HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-03 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutesa
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Town of Reading
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Minutes of January 3, 2013
Members Present Damase Caouette, Chairman
John Jarema
Robert Redfern
David Traniello
Kathleen Hackett
John Miles
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. Also in attendance
was Glen Redmond, Commissioner of Buildings.
Case # 12 -18
A Public Hearing on the petition of Heidie Gutierrez who seeks a Special Permit under Section
6.3.2 of the zoning bylaws in order to extend or expand the first floor rear deck on the property
located at 12 -14 Linden Street in Reading, Massachusetts. The existing use of this structure is a
non - conforming use (residential) and is located in a Business B District.
Heidie Gutierrez presented the proposed extension of the bottom porch along the length of the
house. Ms. Gutierrez is co -owner of the two family dwelling along with her parents. Reportedly,
the house had been moved to this location a long time ago. Family members have owned the
house since 1950 and originally the location was not a business -zoned area. The owners think the
third floor was once used as a boarding house since all the rooms have doors with numbers but
there is no kitchen on the third floor.
Mr. Jarema said it is now a residential structure that existed prior to the zoning changes. The
Building Inspector said the proposal is an expansion of a non- conforring use and because of this
he thought it needed a Special Permit from the ZBA for the proposed construction. The rear deck
is being doubled in size by adding to the left and right sides of the existing deck.
The Board discussed if the deck expansion required a Special Permit or not. The Building
Inspector thought it did but said he would be comfortable with whatever the Board wanted to do.
Mr. Redfern thought this project did require a certified plot plan as is required of anyone adding
an extension or deck to an existing dwelling. The Building Inspector said it was pointed out to
him by the Applicant that according to the bylaws, the Applicant thought that they do not need
one if they are not seeking a dimensional setback and they are not.
ZBA Meeting, January 3, 2013
Mr. Redfern explained that the Board references certified plot plans in their decisions. Mr. Miles
thought if the Board accepted this proposal without a certified plot plan they would be creating a
precedent. Ms. Hackett also thought this would set a precedent. Mr. Traniello also agreed that the
certified plot plan was necessary.
Ann De Carlo of 62 Woburn Street voiced her concerns about what the porch would look like
visually and the Applicant showed her some drawn plans and answered questions.
The Chairman said the case should be continued until the Applicant can present a certified plot
plan to the Board.
On a motion by David Traniello, seconded by Robert Redfern, the Zoning Board of Appeals
moved to continue the hearing to February 21, 2013 at the request of the Applicants.
The motion was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0 (Redfern, Jarema, Caouette, Traniello, Hackett).
Minutes
On a motion by John Jarema, seconded by Kathleen Hackett, the Zoning Board of Appeals
moved to approve the minutes of December 6, 2012.
The motion was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0 (Redfern, Jarerna, Caouette, Traniello, Hackett).
Adjournment
On a motion by Robert Redfern, seconded by John Miles, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to
adjourn the meeting at 7:55 PM.
The motion was approved by a vote of 6 -0 -0 ( Redfem, Jarema, Caoucue, Traniello, Hackett,
Miles.
Respectfully
Maureen M.
Recording S
ZBA Meeting, January 3, 2013