HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-04-03 Zoning Board of Appeals MinutesTown of Reading
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Minutes of April 3, 2003
Members Present: John Jarema
Edmund Balboni
Susan Miller
Donna Boggs
Robert Redfern
1
a l-~
,C
g , SS.
U
A meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals was held in the Selectmen's Meeting Room of the
Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts at 7:00 P.M. Also in attendance was Chris
Reilly, Town Planner.
#02-31
A Continuance of a Public Hearing on the petition of Massapoag Real Estate who seeks a
Comprehensive Permit under MGL Chapter 40B to construct four units on approximately 2 acres
of land off Sanborn Lane.
The Applicant stated that they will comply with the state order of conditions but they would not
issue a revised proforma. The Board asked if they had addressed the turnaround issue and the
Applicant said they can and they have met all the requirements from Chief Burns.
Fran Fink, Conservation Administrator, was quoted regarding the Natural Heritage on rare
species.
The turnarounds for the fire department equipment were discussed and the Applicant said an 18
foot wide driveway could accommodate the ladder truck. It was mentioned by the Board that the
envelope was being pushed with a turnaround under 300 feet and it didn't seem likely a 50 foot
plus truck could turn around but would instead have to back up.
The Chairman stated that there were two major issues in this case: whether safety equipment can
access the buildings and the conservation issues. The Applicant said they feel they can meet the
State requirements. A discussion was held regarding closing the public hearing and whether the
Applicant will have difficulties with the MEPA. The Applicant wanted the public hearing closed
but the Board did not.
The Applicant said that wetland scientists have been employed for the order of conditions with
the local Conservation Commission and that if they are denied, the state will review the appeal.
They anticipate a project length of nine months once they get the permit.
The Board said they would need feedback from the Fire Chief before closing the public hearing.
They had expected him to appear at the meeting on February 24tH
On a motion by Edmund Balboni, seconded by Susan Miller, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted
to continue the hearing to April 24, 2003.
The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Executive Session: George Street Comprehensive Permit
On a motion by Robert Redfern, seconded by Susan Miller, The Zoning Board of Appeals voted
to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the George Street Comprehensive
Permit. The roll call vote was as follows: John Jarema, yes; Edmund Balboni, yes; Susan
Miller, yes; Donna Boggs, yes; Robert Redfern, yes.
On a motion by Edmund Balboni, seconded by Robert Redfern, The Zoning Board of Appeals
voted to go back into open session at approximately 9:15 P.M. The roll call vote was as
follows: John Jarema, yes; Edmund Balboni, yes; Susan Miller, yes; Donna Boggs, yes;
Robert Redfern, yes.
Case # 02-24
A Continuance of a Public Hearing on the petition of Archstone-Smith who seeks a
Comprehensive Permit under MGL Chapter 40B to place a 232 unit apartment community on the
property located a 40-42 and 75 West Street.
The Board reviewed the draft conditions. Regarding page 5 of 17 they put in lump sum traffic
adjustment mitigation that was not included in the lump sum. There was a discussion regarding
putting more parking spaces under buildings and whether it would reduce outside spaces.
Fran Fink, Conservation Administrator, asked for the following exceptions: retaining wall over
25' away, garages over 25' away, no work within 20', and the detention basin should be included
in the work exception.
On a motion by Donna Boggs, seconded by Susan Miller, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted to
continue the hearing to April 17, 2003.
The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Other Business
The Zoning By-Law 6.3.11.1 was discussed and the Board noted that Joan Langsam, Town
Counsel, reviewed this and advised that as it is written you can only go up and not increase the
site coverage.
On a motion by Edmund Balboni, seconded by Susan Miller, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted
to adjourn the meeting.
2