HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-01-06 Zoning Board of Appeals MinutesTown of Reading
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Minutes of January 6, 2011
Members Present: Clark Petschek, Chairman
John Jarema
Robert Redfern
Damase Caouette
Jeffrey Perkins
John Miles
Members Absent: Kristin Cataldo
(CIE)
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 P.M. Also in attendance was Glen
Redmond, Commissioner of Buildings.
Case # 10-04
A continuation of a Public Hearing on the petition of Jiffy Lube (Back Bay Sign) who seeks a
Variance under Section 6.2.3.2.1 of the zoning bylaws in order to allow Jiffy Lube one free-
standing sign and two wall signs (current bylaws allow one free-standing sign or one wall sign)
for the property located at 369 Main Street in Reading, MA.
Jason Parillo reviewed the history of this case to date and how they continued to request
continuations until the Town Meeting in the fall to see what sign changes would be approved at
that meeting. He said at this time they are only requesting one additional sign for the rear of the
building on Ash Street even though they understand that only one sign is allowed by the present
zoning, either a freestanding sign or a wall sign.
Mr. Parillo also explained the signs that had been approved in 2007 in error by the Town but this
was not discovered until the signs had been installed and were there for some time.
Mr. Parillo reviewed Jiffy Lube's arguments for the four criteria required for the requested
zoning variance. He stated that the recent zoning violations that were issued were corrected as
soon as the violation was issued. He said they would comply in all ways with the zoning bylaws.
The Board discussed Jiffy Lube's request for this additional sign and some members discussed
their problems with some of the criteria presented. There was also discussion about some other
additional signs that had been requested by their insurance company but Mr. Parillo will work
with the Building Inspector on these signs and they will be interior signs.
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ZBA Meeting January 6, 2011
Mr. Redfern said he would have liked a certified plot plan to be presented so the distance from
the property line of the freestanding sign would be clarified and show that it met the required 20'
setback. Mr. Parillo said he was sure it was 25' because his company (Back Bay Sign) also
installed that sign.
The Building Inspector explained to the Board that there are additional businesses along Main
Street who had also been issued permits in error for a freestanding sign and two wall signs as
well as Jiffy Lube.
Tony D'Arezzo of 130 John Street offered his opinion of this case for the Board.
On a motion by Robert Redfern, seconded by John Jarema, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved
to grant the Applicant's request for a Variance from Section 6.2.3.2.1 of the zoning bylaws in
order to maintain the one existing wall sign at his place of business (Jiffy Lube). The existing
wall sign shall be located on the Ash Street side of the building as depicted on the Rear Elevation
drawing, page number 29. This sign shall measure 3' x 10' as depicted on the Inventory &
recommendation Detail, page number 24 submitted by the Applicant. The Variance is granted
upon the following conditions:
1. All other non-conforming signs on the property shall be removed.
2. The Applicant shall submit a Certified Plot Plan, prepared by a Mass. Registered
Surveyor to the Building Inspector prior to the end of Variance appeal period.
The vote was 5-0-0 (Petschek, Jarema, Perkins, Redfern, Miles).
Case # 10-16
A Public Hearing on the petition of Gibraltar Pools Corporation (James Yoshizawa) who seeks a
Variance under Section 4.8 / 4.8.6.1.9 / 4.8.6.1.10 of the zoning bylaws in order to install an
above-ground pool on the property located at 64 Dividence Road in Reading, MA. This property
is located in an Aquifer Protection District. The proposed pool increases the lot coverage from
22.73% to 26.07%. Maximum lot coverage of 20% is allowed if an acceptable recharge system is
installed.
On a motion by John Jarema, seconded by Robert Redfern, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved
to grant a continuance to February 3, 2011 at the written request of the Applicant.
The vote was 5-0-0 (Petschek, Jarema, Perkins, Redfern, Miles).
Minutes
On a motion by Robert Redfern, seconded by Jeffrey Perkins, the Zoning Board of Appeals
moved to approve the minutes of November 18, 2010.
The vote was 3-0-0 (Redfern, Perkins, Petschek).
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On a motion by Damase Caouette, seconded by Jeffrey Perkins, the Zoning Board of Appeals
moved to approve the minutes of December 2, 2010.
The vote was 5-0-0 (Redfern, Perkins, Petschek, Jarema, Caouette).
Adjournment
On a motion by Robert Redfern, seconded by Damase Caouette, the Zoning Board of Appeals
moved to adjourn the meeting.
The vote was 6-0-0 (Redfern, Perkins, Petschek, Jarema, Miles, Caouette).
R spectfully submitted,
Ma een M. Knight
Recording Secretary
ZBA Meeting January 6, 2011 3