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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-11-05 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Town of Reading N EC E I V E D y' TOWN CLERK x Meeting Minutes REA, 0i "1 MA I-r � 1t� o P'�MCpPFPPP 2021 MAY 24 PM 3: 2u Board - Committee - commission - council: Zoning Board of Appeals Date: 2020-11-05 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Location: Address: Session: Purpose: Version: Attendees: Members - Present: Robert Redfern Nick Pernice Hillary Mateev Jamie Maughan Cynde Hartman Members - Not Present: Others Present: Andrew MacNichol - Staff Planner, Patricia Moschella, Michael Moschella 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. 117 County Road—Case#20-10 Mr. Redfern read the legal advertisement for case#20-10, 117 County Road into the record and swore in those wishing to speak on the application. Ms. Patricia Moschella and Mr. Mike Moschella, homeowners, were present on behalf of the application.They began by explaining that Mr. Moschella is wheelchair bound and that they are trying to make the home safe and wheelchair accessible. She continued that the house is split- level and on a hill.The front door was previously above ground level and accessed by steps up into the living area.The split-level stairs were removed and there is now the need for a new landing. She explained they are proposing a covered entry way that would provide enough room for handicap users to go outside,turn around and be protected from harsh weather. Ms. Moschella reviewed the variance criteria for the application. She stated a 2' x 7' area of the new landing went into the required front setback area and would need relief. Her answers to the variance criteria were shared on-screen. Ms. Moschella explained again that there is a Page 1 1 relatively small amount of flat land on the lot which atypical of a large portion of nearby properties. Hardships without the approval include access and safety concerns to Mr. Moschella and limits his daily activities. Relief for this application would be no more detrimental to the public good and will not impact the neighbors. Mr. Moschella added that they purchased the home with the intent to make it wheelchair accessible because they had always planned to stay in Reading. Mr. Redfern opened the discussion to the Board Members. Mr. Pernice reminded the Board of Section 1.0 of the Zoning Bylaw which indicated one of the intents of the bylaw is to improve the health and safety of residents. He added that reasonable accommodations should be added to the Bylaw so that such proposals don't need relief. Mr. Maughan stated that the Applicants were very clear with their explanation and answers to the variance criteria. He continued that he agreed with the explanation Mr. Pernice gave. He asked the Applicant if the current ramp at the house was permanent or would they be looking to put something more there. Mr. Moschella replied that they were looking to move the second entrance to the left side of the home that would allow a more gradual ramp and easier access to his car. Mr. Maughan asked if a ramp to street level would be provided in the front. Mr. Moschella replied in the negative and informed creating such would have a larger impact on the land than they wished. He continued that the front platform was a secondary entry way to be used for emergencies or quick greetings and mail delivery. Ms. Moschella added that adding a second ramp there is also cost prohibitive. Ms. Mateev stated she felt the solution was elegant and had no further questions. Ms. Hartman stated that the Applicants made some nice exterior improvements and she supports this project due to the limited options available. Mr. Redfern stated that this was a unique situation and the lot itself was unique as well. He felt that the application met all four of the variance criteria. Mr. Redfern opened the hearing to public comment. Mr. Redfern stated there was no one from the Public attending the meeting but they did receive a letter about this case. Mr. MacNichol read the supporting letter from abutter Mr. Robert and Ms.Judith Clark located 9 Emerald Street. Mr. Redfern closed the public comment portion of the hearing. Mr. Pernice reiterated that daytime government should look to see if additional relief can be added to the Bylaw so that such accessibility-based applications do not need such a variance process. Mr. Redfern and Mr. Maughan agreed. On a motion made by Ms. Mateev, seconded by Ms. Hartman,the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to grant the Variance Application for Case N20-10—117 County Road. Vote was 5-0-0(Pernice, Redfern, Mateev, Maughan, Hartman). Page 1 2 Other Business Mr. MacNichol shared the proposed 2021 ZBA meeting schedule on-screen. He stated the ZBA will continue to meet on Thursday evenings. 2021 Town Meeting dates were highlighted in red and could impact some of the proposed meeting dates. Meeting dates that do not follow the typical schedule due to holidays were highlighted in yellow. Mr. Redfern suggested waiting till the Board is closer to the conflicting dates to determine best path forward. Mr. MacNichol agreed. Mr. MacNichol stated the Open Space and Recreation Plan is currently being updated and that a survey has been released for such. He advocated for the Board and any members of the public watching to fill out the survey and provide their input.The survey will be open for the coming weeks. Mr. Maughan asked if an email blast can be given to volunteer boards and town meeting members. Mr. MacNichol replied in the affirmative. Mr. MacNichol informed the Board that parking regulations in the downtown area are continuing to be explored and he can provide more information if anyone wishes. Adiournment On a motion made by Mr. Maughan, seconded by Ms. Mateev,the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:44PM. Vote was 5-0-0 (Pernice, Redfern, Mateev, Maughan, Hartman) Pa,, 13