HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-05 Zoning Board of Appeals MinutesTown of Reading
i Meeting Minutes
Board - committee - Commission - Council:
Zoning Board of Appeals
Date: 2026-01-05
Building: Reading Town Hall
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose:
Attendees: Members - Present:
Time: 7:00 PM
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Location: Select Board Meeting Room
Session:
Version: Final
Andrew Grasberger, Patrick Houghton, Frank Capone, Taylor Gregory,
Anthony Fodera
Members - Not Present:
Cynde Hartman
Others Present:
Amanda Beatrice - Administrative Specialist, Gursher Harika, Mike Hinds,
Darguin Fortuna, Juliana Pinceli, Kim Cogswell, Brian Mcgrail
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Amanda Beatrice
Topics of Discussion:
Case #25-16 - 49 Chute Street
Chris Cridler opened the continuance of a public hearing for Case #25-16 - 49 Chute Street. He explained
that since the last meeting there was legal clarity regarding the Towns ordinance and caselaw.
Kim Cogswell explained their plans to close a portion of the existing deck and garden in order to create a
mudroom, allowing them to relocate the washer and dryer upstairs. The small addition would not
extend closer to the setbacks. Since the project is in the rear of the property over an existing deck that
buts against the current garage it would not be more detrimental to the neighborhood be. She noted
that none of the abutters have had any complaints.
Andrew Grasberger made a motion to grant a Special Permit Case #25-26 - 49 Chute Street. Patrick
Houghton seconded the motion and it was approved 5-0-0.
Vote was 5-0-0 (Cridler, Grasberger, Houghton, Capone, Fodem)
Case #25-19-25 Martin Street
Chris Cridler opened the public hearing for Case #25-19 — 25 Martin Street by reading the legal notice
into the record.
Brian MCGrail, the applicant's attorney introduced himself. He reviewed the existing legal non -
conformities and noted that the letter from the building commissioner references an 8.9-foot setback
from Wales Ave but it is actually 6.8 feet, though that would not make anything different. The proposed
work is a second story with an attached garage with a proposed deck on the front. He presented to
board with photos showing the existing home and a few of the surrounding homes showing similar
improvement trends in the neighborhood. McGrail stated that this project would not be detrimental to
the neighborhood but would improve the neighborhood.
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Meeting Minutes
Anthony Fodera asked if the construction included reconstruction of the front yard. Architect Oarguin
Fortuna noted that other than the driveway, there was no improvements being done to that side.
Taylor Gregory asked who maintains the piece of property between Wales Ave and the property line of
25 Martin Road. McGrail noted it was likely the previous owners of the property.
Although they project is close to the property line, the Boards Members agreed that with the distance
from the Wales Ave, it would not be detrimental.
Public comment was opened.
Michael Hinds, an abutter from 21 Martin Road noted he is the abutter on the other side of Wales Ave.
He noted that the neighbors take tunes maintain the lawn of Wales Ave. He noted he was happy that
maintenance was being done but was there to learn about the project.
Public comment was closed.
Patrick Houghton made a motion to grant a Special Permit Case p25-16 - 49 Chute Street. Taylor
Gregory seconded the motion and it was approved 5-0-0.
Vote was 5-0-0 (Cridler, Grasberger, Houghton, Capone, Gregory)
Minutes:
10 7 25
Taylor Gregory made a motion to approve the minutes. Andrew Grasberger seconded the motion and
it was approved 3-M.
Vote was 3-0-0 (Grasberger, Houghton, Fodera)
12 2 25
Anthony Fodera made a motion to approve the minutes as amended. Chris Cridler seconded the
motion and it was approved 5-0-0.
Vote was 5-0-0 (Cridler, Grasberger, Houghton, Capone, Fodera)
Motion to Adjourn
Taylor Gregory made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Andrew Grasberger seconded the motion and
it was approved 540-0.
Vote was 5-0-0 (Cridler, Grasberger, Houghton, Capone, Gregory, Hartman, Fodera)
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