HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-04-04 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutesr w ~ry
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TOWN OF READING
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
MINUTES OF APRIL 4, 1996
MEMBERS PRESENT:
JOHN COOTE, CHAIRMAN
ARDITH WIEWORKA
STEPHEN TUCKER
CHRISTOPHER VACCARO
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:OOPM. Mr. Coote swore in, under
oath, those present that would be addressing the Board this evening.
The first Public Hearing was on the petition of Poyant Signs, Inc. for Brooks Pharmacy who
seeks a variance for a Sign under Section(s) 6.2.3. of the Zoning By-Laws in order to install an
additional sign on the property located at 25 Haven Street in Reading, Massachusetts.
(CASE #96-03)
Mr. Richard Poyant of Poyant Signs from New Bedford began by presenting to the Board the
sign plans for Brooks Pharmacy. He stated that on January 22, 1996, he met with CPDC to
review development of the site. The request to this Board, is to allow three signs on the building,
although present zoning laws allow for two. Mr. Poyant felt that the third sign is very necessary
for identifying the store, as it is a sign that would be located on the parking lot (left)side of the
building. This property is located in a Business B district. Mr. Poyant also stated that the total
square footage of all three signs is still less than what is allowed for this size building.
The Board discussed the interpretation of the Sign By-Laws and questioned whether or not the
By-Laws even allowed for two signs. Glen Redmond, Building Inspector, stated that the
Building Department does recognize the Sign By-Laws as allowing two signs for this property
and both signs have been issued. The third sign size would be determined by ZBA if granted.
Mr. Coote explained to Mr. Poyant that according to Massachusetts General Laws 40A, Section
10, there are very specific requirements that need to be met. Mr. Poyant felt that Brooks had.
substantially reduced the front sign size, but they feel, however, that the third sign is critical for
this particular location.
Mr. Coote read a letter received from Robert J. Kiley, who was out of state, therefore unable to
attend the hearing. He objected to the proposed parking lot sign, he felt it was too large.
Ms. Wieworka questioned the significance of the third sign. She feels that coming down Haven
Street, the sign would be clearly seen and people would know it is Brooks. The Board also felt
that Brooks is used primarily by Reading residents who will know where the store and parking is
located.
Mr. Poyant felt that the advertising (on sign) is important because of the wider product mix,
which will draw attention to the store. He stated that Brooks' signs serve multiple purposes. He
suggested that he bring the architect in to answer questions from the Board.
Mr. Coote felt that the Board had enough information and Mr. Poyant presented all the facts very
clearly. After further discussion, the Board felt that the variance requirements cannot be met.
Ms. Wieworka suggested a free-standing sign (which is allowed) be used to identify the parking
lot.
Wayne MacLeod, Chairman of the Sign Review Board, felt that the Zoning Board of Appeals
should be careful in making its decision, keeping in mind the Sign Bylaws and public parking
lot issues.
At 9:03PM, a motion was made and seconded to grant a variance to Poyant Signs, Inc. for
Brooks Pharmacy under Section 6.2.3 of the Zoning By-Laws in order to allow the installation of
an additional (third) sign on the property located at 25 Haven Street, Reading, Massachusetts,
provided the signs fronting on Haven and Green Street and the parking lot are the size as
_ indicated on a site plan dated January 5, 1996, and revised March 1, 1996.
VOTE 0-3 (denied)
The next Public Hearing was on the petition of Dr. Alfred Arcidi who seeks a variance and/or
special permit under Section(s) 6.1.1.3. Parking/Loading & 6.3.2.1. of the Zoning By-Laws in
order to expand a nonconforming use and add an addition (elevator, one bedroom) on the
property located at 59 Middlesex Avenue in Reading, Massachusetts.
(CASE #96-04)
Mr. Ron Ranere, an architect, represented Dr. Alfred Arcidi at the hearing. He began by giving
some history on the property to the Board; he began with 1955 - rear addition was approved,
however not built, 1960 - rear addition was built, 1977 - interior alterations and front addition,
1987 - addition granted by Zoning Board of Appeals.
There are currently 33 beds in the nursing home, the proposal is to increase to 35 beds. There are
currently 11 parking spaces, and the proposal is to increase to 12 parking spaces.
Mr. Coote observed on his visit to the property that the existing parking spaces are smaller than
what is required. The employees park their cars in the lot.
Mr. Ranere explained that there are presently two vacant beds which are located on the second
floor. It is difficult to fill beds on the second floor without an elevator on the premises due to the
difficulty of the stairs for both patients and their visitors. Discussion continued about the
possibility of an elevator being put in the footprint of the existing porch. In that instance, they
would not need anything from the Board for the elevator.
At this point, Mr. Ranere felt he could not continue without consulting with Dr. Arcidi.
He requested to continue this case until April 18, 1996.
At 10:25PM, a motion was made and seconded, to grant the petitioner his request to continue the
Public Hearing to April 18, 1996 at 7PM.
VOTE 3-0 (passed)
At 10:35PM, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn, and the Board voted unanimously to
do so.
VOTE 3-0 (passed)
Respectfully submitted by Carolyn Walsh, Recording Secretary to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Signed: e QAA&[YL, -t4, a'1-0
Date: -4-1?- 96'
Approved: L (g Q(a
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