HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-04-01 Zoning Board of Appeals MinutesIs4;� �� a Town of Reading
��� Meeting Minutes
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RECEIVED
By Town Clerk (RK) at 2:05 pm, May 12. 2025
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Zoning Board of Appeals
Date: 2025-04-01 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session:
Purpose: Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Patrick Houghton,Frank Capone, Taylor Gregory, Chris Cridler,
Members - Not Present:
Andrea Grasberger, Cynde Hartman
Others Present:
Amanda Beatrice - Administrative Specialist, Minshen Ren, Sean Minces,
Everett Blodgett, Bryan DeVinicent
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Amanda Beatrice
Topics of Discussion:
ZBA Case #25-02 — 80 Minot Street
Patrick Houghton opened the public hearing for Case #25-02 — 80 Minot Street by reading the legal
notice into the record and swearing in members of the public who wished to speak.
The applicant, Sean Mindes, presented the project on behalf of the homeowner, Minshen Ren,
reviewing the four variance criteria outlined in the application.
Taylor Gregory asked about the side yard setback forthe neighboring property at 113 Washington
Street. Mindes was unsure of the exact measurement but believed the home complied with the rear
yard setback.
Chris Cridler inquired whether the neighbor had been consulted and understood how close the
proposed setback was. Ren confirmed that he had spoken with the neighbor, who had no objections to
the project.
Frank Capone asked how long the neighbor had lived there. Ren estimated four to five years and noted
that the house was rented out.
Capone and Cridler pointed out that approving a variance could set a precedent for the entire
neighborhood.
Houghton explained that with a five -member board, approval requires fourout of five votes. Since only
four members were present, would need all fourto vote in favor.
Capone acknowledged a potential hardship due to the property's layout on the right side of the house.
Cridler asked for clarification on whether neighboring properties had structures within the setback.
Ren and Minces confirmed that some neighboring properties did, including one with a garage in the
setback, and that several homes down the street were comparable to Ren's. Mindes added that the
existing shed on the property would be removed.
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Houghton read Building Commissioner Bret Bennett's letter into the record.
Additional discussion followed regarding the precedent set by approving a variance.
Houghton stated that he recognized a hardship and the lot's uniqueness and did not believe the project
would be a substantial detriment to the neighborhood.
Mindes requested a continuance to the May meeting.
Houghton then opened the meeting to public comment.
On behalf of Parker Tavern, Everett Blodgett asked whether the project would affect Michelini Lane,
noting that his Board had not yet reviewed the legal notice. He also inquired about the building's height.
Cridler responded that he did not believe the project would impact Michelini Lane.
Houghton then closed the meeting to public comment.
Taylor Gregory made a motion to continue the Variance for Case #25-02-80 Minot Street to May 6,
2025. Chris Cridler seconded the motion and it was approved 4-0-0.
Vote was 4-0-0 (Houghton, Capone, Gregory, Cridler)
ZBA Case #25-03 — 47 Line Road
Patrick Houghton opened the public hearing for case #25-03-47 Line Road by reading the legal notice
into the record and swearing in members of the public wishing to speak.
The applicant Bryan DeVincent presented the project for the homeowners who were not able to attend.
The lot is an existing non -conforming structure and would like to construct a second story addition.
Houghton read into the record a memo from Building Commissioner Bret Bennett.
DeVincent explained that the homeowners would like to add and additional bedroom so they can
expand their family while staying in their current home. He noted that the project will not block or
impact their neighbors and will fit well with the neighborhood. He also mentioned that the
neighborhood borders Wakefield.
Public comment was opened and, with no comments made, was subsequently closed.
Taylor Gregory made a motion to approve the Special Permit for Case #25-03 —47 Line Road. Chris
Cridler seconded the motion and it was approved 4-".
Vote was 4-0-0 (Houghton, Capone, Gregory, Cridler)
Minutes
3/4/25
Taylor Gregory made a motion to approve the minutes. Chris Cridler seconded the motion and it was
approved 4-0-0.
Vote was 4-0-0 (Houghton, Capone, Gregory, Cridler)
Motion to Adjourn
Taylor Gregory made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Chris Cridler seconded the motion and it was
approved 4-0-0.
Vote was 4-0-0 (Houghton, Capone, Gregory, Cridler)
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Town of Reading T o^; C'_ K
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16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867 I '
Zoning Board of Appeals i , � !! Ip�l i N'1 1: 27
oap,.s' Ph: 781 942-6654 or Fax: 781-942-9071
read! ngma.gov/zoning-board-of-appeals
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO G.L.c. 39, SECTION 23D OF
PARTICIPATION IN A SESSION OF AN ADIUDICATORY HEARING WHERE
THE UNDERSIGNED MEMBER MISSED A SINGLE HEARING SESSION
Note: Can only be used for missing one single hearing session; cannot be usedfar 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, pqAj�w �'�V (nal, hereby certify under the pains and penalties of perjury as follows:
1. I am a member of said board. �-� Cr-
2. 1 missed a hearing session on the matter of � /w-tN(/T // which was held
on kPRiL j zc25-
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. 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 �_ day of
Name /
Received as part of the record of the above matter:
Date: b% Z<'
By: �dp i9e44riCC—
Position: SQec;vl;S*'