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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Zoning Board of Appeals
Date: 2021-07-15
Building:
Address:
Purpose:
Attendees:
Time: 7:00 PM
Location:
Session:
Version: Final
TOWN -CLERK
READING, MA.
2921 SEP 15 AM 11: 19
Members - Present:
Jamie Maughan - Chair, Hillary Mateev, Cynde Hartman, Alex Normandin
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Staff Planner Andrew MacNichol, Nancy Twomey, Amy Koehler, Mike Koehler
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Andrew MacNichol
Topics of Discussion:
Mr. Maughan called the meeting to order at 7:01PM
Case #21-09 — 23 Middlesex Avenue
Mr. Maughan opened the public hearing for Case #21-09, 23 Middlesex Avenue. He read the
legal notice into the record and swore in members of the public wishing to speak on the
application.
Ms. Nancy Twomey, project architect, was present on behalf of the application. She was joined
by the current homeowners.
Ms. Twomey stated that the proposal is to extend the front porch on the property. The existing
front porch is non -conforming on the east, and the dwelling itself is non -conforming on the
west. The proposal is to reconstruct the front porch and extend it to the existing non-
conforming setback on the west side of the dwelling. The existing garage is to be removed to
help meet lot coverage requirements.
Building Commissioner Bret Bennett stated that he did not have anything to add.
Mr. Normandin asked if stairs count towards setback requirements. Ms. Twomey replied in the
negative. Mr. Normandin stated he does not see any issues with the proposal as no new non -
conformities are created.
Ms. Hartman felt the application was in conformance with the neighborhood.
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Ms. Mateev acknowledged that she does know the Koehler's but the relationship has no
bearing on the application nor comments. She continued that she does not see any issues with
the proposal and that it meets the criteria for a Special Permit.
Mr. Maughan asked if the existing structures on the lot result in over 25% lot coverage. Ms.
Twomey replied in the negative. She stated that if the garage is left, with the proposed larger
deck, it would result in coverage being over 25% of the lot. The proposed addition would also
restrict access to the garage so the garage will be removed.
Mr. Maughan asked if a new foundation was going to be bulk. Ms. Twomey replied in the
affirmative. Mr. Maughan asked if a Special Permit would be needed if the deck were to be
rebuilt as existing. Mr. Bennett replied in the negative. Mr. Maughan stated that he was in
support of the application.
Mr. Maughan opened the hearing to public comment. Seeing none, Mr. Maughan closed the
public comment portion of the hearing.
Ms. Hartman made a motion to approve the Special Permit request for Case N21-09 — 23
Middlesex Avenue as presented. Mr. Normandin seconded the motion and it was approved 4-
0-0.
Other Business
Mr. MacNichol stated that despite the back and forth on the topic, the Select Board Meeting
Room is now capable of holding hybrid meetings.
Adiournment
On a motion made by Ms. Mateev, seconded by Ms. Hartman, the Zoning Board of Appeals
moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:25PM.
Vote was 4-0-0