HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-09-07 Zoning Board of Appeals MinutesTOWN OF READING
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 7, 2000
MEMBERS PRESENT: CHRISTOPHER VACCARO, CHAIRMAN
MICHAEL LARKIN
SUSAN MILLER
BERNARD O'SHAUGHNESSY
JOHN JAREMA
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 PM. Building Inspector
Glen Redmond, Town Planner Anne Krieg, and Selectman Sally Hoyt were also in
attendance.
Case #00-17
A continuance of a Public Hearing on the petition of H.B. Development Corporation who
seeks a Comprehensive Permit under Section M.G.L. Chapter 40B in order to construct
eight buildings containing a total of 32 condominium units on the property located at 443
Grove Street, Reading, MA
Atty. David McBride, 19 cherry St., Danvers, MA, stated he has submitted the requested
information, such as the drainage study. He doesn't believe he is required to submit any
further financial information.
Anne Krieg relayed her conversation with the Chairman of the Massachusetts Housing
and Community Development. She stated the Zoning Board should review the site
conditions, including the aquifer. If conditions are imposed that make the project
financially unfeasible, the applicant appeals to the Housing Appeals Committee. The
Zoning Board should not concentrate on the financials.
The Zoning Board asked for reports from the other Town Boards.
Town Engineer Joe Delaney stated nothing will infiltrate the ground water better than the
natural material. The more development you have the more likelihood of contamination.
He agrees with the Water & Sewer Advisory Committee that the developer be required to
participate in the 2 for 1 Inflow and Infiltration reduction policy and the development be
restricted to 201/o.
Gail Wood, Chairman of the Water and Sewer Advisory Board stated they recommend
lot coverage be restricted to 20%, because it's next to a primary water source, even with
the drainage plan and managed water system in place. Christopher Vaccaro requested
examples of other projects that have a 28% lot coverage near an aquifer. Bernard
O'Shaughnessy suggested an independent study on the possible effects to the aquifer.
Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes of 9/7/00 page 2
Dave Barrett stated an independent study is not necessary, he sees that as a stall tactic. He
cares about the water. He also stated the compost area is more detrimental to the water
supply than this project.
Chairman Christopher Vaccaro read into the record:
1. A memo from Anne Krieg regarding her conversation with Werner Lake,
Chairman of the Housing Appeals Committee.
2. An August 31, 2000 letter addressed to Christopher Vaccaro, from the Water
and Sewer Advisory Committee.
3. An August 28, 2000 letter from James J. Nugent, Jr., Board of Health
Alma Davis, 454 Grove St., Reading, MA stated she has a potable well and would like to
know the impact on this. Mr. Bergeron, Hayes Engineering, stated it is 420' from the
ground water discharge unit to her well and the closest proposed house is 215'.
Atty. Mark Favalovo representing Mr. & Mrs. Sheehan, 423 Grove St., Reading, MA
stated there are slight exceptions to Mr. McBride's statement that the Comprehensive
Permit is exempt from local zoning by-laws, if it affects health. He requested the June 15,
2000 CPDC letter and the July 21, 2000 Conservation letter be read into the record.
Chairman Christopher Vaccaro added into the record an August 30, 2000 Mitigative
Drainage Study for Forest Oaks Condominiums, Reading, MA prepared by Hayes
Engineering, 603 Salem St., Wakefield, MA
John Jarema stated his concerns are safety, density and the aquifer district. He agrees
with Bernard O'Shaughnessy's recommendation for an independent study on the impact
of this project and the compost area on the aquifer. Christopher Vaccaro suggested the 20
sq. ft portion of undeveloped property be restricted from development.
On a motion by Michael Larkin, seconded by Susan Miller, the Zoning Board of Appeals
voted to continue the public hearing on H. B. Development Corporation for the property
located at 443 Grove Street, Reading, MA, until September 21, 2000.
The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Chairman Christopher Vaccaro stated he is resigning from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
This will probably be effect as of October 1, 2000.
The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously voted to adjourn their meeting at 9:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Joy Mohr
Recording Secretary