HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-03-18 Zoning Board of Appeals MinutesTOWN OF READING .
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS e
MINUTES OF 31 P 2 22
MEMBERS PRESENT: CHRISTOPHER VACCARO, CHAIRMAN
JOHN COOTE
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. Mr. Vaccaro swore
in, under oath, those present that would be addressing the Board this evening.
Discussion Agricultural Uses Zoning By-law Amendment
Mr. Schmidt came before the board requesting them to endorse the amended zoning by-
law. He explained that agricultural uses don't fall under regular zoning laws and although
Eric's Greenhouse wouldn't be affected by this law now, Mr. Goddard could increase his
property, and then this law would apply. Mr. Coote explained that ZBA has no advisory
power to Town Meeting and Mr. Schmidt should continue with his efforts to CPDC. He
also said that he felt this was not a wide-spread issue in town but rather affecting one
business that would be grandfathered unless he chose to expand.
There was a motion and a second to table discussion until 4/1/99, at 7:00 PM, in the
Selectmen's Meeting Room. Voted: 3-0-0.
Case #99-05 82 Linden Street, Arthur B. Richards Trustee
Mr. Arthur B. Richards Trustee, represented by Attorney Brad Latham, seeks a Variance
and/or Special Permit under Section 4.0/5.1/6.3.2.1, 6.3.2.2 of the Zoning By-Laws in
order to continue to use the structure as a six unit building, located in an S-15 District.
Atty. Latham explained that the property is now listed as a 2 1/2 story building, consisting
of 20 rooms and a basement, on 17,188 sq. ft. The building was originally used as a
women's nursing home and in the 1960's converted to a 6 dwelling building. Mr. Richards
wasn't issued an enforcement order but would like to legalize the building under its current
use. He does not plan to make any exterior changes, he has no immediate plans to sell the
building, and there are 16 available parking spaces on site. The building now provides a
safe, secure, and affordable living space for some of Readings less fortunate citizens.
Other than the Mahn Case, approved for a use variance in August of 1997, which held
seven apartments, also had an unusual history but involved a larger structure on a smaller
lot of land, Attorney Latham cited the old Reading High School with 40 units, 21 Linden
has had 18 occupants, and 72 Linden with 7 units.
Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes of 3/18/99
Page 2
It was decided that 6.3.2.1 was not applicable because there are to be no exterior changes.
It was the consensus of the members that an apartment building would be less restricted.
The benefit to granting a variance would be that conditions could be placed.
Atty. Latham requested to withdraw his request under 6.3.2.1 and 6.3.2.2.
A motion was made and seconded to accept the applicants withdrawal. Voted: 3-0-0.
A motion was made and seconded to close debate. Voted: 3-0-0.
A motion was made and seconded to grant to Arthur B. Richards Trustee for the property
at 82 Linden Street a variance to allow the present use of the building, having six
apartments, to remain subject to the following conditions:
1. There shall be no enlargement of the existing exterior dimensions of the
building other than as required by the building inspector to address building
code issues.
2. No change to the existing exterior architecture of the building other than
normal repair.
3. No more than 6 apartments are allowed.
4. Variance shall terminate upon demolition or loss by fire or casualty of more
than 75% of the rentable area of the building.
Voted: 3-0-0.
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn. Voted: 3-0-0.
Respectfully submitted by Kathleen Morgan, Recording Secretary to the Zoning Board of
Appeals.
Signed: '
Date:
Approved:
J