Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-07-20 Zoning Board of Appeals MinutesOFR Town of Reading Meeting Minutes �sJ9�.. .90PP� Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Zoning Board of Appeals Date: 2017-07-20 Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: Public Hearing Attendees: Members - Present: David Traniello, Chairman John Jarema Robert Redfern Erik Hagstrom Nick Pernice Members - Not Present: Cy Caouette Others Present: Alissa Gallegos Richard Bova Carol Johnson Joe Lenart Town Representatives: Chris Heep, Town Counsel Time: 7:00 PM C Ek 1011 AuG -I A `f T4 Location: Selectmen Meeting Room Session: Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim M Saunders Topics of Discussion: Chairman Traniello called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM Case # 17-05 - 320 Lowell Street The Zoning Board of Appeals continued a Public Hearing in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts on the petition of Alissa & Evan Gallegos who seek a Special Permit under Sections 5.3.2 & 5.4.7.2 of the Zoning Bylaws in order to construct an addition 36'x 46' and to alter the interior of the existing dwelling for the purpose of an accessory apartment on the property located at 320 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Ms. Allisa Gallegos presented to the Board updated plans dated July 20, 1017. She said the outstanding items the Board expressed at the last meeting have been addressed. The second means of egress was relocated, and the square footage of the accessory apartment is now 1/3 of the primary residence. She added Glen Redmond the Building Inspector pointed out a concern with the shared entrance and staircase. The Architect addressed this concern, and the plan reflects the change. Mr. Traniello read a letter from Mr. Redmond stating the updated plans meet the requirements for a Special Permit to be issued for an accessory apartment. Page 1 1 Mr. Redfern agreed all requirements have been met for a Special Permit. He reminded the Applicant the Town Engineer will need to approve the Aquifer Protection. This will be added as a condition to the Decision. Mr. Bova replied the documents have been submitted to the Town Engineer for his review. After Mr. Jarema reviewed the updated plans, he expressed his concern with the accessory apartment not being separate from the primary residence. Mr. Bova explained how the entrance will work with the accessory apartment and primary residence. Mr. Jarema commented the plan might work with the current owner, but what happens in the future when the apartment is rented. Ms. Johnson read Section 5.4.e and 5.4.7.2.b of the Zoning Bylaw. She said the proposed plan meets the Town requirements. If the Town has concerns with the current Zoning Bylaw, it will need to be addressed at Town Meeting. She added the Fire Department will need to approve before a building permit is issued. Ms. Johnson gave her history as a resident of the Town. She said the proposal will allow her family to live together. The proposal is an enhancement to Lowell Street, and a betterment of the community. Mr. Hagstrom and Mr. Pernice had no questions. Mr. Traniello opened the meeting to the public, and then closed with no comment. On a motion made Mr. Redfern, seconded by Mr. Hagstrom, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to approve the petitioners request for a Special Permit under Section 5.3.2 and 5.4.7.2 of the Zoning Bylaw to construct an addition 36'x46' and to alter the interior of the existing dwelling for the purpose of an accessory apartment on the property located at 320 Lowell Street with conditions. The Board discussed if Mr. Jarema could abstain from the vote. Mr. Jarema said he will vote in favor, but he would like to make sure the Building Inspector reviews the entrance to the accessory apartment. Vote was 5-0-0 (Traniello, Jarema, Redfern, Hagstrom, Pernice). Case # 17-01 (40B) The Zoning Board of Appeals held a discussion and tentative vote on the draft Decision for Schoolhouse Commons 40B, located at 172 Woburn Street. Mr. Traniello commented he had no changes to the Decision. He suggested the Board vote on the Decision tonight if their concerns have been addressed. Mr. Chris Heep from Town Counsel said since the last meeting he made minor adjustments to the Decision. Mr. Heep assured the Board the changes did not affect the substance. He said the Applicant has approved the Decision. The Board went through the Decision and suggested minor changes. Mr. Pernice asked if the deed restriction is in perpetuity. Mr. Heep replied it was not, and explained condition #54 of the Decision Mr. Jarema questioned why condition #52 of the Decision was removed. Mr. Heep explained why Mass. Housing Partnership (MHP) requested it to be removed. He summarized the Building Inspector still has authority. Mr. Hagstrom and Mr. Traniello had no comment. On a motion made by Mr. Jarema, seconded by Mr. Redfern, the Zoning Board of Appeals GRANT the application of READING EQUITABLE HOUSING, LLC, for a Comprehensive Permit, under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40B, for a twenty (20) unit multi -family residential development, with four (4) units restricted so as to be available for rent by households earning at or below 50% of the Boston Area Median Income, within the existing three (3) story structure located at 172-180 Woburn Street, Reading, Massachusetts, together with parking, related infrastructure and amenities as shown on the approved plans referenced in this Decision, and subject to the findings, waivers and conditions set forth herein. ..... Page 1 2 Vote was 5-0-0 (Traniello, Jarema, Redfern, Hagstrom, Pernice). Mr. Heep stated he will make the changes to the Decision and forward the revised version to the Town. He suggested the Board sign the signature page. Mr. Heep discussed with the Board when a member could abstain from a vote. Mr. Heep cautioned if two members abstained there would not be a quorum. Other Business There was no other business discussed. Adjournment On a motion made Mr. Hagstrom, seconded by Mr. Jarema, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Vote was 5-0-0 (Traniello, Jarema, Redfern, Hagstrom, Pernice). Page 1 3