilson said the 3" cable was to connect to the already existing equipment and they are just sliding one more radio into the rack and there will be no visible change. They are using the same routing methods already in place and nothing will be observable. The Board also asked about the weekly maintenance and Mr. Wilson said there were monthly maintenance calls done by technicians to make sure all the equipment is in good order and all is working correctly. The mention of weekly maintenance was a typographical error. Mr. Jarema wanted to know how they would screen the small area that would now be visible and Mr. Wilson said the only way to hide the structure would be a massive wall that would not be an attractive alternative and he hoped the 15" visual addition would be acceptable to the Board. Mr. Redfern thinks this is going to be more visible than the previous request for a dish at General Way, but he did not think it was a major issue and that no one would even be aware of it. Hamid Soror of 35 Zachery Lane said his corner unit living room looks out on the rooftop of the communication structure. He said he bought this unit for the view. He said there is no maintenance being done and everything is very dirty. Mr. Soror said he was away in 2008 when this matter came before the Zoning Board. Mr. Redfern and Mr. Wilson both thought Mr. Soror November 1, 2012 ZBA Meeting 2 should take up this matter with his Condo Association. Mr. Soror said they were not helpful other than giving him a reduction in his condo fees. Mr. Wilson said maintenance for Metro PCS is on the equipment and does not have anything to do with the building itself. He said he was sorry for the confusion as to what the maintenance consisted of He said Metro PCS is a tenant and the landlord is the Condo Association and the Condo Association does not have any problems with Metro PCS as a tenant. Mr. Jarema said this issue does not come under the jurisdiction of the Zoning Board and Mr. Soror should consult with his Condo Association to see what they can do. Mr. Soror would not see anyone on the top of the roof that is visible unless there were a leak in the roof and the maintenance technicians would not be visible to Mr. Soror. Mr. Wilson said they did have to apply for building permits and Metro PCS met all required codes and regulations for the Town and the State. The Chairman said it was unfortunate that Mr. Soror was not around to attend the ZBA meeting back in 2008 but his issues are between Mr. Soror and his Condo Association. The Chairman read a memo from the Building Inspector stating that he had no objections to the proposal. On a motion by David Traniello, seconded by Kathleen Hackett, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to grant the Applicant a Special Permit to allow the expansion of a commercial communication structure via the installation of one dish style antenna, measuring approximately one foot in diameter to its existing wireless communication facility utilizing the existing rooftop antenna and mounting bracket structure on the property. A condition of the Board's approval shall be that the Applicant shall be required to remove any part of the installation if it has not been actively used for two continuous years. The motion was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0 (Caouette, Redfern, Jarema, Hackett, Tramello). Minutes On a motion by Robert Redfern, seconded by John Jarema, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to approve the minutes of September 13, 2012 as submitted. The motion was approved by a vote of 4 -0 -0 (Redfern, Jarema, Hackett, Traniello). On a motion by David Traniello, seconded by Robert Redfern, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to approve the minutes of October 4, 2012 with changes. The motion was approved by a vote of 6 -0 -0 (Caouette, Miles, Redfern, Jarema, Hackett, Traniello). On a motion by Robert Redfern, seconded by David Traniello, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to approve the minutes of October 18, 2012 with changes. November 1, 2012 ZBA Meeting 3 The motion was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0 (Caouette, Redfern, Jarema, Hackett, Traniello). Adjournment On a motion by Robert Redfern, seconded by John Miles, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was approved by a vote of 6 -0 -0 (Caouette, Miles, Redfern, Jarema, Hackett, Traniello). s Mai Rec November 1, 2012 ZBA Meeting 4