HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-02-16 Zoning Board of Appeals MinutesI(
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
MINUTES-FEBRUARY 16, 1989
Members Present: Stephen Tucker, Vice Chairman
John Jarema
Ardith Wieworka
A meeting o the Zoning Board of Appeals was held in the
Selectmen's Meeting Room, 6 Lowell Street, Reading, MA at 7:30
PM. This was an informational meeting with The Fafard Companies
to review the amended plans for Greenhouse Acres and The Com-
rnunit.y Center "Schoolhouse" Development. Also present at this
meeting was Stuart LeClaire, Building Inspector.
Mr. Jim Davis and Ben Chirco from Fafard presented the revised
plans of the Community Center Schoolhouse Development to the
Board. They then explained to the Board the changes in the
plans. They were reducing the number of units from 44 to 40, and
also raising the ceiling heights from 6' 10 to 7' 3".
Mr. LeClaire then stated that
der dated January 24, 1989
fact that he was not receiving
Development. Mr. Davis stated
and now had obtained an indepe:
the reports,
he had sent a cease and desist or-
on the Community Center due to the
reports on the progress of the
that they had lost their architect
adent architect who was now sending
Mr. Davis then explained the progress of the building. They were
now framing on the second floor, the basement was ready for rough
plumbing, all the sandblasting was done and they were ready to
run the mechanics on the first floor.
The Board asked where the reduction of the four units had gone
to. Mr. Davis explained that they had increased the size of some
of the units. They also had made some changes by moving kitchens
and bathrooms around for easier plumbing installation. He then
showed the Board plans of the units and the way they were set up.
He stated that they were trying to make the units more desirable.
He explained that they had left the brick chimneys, were having
two bathrooms instead of one, and had left the auditorium ceiling
up to add style. There were also "loft storage areas" above the
kitchens and bathrooms.
The Board then discussed the reason for this meeting. It was
decided the meeting was to determine if the changes in the plans
were significant enough to require a public hearing.
There was then discussion on the height of the storage lofts.
Mr. Davis explained that these five foot storage areas were being
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used to put. heating units and hot water heaters in. He explained
that they all had pull down stairs. He also explained that all
the real lofts met all the requirements.
He also stated that the parking had not changed and the lighting
had not changed either. They had done away with the laundry room
and would put laundry hook ups in each unit.
The Board requested that the following items be shown in these
minutes.
1. The lofts that were changed to storage areas amd are now less
then six feet are enclosed and have no formal staircases.
2. The changes in the floor plans are just the configuration of
rooms.
3. Fafard would maintain the 40 units but increase the number of
two bedroom units.
4. Removal of the laundry area in the basement for the purpose
of adding laundry connections in each unit.
5. A new architect has been retained by Fafard for the purpose
of construction control and redesigning and of the lowering of
the fourth floor.
6. The Building Inspector has been satisfied with the new ar-
rangements.
Mr. Davis then presented the revised plans for Greenhouse Acres.
He stated that the buildings were the same and in the same loca-
tions. A major change was the wood frame construction as opposed
to concrete. He stated that the wood system gave them more
flexibility. They also had four different layouts for the units-
Super Suite, Family, Mingles, and Convertible. The footprint of
the buildings would be the same, but there would be four styles
to choose from. He also stated that the units would be for sale
prior to being built so the buyer could choose what type of unit
they wanted.
Mr. LeClaire requested a copy of the approved site plans which
Mr. Davis gave to him dated July 15, 1988.
The Board was a little concerned about the close proximity of
some of the buildings (30 Feet) now that they would be wood con-
struction instead of concrete in case of a fire.
Mr. LeClaire stated that.'under Article 21 these buildings were
treated as one and two family homes and that the 30 feet would be
adequate.
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Mr. Davis then stated that there were six buildings under con-
struction at this time. He also asked if they wanted to change
the footprints of the buildings would they have to have a new
public hearing. The Board explained that they would need a new
public hearing.
The Board did not find the changes in the plans significant
enough to require a public hearing.
At 9:15 PM a motion was made and seconded to adjourn and the
Board agreed unanimously to do so.
Respectfully submitted by Karen Saporito, Recording Secretary to
the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Signed:
Date:
Approved: