HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-07 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutesa Fa
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
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Zoning Board of Appeals I'M JUL 13 PI 3: 32,
Date: 2016 -04 -07 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Selectmen Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: General Business
Session: General Session
Attendees: Members - Present:
David Traniello, Vice Chair; Damase Caouette, John Jarema, Erik Hagstrom,
Kathleen Hackett, Nick Pernice
Members - Not Present:
Robert Redfern
Others Present:
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders on behalf of David Traniello
Topics of Discussion:
Mr. Traniello opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Case # 16 -03
The Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing on the petition of Frank John & Theresa A.
Wiggins who seek an Accessory Apartment Special Permit under Sections 5.3.2 & 5.4.7.2 of the
zoning bylaws in order to construct a detached accessory building for use as an accessory
apartment as per plans submitted on the property located at 61 Terrace Park in Reading,
Massachusetts.
Attorney Brad Latham, who is representing the petitioners, explained that Ms. Wiggins would
like her parents to reside with her. He said the proposed project would be an attractive free-
standing building. Mr. Latham gave his opinion on how the criteria for a Special Permit will be
met.
Mr. Traniello read a statement from Glen Redmond, Zoning Officer.
Ms. Hackett had no specific question.
Mr. Jarema questioned the location of the detached structure. Mr. Latham answered the location
is the most appropriate due to some conservation area and ledge being on the property He
agreed the Conservation Administrator will be contacted in lieu of the proposal. The petitioner,
Mr. John, confirmed the utilities will be stored in the garage. Mr. Jarema gave his opinion on
allowing a detached accessory structure. He questioned if the proposed structure would appear
to be two principal residents, not a principal with an accessory apartment.
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Mr. Caouette said he had no disagreement with Mr. Latham's presentation. He questioned the
relevance of the submitted architectural drawings 4 through 7. Mr. Latham explained why he
requested those drawings. -
Mr. Hagstrom and Mr. Pernice had no comments.
Mr. Traniello corrected the zoning bylaw that was referenced. He acknowledged the amended
zoning bylaw that now allows accessory apartments.
Mr. Traniello opened the meeting for public comment.
There was no public comment.
Mr. Traniello closed the meeting to the public.
On a motion made by Ms. Hackett, seconded by Mr. Caouette, the Zoning Board of Appeals
moved to approve the Special Permit requested by Frank John & Theresa Wiggins to approve i,he
Special Permit under Sections 5.3.2 & 5.4.7.2 and 5.5.1 a of the zoning bylaws in order to
approve construction of a one -story detached accessory building for use as an accessory
apartment on the property with the usual conditions.
Vote was 4 -0 -1 (Traniello, Caouette, Hackett, Hagstrom in favor, Mr. Jarema abstained).
Case # 16 -04
The Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing on the petition of Lee & Christine Sulliv
who seek a Special Permit under Section 7.3.2 of the zoning bylaws in order to construct a fraot
entrance with a roof over 4.2' x 9.2' as per plans on the property located at 24 Corey Lane in
Reading, Massachusetts
Mr. Ed Hovsepian, who is representing the petitioners, said they would like to expand the front
entrance by 2' -7." He stated that Conservation had already issued a Minor Project Permit for
the proposal.
Mr. Pernice had no questions.
Mr. Hagstrom agreed with Glen Redmond, Zoning Officer, that a Special Permit would be
required. He added that the proposal would not be detrimental to the neighborhood.
Mr. Caouette questioned why Mr. Redmond's denial letter said a Variance might be required
over a Special Permit. Mr. Hovespian said he met with Mr. Redmond after the denial letter was
received and clarified the project. He said Mr. Redmond agreed the project would not expand
into the setback, only the width.
Mr. Jarema suggested adding a condition to the Special Permit not allowing an additional
platform or the front to be closed in.
Ms. Hackett said she agreed with Mr. Hagstrom's statement.
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Mr. Traniello commented that the project is similar to a portico, and reflects other petitions the
Zoning Board of Appeals have received. He read a statement from Mr. Redmond. The Board
discussed if the petitioner should be requesting a Variance or a Special Permit with conditions.
Mr. Traniello opened the meeting for public comment.
There was no public comment.
Mr. Traniello closed the meeting to the public.
On a motion made by Mr. Hagstrom, seconded by Ms. Hackett, move the Zoning Board of
Appeals to approve the Special Permit under Section 7.3.2. of the Zoning Bylaws in order to
construct a roofed front entrance with the dimensions of 4.2' x 9.2' on the property and as
depicted in and consistent with the certified Plot Plan and Architectural drawing submitted by the
petitioners.
Vote was 5 -0 -0 (Traniello, Caouette, Jarema, Hackett, Hagstrom).
Mr. Traniello recused himself and left the meeting.
Case # 16 -07
The Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing on the petition of Chris Barcikowski who
seeks a Special Permit under Section 7.3.2 of the zoning bylaws in order to construct a front
farmer's porch and a rear deck which encroaches into the side yard setback of 15' on the
property located at 27 Woodward Avenue in Reading, Massachusetts.
Mr. Barickowski introduced himself and his wife. He described the proposed project and said he
was seeking a Special Permit.
Ms. Hackett stated the property is legal and non - conforming. She questioned how the neighbor's
felt about the proposal.
Mr. Jarema commented the property is tight for what the petitioner is requesting.
Mr. Hagstrom stated the proposal is more detrimental to the neighborhood and would add to the
mass of the home.
Mr. Pernice questioned the privacy of the abutters due to the proposed deck being raised 4' off
the ground.
Mr. Caouette stated the proposal is extending a legal non - conforming situation. He read a
statement from Glen Redmond, Zoning Officer.
Mr. Caouette opened the meeting for public comment.
Ms. Moscariello of 15 Woodward Avenue commented she had a concern with the deck height
and the noise level. She gave an example of the noise heard now in the neighborhood due to an
abutter with a backyard porch and a pool.
Ms. Kathleen Dunn of 17 Vale Road stated the deck will face her empty lot. She has no concern
regarding the deck and believes the landscape will help with privacy and noise.
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Mr. John Walsh of 25 Woodward Avenue said he is the abutter on the right side and he has
concern with the noise.
Mr. Barcikowski commented the deck would be utilized for dinner or lunch. He was looking for
a neighborhood to settle down in with his wife and two young children.
Mr. Caouette questioned why the deck needs to be 24.'
Mr. Caouette closed the meeting to the public.
Mr. Caouette explained to the petitioner an affirmative vote would be needed from 4 out of the 5
Board members voting.
Mr. Jarema stated granting the Special Permit is for eternity and not just for the present
homeowners. He said the deck would become part of the living space if closed in. He
complimented the farmer's porch and said it adds to the streetscape appeal. He suggested
making the deck smaller.
Mr. Barcikowski said he is installing a double wide slider to complete the look from inside the
home.
Mr. Caouette commented the deck is as big as the house on that side of the property.
Ms. Hackett said she has no concerns with the farmer's porch but agreed the size of the deck W I ill
be detrimental to the neighborhood.
Mr. Pernice stated the size of the deck would not change the noise level.
Mr. Caouette let the petitioner know of his decision before the Board voted.
After a discussion of the proposed deck, Mr. Barcikowski requested the vote be bifurcated.
On a motion by Mr. Hagstrom, seconded by Ms. Hackett, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to
approve the Special Permit for a front farmer's porch which encroaches into the 15' setback.
Vote was 5 -0 -0 (Caouette, Jarema, Hackett, Hagstrom, Pernice).
On a motion by Ms. Hackett, seconded by Mr. Hagstrom, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to
approve the Special Permit in order to construct a rear deck which encroaches on the setbacks'.
with conditions.
Vote was 3 -2 -0 (Caouette, Hackett, Hagstrom in favor, Jarema and Pernice opposed)
Adjournment
On a motion by Ms. Hackett, seconded by Mr. Pernice, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to
adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m.
Vote was 5 -0 -0 (Caouette, Jarema, Hackett, Hagstrom, Pernice).
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