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Town of Reading ' RECEIVED
Meeting Minutes CLERK
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2P21 MAR -B AM If: 36
Zoning Board of Appeals
Date: 2020-10-08 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Location:
Address: Session:
Purpose: Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Robert Redfern
Nick Pernice
Hillary Mateev
Jamie Maughan
Cynde Hartman
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Andrew MacNichol - Staff Planner, Glen Redmond - Building Inspector,
Miryam Becker, Anita Garshek, Guido Sabatella and Paola Santorol
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Amanda Beatrice
Topics of Discussion:
Staff Planner Andrew MacNichol briefly explained the protocols for tonight's meeting that is
being held virtually. He presented the Zoom Meeting information to the public for those
wishing to join and explained the features of the Zoom program and how to provide comments
for any given application. He added that RCN is broadcasting and recording the meeting.
Mr. Redfern called the meeting to order.
146 Summer Ave—Case#20-09
Mr. Redfern opened the continued public hearing for Case#20-09—146 Summer Avenue.
Ms. Becker introduced herself and briefly gave a description of their application.The Applicant
is looking for relief to install a footbridge and garage roof deck on the property.The Historic
District Commission has approved the location of such but zoning relief is still required.She
stated that this project is separate from the ongoing hot tub issue which they were working on
resolving. She asked that these two projects be looked at separately.
Mr. Redmond stated he met with the property owners earlier that day and visited the property.
He concluded that the garage structure is in adequate shape to maintain the roof deck if
approved. He continued that they talked about the zoning violation in regards to the hot tub,
which has been brought to the Town Counsel's attention and the matter will be looked into. It
may prohibit the issuance of further building permits for the property.
Page I 1
Mr. Redfern stated they do not need to wait for further Town Counsel input and that the Board
can look to vote tonight as previous Town Counsel input has been provided. Mr. Redmond
agreed. Mr. Redfern stated that he believes that the Board should make a decision on the case
during this meeting.
Mr. Pernice agreed with Mr. Redfern and was comfortable voting tonight. He opined that this
dwelling once maintained the nonconforming use and changed it to a conforming use over ten
years ago.The use is now prohibited from being changed back to a nonconforming use.
Ms. Mateev stated she felt that the proposal was not detrimental to the neighborhood.
Mr. Maughan asked for clarity on the setback requirements described. Mr. MacNichol replied
that Town Counsel opined a Special Permit is required and not a Variance. He continued that
the ten-foot setback described is in regards to the garage and principal dwelling. If the garage is
within ten feet of the principal dwelling it is considered 'attached to' and must meet
dimensional requirements. Mr. Redmond added that a detached garage can encroach up to 5'
to the property line, however this is not considered a detached structure due to its proximity to
the principal dwelling.The required rearyard setback is then twenty feet.
Mr. Maughan stated with the lack of abutter input the application is not detrimental to them. It
is not increasing the footprint on the lot and is not affecting the historical qualities of the site.
New Board member Ms. Hartman stated she did not have any input for this application at this
time.
Mr. Redfern stated that he would not be in favor of granting a Special Permit as he believed it
was more detrimental to the neighborhood due to the two non-conforming setbacks of the
garage.
Mr. Redfern clarified that with four voting members a unanimous vote is required to approve
the application.
Mr. Maughan opined that if a detached garage can be within five feet of the property line the
current eight-foot setbacks may be less detrimental. Mr. Redmond clarified that this garage is
considered attached to the principal structure which has different standards than a detached
structure.
Mr. Redfern opened the meeting to public comment and seeing none Mr. Redfern closed the
public comment portion of the hearing.
Ms. Becker stated that they would like to withdraw the application without prejudice.
On a motion made by Mr. Maughan,seconded by Ms. Mateev, the Zoning Board of Appeals
moved to grant a Withdrawal Without Prejudice in regards to the Special Permit Application
for Case H2O-09-146 Summer Ave, at the request of the Applicant.
Vote was 4.0.0(Pernice,Redfern, Mateev, Maughan)
Page 1 2
Other Business
Mr. MacNichol gave a brief update from the Planning Department. The conceptual roadway
designs being done by Green International were presented at a public meeting.The work was
derived from the Eaton Lakeview 40B that the Board had approved in February. He noted that
the information was located on the Town website.
Mr. MacNichol added that updates to the Open Space &Recreation Plan are moving forward
and a survey will be released to the public.
Mr. Maughan asked if zoning amendments are being proposed. Mr. MacNichol replied that the
Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) has recently started discussion on
allowing Outdoor Commerce, Dining, Recreation and Storage uses that would help businesses
utilize their outdoor spaces.
Mr. Redfern asked to clarify the next hearing date. Mr. MacNichol confirmed October 22, 2020
will be the next hearing date. Ms. Mateev asked if the revised 2020 schedule could be resent.
Mr. MacNichol replied in the affirmative.
On a motion made by Ms. Hartman, seconded by Ms. Mateev,the Zoning Board of Appeals
moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:38PM.
Vote was 5-0-0 (Pernice, Redfern, Mateev, Maughan, Hartman)
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