HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-06-15 Zoning Board of Appeals MinutesTOWN OF READING
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
MINUTES OF JUNE 15, 2000
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MEMBERS PRESENT: CHRISTOPHER VACCARO, CHAIRMAN
SUSAN MILLER
BERNARD O'SHAUGHNESSY
MICHAEL LARKIN
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 also attended.
Case #00-16
A Public Hearing on the petition of Gerald E. Welch who seeks a variance/special
permit/finding under Section 5.2.8.1/5.2.8.2/4.2.1/6.3.2/6.3.2.1/6.3.3.4 of the Zoning By-
laws in order to raze the existing non-conforming building and to construct three new
buildings for residential purposes containing a total of twelve units as per drawings dated
March 23, 2000 on the property located at 15-17 Pierce Street, Reading, MA.
Atty. Brad Latham submitted a letter requesting permission to withdraw his petition
without prejudice. The petitioner would like to continue to work with CPDC to minimize
- the variances needed. John Coote stated the applicant should have a good reason for
withdrawing their petition. Glen Redmond stated the applicant has changed their plan
from 3 buildings to 2 building.
On a motion by Michael Larkin, seconded by John Coote, the Zoning Board of Appeals
voted to grant Gerald E. Welch a withdrawal without prejudice.
The motion was approved by a vote of 2-1-0.
Case #00-15
A Public Hearing on the petition of Richard Chase who seeks a special permit under
Section 6.3/6.3.3.4 of the Zoning By-laws in order to demolish an existing dwelling on a
non-conforming lot and to construct a new dwelling on that non-conforming lot on the
property located at 11 Nelson Avenue, Reading, MA.
Christopher Vaccaro swore in the applicants. Richard Chase is requesting to demolish his
existing 22' x 30', bungalow style house and build a 24' x 36', colonial style house. The
lot is 5,982 sq. ft. and is non-conforming in size. The house is approximately 60 years old
and complies with all setbacks.
Glen Redmond stated Town Counsel would like a new application process for
demolishing an existing property and rebuilding. He will request Town Counsel specify
what changes they would like.
Zoning Board of Appeals A inutes of 6/15/00 page 2
The Zoning board of Appeals requested the applicant submit:
1. A copy of a deed showing ownership prior to 1942.
2. The assessor's records showing ownership before 1978.
On a motion by John Coote, seconded by Michael Larkin, the Zoning Board of Appeals
voted to continue the public hearing of Richard Chase for the property located at 11
Nelson Avenue, Reading, MA, until July 6, 2000.
The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Case ##00-17
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.
Christopher Vaccaro swore in the applicants. Atty. David McBride, 19 Cherry Street,
Danvers, MA represented the applicant.
The applicant is seeking a Comprehensive Permit under Chapter 40B to build 8
townhouse units, each containing 4 townhouses. The property is 136,888 sq. ft. and
currently has a single family home. Atty. McBride stated that under a Comprehensive
Permit the profit is limited and the developer controls the site. The project is fundable
under the N. E. Fund subsidized housing. Reading currently has 4.63% affordable
housing not the state recommended 10%. 25% of the units would be affordable housing.
A traffic study was performed by Hayes Engineering, Inc. and the conclusion is there
would be little impact on the current roadways. There are 64 parking spaces provided, 40
above ground and 24 garages under ground. The townhouses are hip roof colonial style
designed to be consistent with the neighborhood.
William Bergeron, Hayes Engineering, Inc. stated they are proposing a recharge unit for
drainage because of the aquifer district. CPDC recommends 20% of the lot coverage be
impervious and they are at 36%. They could handle a 50 -100 year storm. The building
plan is still in the preliminary stage, but the detention basin would contain all drainage.
Fire Chief Wood requested a fire hydrant be placed on this site. Chief Wood was
concerned with the amount of room a large fire truck would have to turn around and
requested a softer turning radius be added. A sprinkler system will be installed. Mr.
Bergeron also stated the sewer will be extended, the water is adequate, and the electricity
will go under ground. The trees will be retained on the westerly, northerly and southerly
side.
Atty. Mark Favalova represented Maureen Sheehan, 423 Grove St., Reading, MA. He
stated the increase in traffic is a safety issue and CPDC has issues with the drainage. He
requested a drainage study be performed.
Zoning Board of Appeals Mnutes of 6/15/00
page 3
Town Planner Anne Krieg requested the Zoning Board review the traffic issue because
there is only one access. She also had concerns with saving the existing vegetation and
the drainage requirements for an aquifer protection district.
Many of the notified abutters attended the public hearing. They were opposed to the
density, the increase in noise and traffic, and the height of the townhouses. Selectman
George Hines requested a delay to allow other boards a chance to review this project.
John Coote stated the Town of Reading owns the gravel rights on this property and the
applicant does not have control of the site. He also stated 32 units are too dense and there
are safety and health issues. The amount of open space is an issue. He sees it as an
environmental issue because of the aquifer district and will consult with the Town
Engineer for additional analysis and conclusion. Christopher Vaccaro stated he would
like a letter from Town Engineer Joe Delaney stating whether the pumping station would
be able to handle the increase in sewage.
On a motion by John Coote, seconded by Michael Larkin, the Zoning Board of Appeals
voted to continue the public hearing for H. B. Development Corporation, for the property
at 443 Grove Street, Reading, MA, until August 3, 2000.
The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously voted to adjourn their meeting at 10:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Joy Mohr
Recording Secretary