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TOW OF READING
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 21, 1995
MEMBERS PRESENT: JOHN COOTS, CHAIRMAN
ARDI'rH WIEWORKA
SUSAN GASKELL
STEVE TUCKER (arrived at 7:20PM)
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 Lenore Howland who seeks a Variance and/or
Special Permit under Section(s) 5.1.2 and 6.3.3.4 of the Zoning Bylaws in order to construct a
2nd floor addition to the existing dwelling on the property located at 46 Lewis Street in Reading,
Massachusetts. (Case #95-14)
NIft's. Howland began by stating that in ?T1ay, 1977, she removed an existing breezeway and garage,
and built an addition with. a two-car garage. A building permit was issued, at that time, for the
constriction. She was not aware that the structure was nonconforming. Her desire now is to go
straight up over the garage to add a bedroom for her son, who will be moving back home with her.
She stated that he has a medical condition, asthma, that would make it unhealthy for him to reside
in a basement bedroom. She also intends to have the room completely soundproofed.
Nfi's. Howland also stated that her abutters were all shown the plans and they had no objections to
the proposed addition. She presented to the Board with a lengthy list of signatures from abutters
in support of the addition.
Mr. Coote explained to Mrs. Howland that according to Massachusetts General Laws 40A,
Section 10, there are very specific requirements that need to be met. Mrs. Howland explained that
her land slopes radically down and the land would have to be raised a considerable amount to add
on fo Tier house. This would create a big expense.
Tlzc Board further discussed the requirements needed in order to grant a variance under Section
10. "IThw tol"offaphy is such that it has limited area upon which to build or extend. On the left,
there is an°isting single stor; room over which it would not be practical to build. 'I1e other
alternative 14 ould be to tear down an existing porch which 4vould cause lfrflancial hardship to
replace it. This would not cause substantial detriment to the neighborhood and would not conflict
with the Zoning ByLaw.
L 7.46P\v1, a motion was made and seconded to grant Lenore Howland, 46 Lewis Street,
a variance from Section 5.1.2 and a Special Permit under Section 5.1.2 and a Special Permit under
Section 6.3.3.4 of the Zoning ByLaws in order to construct a 2nd floor addition above the garage
of the existing dwelling.
VOTE 3-0 in favor
The next public hearing was at the request of Longwood Senior Living, Case #95-2, for the
puipose of presenting to the Board some minor changes for their examination.
Bill Casper explained that the revisions were in compliance with originally granted permit. He
stated that the plans have already been seen by CPDC, Board of Selectmen, Board of Health,
Reading Housing Authority, Fire Chief and Police Chief. The plans were circulated to the
appropriate departments for their review.The architect displayed the revised plan which reflected
change to the height of the building. Others changes included building appearance, separation of
parking area from driveway, relocation of front entrance, and changes in grading, landscaping and
driveways.
The Board felt that the changes are okay after the Building Inspector reviews the Plans. A motion
was made, seconded and unanimously voted that the Board find the following changes made to the
proposed development subsequent to ZBA decision of March 6, 1995, as presented to and
approved by CPDC are consistent with the findings and conclusions of the Board in its March 6
decision: 1. National Park Service requirements concerning building appearance, 2. Separation
of parking from driveway, 3. Relocation of front entrance to east side of the original building, and
4. Changes in grading, landscaping and driveways. Final determination of dimensional
compliance is by the Building Inspector. VOTE 3-0 (passed)
The next public hearing was on the petition of Charles Collins who seeks a Variance under Section
5.1.2 of the Zoning ByLaws in order to create an additional lot and to allow an existing dwelling to
remain 3.5' from sideline on the property located at 1503 Main Street in Reading, Massachusetts.
Case #95-13
Attorney Jack Collins addressed the Board and explained that the Collins fanvly has had the lot
since 1927. The lot contains 9 acres of land and the owner would now like to sub-divide into Lots
A and B. The owner is presently out of work with a back injury and financially needs to sell a lot.
They are concerned that the property will be foreclosed on.
The present driveway entering the property is shared with an abutter. Mr. Stephen Eramo, next
door neighbor, presently shares driveway and wants to continue to do so. He would like to see the
present house on Lot A demolished and see a new one built.
Frontage 4?lay' did not Mme°t: requirements and the Board tried to bolt at alternate options.
The Petitioner thought lse could obtain a variance from frontage. Discussion continued about the
inten3retation (real vs. han om. The Board stated that they generally do not give vaiiancts, that
have been created by the Petitioner. This would be something they would need to discuss with
T own Counsel. It was suggested that the case be continued, in order to allow ZBA to talk to
Town. Counsel, obtain information on self-created zoning violations, and to obtain research of
frontage.
At 10:08PM. a motion was made to continue the Public 'Hearing to November 2, 199 at 7PM.
The .motion was seconded and motion passed Nvith :i votc of 3-0 in favor.
A motion was made, seconded and passed to accept the minutes as drafted for meeting of July 1. 3,
1995.
VOTE 3-0 (pass)
A motion was made. seconded and passed to accept the minutes as modified by Mr. Coote for
meeting, of August 17, 1995.
VOTE 3-0 (pass)
At 10:11. a motion was made and seconded to adiourm and the Board voted unanimously to do
so.
Respectfully submitted by Carolyn Walsh, Recording Secretary to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Signed:
Date:
A-voroved: C