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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-11-09 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes*I - RECEIVED Town of Reading TOWNMeeting Minutes RcADING, MA 2022 APR 26 PHI2 is Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 33 Zoning Board of Appeals Date: 2021-11-09 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session Purpose: Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Hillary Mateev, Cynde Hartman, Alex Normandin, Cy Caouette Members - Not Present: Others Present: Staff Planner Andrew MacNichol, Nancy Twomey, Michelle Albano, Joe Albano Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Andrew MacNichol Topics of Discussion: Ms. Mateev called the meeting to order at 7:OOPM Mr. MacNichol stated that Board Member Cy Caouette is currently being sworn in and will join the meeting shortly. He asked that other business be taken out of order until Mr. Caouette is able to join the meeting. Case #21-14 —15 Winthrop Avenue Ms. Mateev stated the Applicant has requested a continuance of the hearing and read the request into the record. Ms. Hartman made a motion to continue Case #21-14 to December 16, 2021. Mr. Normandin seconded the motion and it was approved 3-0-0. Other Business Mr. MacNichol stated that four zoning board members will be sworn in and appointed. This will greatly help reduce quorum issues that have existed over the last few months. Mr. MacNichol shared the 2022 ZBA schedule. Ms. Mateev provided dates that present conflicts with her personal schedule. Mr. Normandin and Ms. Hartman provided the same. Mr. Caouette joined the meeting. Case #21-15 — 344 Summer Avenue Page 1 1 Ms. Mateev opened the public hearing for Case #21-15, 34 Summer Avenue. She read the legal notice into the record and swore in members of the public wishing to speak on such. Project architect Nancy Twomey was present on behalf of the application along with the homeowners. Ms. Twomey summarized that relief is required in order for the existing non -conforming structure to be increased in height. The proposal would maintain the existing non -conforming side -yard setback of 5'. The setback would not increase in length or be encroached any further. The proposal is to add a dormer to the roof that would allow for an additional two bedrooms. The existing dormer does not meet current code standards and the roof must be entirely replaced. The increase in height is about 3' and the proposed structure would measure 33' in height would conforms to maximum requirements of 35'. Ms. Twomey found the design to be consistent with the neighborhood and that abutters were met with to discuss the application. Mr. Normandin read a letter from the Building Commissioner into the record. The letter stated that previous applications for height increases alone on non -conforming structures were granted by -right but such interpretation has changed and relief is now required going forward. The letter also stated that the roof does meet height requirements, does extend an existing non-conformality but does not create any new non -conformities. Mr. Normandin asked if a new plot plan is to be developed for the application. Ms. Twomey replied in the negative since no change in structure length is proposed. Mr. Normandin presented no objections to the application. Ms. Hartman found a Special Permit appropriate as there is little detriment to the neighborhood shown. Mr. Caouette stated the floor plans mistitle the attic as second -floor. He asked if the first floor is changing in any way. Ms. Twomey replied in the negative. Mr. Caouette stated that he has no concerns with the application and felt a Special Permit appropriate. Ms. Mateev found the design to Rt with the neighborhood and maintained the existing character of the house. Ms. Mateev opened the hearing to public comment. Mr. MacNichol stated a number of letters of support were submitted in regards to the application. Seeing no further public comment Ms. Mateev closed the public comment portion of the hearing. Mr. Normandin made a motion to approve a Special Permit for Case #21-15 344 Summer Avenue as presented. Ms. Hartman seconded the motion and it was approved 4-0-0. Other Business Board Reorganization The Board discussed the need to elect a new chair and vice chair. Ms. Hartman stated that she cannot accommodate vice chair duties at this time and moved that Mr. Normandin be elected as such. Mr. Normandin accepted. Mr. Caouette seconded the motion and it was approved 4-0- 0. Page 1 2 Mr. Normandin then moved that Ms. Mateev be elected as chair. Ms. Hartman seconded the motion and it was approved 4-0-0. Adjournment Ms. Hartman made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:35pm. Mr. Caouette seconded the motion and it was approved 4-0-0. Page 1 3 Town of Reading RECEIVED TOWN CLERK READING. MA. 2021 DEC -6 PM 12; 52 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO G. L. c. 39, SECTION 23D OF PARTICIPATION IN A SESSION OF AN ADJUDICATORY HEARING WHERE THE UNDERSIGNED MEMBER MISSED A SINGLE HEARING SESSION [Note: Can only be used for missing one single hearing session; cannot be used for missing more than one hearing session. Inquiries concerning this form and your ability to participate in a matter where you missed a single hearing session should be addressed to Town Counsel.] I, Nick J. Safina (name), hereby certify under the pains and penalties of perjury as follows: 1.1 am a member of said board. 2. 1 missed a hearing session on the matter of 6-16 Chute Street, 40R Application which was held on November 1,2021 3. 1 reviewed all the evidence introduced at the hearing session I missed, which included a review of (initial which one(s) applicable): a. audio recording of the missed hearing session; or b. X video recording of the missed hearing session; or C. a transcript of the missed hearing session. This certification shall become a part of the record of the proceedings in the above matter. Signed under the pains and penalties of perjury this 4th day of December, 2021. Nick J. Safina Y Name Received as part of the record of the above matter: Date: By: Position: