HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-05-22 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes ^ 1�0 Town of Reading Meeting Minutes RECEIVED /� TOWN CLERK READING, INA. Board r Committee - Commission - Council: Zoning Board of Appeals 2119 JUL 18 AM 9: 02 Date: 2019-05-22 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Purpose: Public Hearing Version: Attendees: Members - Present: John Jarem Cy Caouette Erik Hagstrom Nick Pernice Kyle Tornow Members - Not Present: Robert Redfern Others Present: Mark Dupell, Virginia Adams, Sal Gentile, Scott Gentile, Matthew McLeod Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kristen Grover Topics of Discussion: Mr.Jarema opened the meeting. Case#19-01—Azalea Circle The Zoning Board of Appeals held a continuance of a Public Hearing in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at 7:00 PM on the application of Kay Street Reading Realty, LLC, pursuant to M.G.L. Ch. 40A §9 for a Special Permit under Reading Zoning Bylaw Sections 5.3.2 &5.4.7 to construct an attached accessory apartment contained within new construction of a single-family dwelling at the property located at 0 Azalea Circle (Assessors Map 23, Lots 125 and 126) in Reading, Massachusetts. Mr. Jarema summarized the case and the continuations then read a letter from the Applicant which asked for another continuance or a withdrawal. Nobody was present on behalf of the application. Mr.Jarema asked the Board for their thoughts and comments. Mr. Redfern commented that the newest request was for a deep continuance, and nobody has even seen the Applicant to this point. He opined they Withdraw without Prejudice and refile when they are able to proceed, noting this matter takes up valuable Agenda time. Mr. Hagstrom stated he agreed with Mr. Redfern. He opined that it didn't seem like the Applicant was ready if they continue looking for additional time and that it may be a good reason to Withdraw and file when they are ready. Page I 1 Mr. Pernice stated he agreed and felt the Withdrawal without Prejudice was the route to take. Mr.Tornow also agreed,stating they should come back when they are ready. Mr.Jarema stated he agreed as well and did not think there had ever been a continuance that lasted this amount of time. Virginia Adams,59 Azalea Circle, stated she was concerned about the project. She asked who the principles were, if it was public knowledge and could be made public. Mr. Dupell stated there was no knowledge of who the principles were other than the owners on record and the LLC. Sal Gentile, 54 Azalea Circle, commented on the history of the project. Ms. Adams added that there was a long history for this lot. Mr. Jarema stated since the opening of the case,the Board hasn't received sufficient documentation and opined to close out the case per the request of the Applicant's spokesperson. On a motion made by Mr. Redfern, seconded by Mr. Hagstrom, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to grant a Withdrawal without Prejudice for Case#19-0. Vote was 5-0-0(Jarema, Caauette, Hagstrom, Pernice, Tarnow) Case#19-08—12 Winter Street The Zoning Board of Appeals held a continuance of a Public Hearing in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at 7:00 PM on the application of Kathryn McLeod, pursuant to M.G.L. Ch. 40A§9 for a Special Permit under Reading Zoning Bylaw Sections 7.3 to construct a deck to an existing non- conforming dwelling on the property located at 12 Winter Street(Assessors Map 23, Lot 73) in Reading, Massachusetts. Mr. Jarema read the case into record and swore in the Applicant. Matthew McLeod presented the case and explained the Application. He stated the purpose for the deck plan was to make it easier for his aging parents to only have to step down one or no steps instead of three steps. Mr.Jarema recapped Mr. McLeod's sister's appearance before the Board on his behalf. He discussed lot coverage with the Applicant and explained the Board makes decisions based on the plot plan and building plans they have in hand. Mr.Jarema asked Mr. McLeod if he had updated plans. Mr. McLeod stated he had no new plans yet. Mr.Jarema opened discussion to the Board. Mr. Redfern reiterated Mr.Jarema's comments by asking if Mr. McLeod had a chance to talk to his sister about the issues or watched the video of that meeting, noting that would give him Page 1 2 good insight on how to proceed. Mr. McLeod stated he had not. Mr. Redfern explained that the deck being attached becomes part of the main structure and how that causes the issue of exceeding lot coverage. He informed Mr. McLeod that if the deck was cut back to within the setbacks he would not even need to be before the Board and would only have to deal with obtaining a building permit. He discussed the calculations for lot coverage. Mr. Dupell further explained lot coverage and offered options for the Applicant to consider. Mr. Redfern stated he thinks if the Applicant works with a surveyor and explained keeping total areas of the house &deck to 25%then he could work directly with the Building Commissioner. Mr. McLeod inquired if it was possible to ask for a continuance. Mr. Redfern explained the three options available—a continuance, withdrawal or a vote. Mr. McLeod asked Mr. Dupell if a retaining wall at 2% feet high had any requirements. Mr. Dupell answered no. Mr. Hagstrom informed Mr. McLeod the Board was happy to take a look at anything more he would like to bring it them and discussed options. Mr. Pernice stated that even with a new idea for a plan, he would feel uncomfortable voting because they would need a new plot plan. Mr. Tornow stated he had no further comments. Mr.Jarema stated the options are there and discussed dates for a continuance. Mr. McLeod decided on July 17, 2019 for a continuance. On a motion made by Mr. Pernice,seconded by Mr. Tornow, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to grant a Continuance for Case#19-0 to July 17. 2019. Vote was 5-0-0(larema, Caouette, Hagstrom, Pernice, Tornow) Adjournment On a motion made Mr. Redfern,seconded by Mr. Tarnow, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to adjourn the meeting at p.m. Vote was 5-0-0(Jorema, Caouette, Hagstrom, Pernice, Tornow). Page 13