WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=tVD46B_rONs NOTE MEETING SECTIONS: Part 1 (Video ID: tVD46B_rONs): - 00:00:22: Meeting Call to Order and Agenda Overview - 00:01:59: Case 26-04: Carver Road Continuance Request Approved - 00:03:04: Case 26-05: Forest Street Garage Variance Introduction - 00:04:22: Richard Audi Sworn in, Presents Forest Street Case - 00:05:54: Discussion: Variance Criteria and Lot Deficiencies - 00:08:50: Board Questions: Survey, Setbacks, Garage Dimensions - 00:13:11: Neighbor Communication and Property Visuals - 00:15:43: Variance Difficulty and Unique Circumstances - 00:17:53: Conservative Variance Granting and Lot Uniqueness - 00:19:42: Garage Size, Two-Car Justification and Future Plans - 00:21:43: Sprinkler System, Water/Sewage, Board Opinions - 00:23:11: Applicant Hardship, Speculative Needs and Recommendations - 00:24:36: Continuance Offer, Vote Risks and Supporting Evidence - 00:26:34: June 1st Meeting Letter and Continuance Vote - 00:27:53: Case 26-06: Lincoln Way Special Permit Introduction - 00:29:14: Edward Simone Sworn In, Presents Lincoln Way Case - 00:30:55: Special Permit: Kitchen/Bathroom Remodel and Garage - 00:33:05: Garage Expansion, Setback and Truck Size - 00:35:01: Time Sensitivity and Demolishing Garage for Access - 00:37:14: Functionality, Mud Room and Alternative Solutions - 00:38:19: Special Permit Standards and Board Comfort - 00:39:57: Board Questions and Public Comment - 00:41:42: Motion and Vote: Lincoln Way Special Permit Approved - 00:43:11: Post-Approval Logistics and Next Steps - 00:44:38: Case 26-07: Le Morgan Park Special Permit Introduction - 00:45:57: Elizabeth Austin Sworn In, Presents Le Morgan Case - 00:47:36: Board Questions, Public Comment, and Motion - 00:48:45: Motion and Vote: Le Morgan Park Special Permit Approved - 00:50:19: Referencing the Plat Plan and Minutes Approval - 00:52:42: Meeting Adjournment Part: 1 1 00:00:22.720 --> 00:01:40.720 What is I thought? Seems simple. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Uh welcome uh to uh tonight's CVA hearing uh CV 2 00:01:40.720 --> 00:01:59.680 meeting for uh town of threading. We can go ahead and get started. It's 7 o'clock. So one item that we will probably start with just because we can address very very quickly. Uh we'll start with case number 3 00:01:59.680 --> 00:02:16.360 26-04 road. Uh this item is action. We received a relatively late notice and request for a continuance to be put on the next month's agenda. Uh 4 00:02:16.640 --> 00:02:33.280 I can >> yeah I would say it's a family situation uh that is leading to that request. Is there a motion to session request? Is there a second? 5 00:02:33.280 --> 00:02:48.480 Second. >> Okay. All in favor of continuing case number uh 26-0490 Carver Road until the June first date. >> That favor looks unanimous. 6 00:02:48.480 --> 00:03:04.239 Okay. All righty. Moving on to our next agenda item this evening. We have case number 26-0551 Forest Street. The zoning board of appeals will hold a public hearing in the conference meeting room at town hall 7 00:03:04.239 --> 00:03:19.519 16 street Massachusetts on Monday May 11th 2026 at 7 p.m. on the application of P Catalano construction LLC on behalf of the homeowner pursuant to Mass General Laws chapter 4A section 10 for 8 00:03:19.519 --> 00:03:34.400 variance under reading zoning bylaw sections 4.5.2 6.3 and 7.4 for as may determined by the zoning board to construct a new twocar garage which creates a new nonconforming 9 00:03:34.400 --> 00:03:51.200 sideyard setback on the property located at 15 51 Forest Street. It says there's map 39 block 168 in Reading, Massachusetts. Unless there is an objection, I will dispense with the reading of the abutdders list except to say that the abutters were notified as 10 00:03:51.200 --> 00:04:06.879 for the following. The select board, town clerk, police department, fire department, building department, conservation commission, health department, assessor's office, engineering division, CPDC, members and associate members of the board of appeals, as well as the planning boards 11 00:04:06.879 --> 00:04:22.000 of Wakefield, Lynfield, North Reading, Stone, Ward, and Wilmington. Testimony given before this board is taken under oath. So if you think you may speak on this matter, please stand and raise your right hand 12 00:04:22.000 --> 00:04:38.479 and the your right hand say I swear that the testimony given by me before this board will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth and responses I ship. >> I do my me favor please state your name and 13 00:04:38.479 --> 00:04:55.600 address for the record. Absolutely. Members of the board, my name is Richard Audi. I'm the owner at 51 Forest Street in Reing, Massachusetts. Uh, I come to you today for case 2605. Uh, and I asked for a variance uh on 14 00:04:55.600 --> 00:05:11.840 constructing a two-car garage on the western side of my property. Uh, the reason that I asked for this variance is that the property size is already a non-conforming lot. It's 13,52 feet square feet uh instead of the required 15 00:05:11.840 --> 00:05:28.880 15,000 uh for new law guidelines. Uh and it is simply not physically possible to respect the letter of the law with construction of the new uh garage. And therefore I ask for instead of a 15t setback to the attached property, I 16 00:05:28.880 --> 00:05:54.080 asked for a 9.9 foot setback of 550. I apologize actually to not have the a copy of the uh itself but if you could actually do me a favor there whenever people are requesting a variance as part of the application there are four set 17 00:05:54.080 --> 00:06:10.240 criteria that identity the application general can you take us through >> just how this particular uh project fits within that those each of Yes, I absolutely can. So, uh this is the the first of these is the uh dimensional 18 00:06:10.240 --> 00:06:27.280 deficiencies of property. Uh as previously specified, the property uh is uh not of a conforming uh width uh by frontage and is not of a conforming uh size by square footage. 19 00:06:27.280 --> 00:06:58.800 uh the structure will be attached uh and I'm sorry >> if you just look at your petition itself there were basically four questions that you spelled out. Those are the four 20 00:06:58.800 --> 00:07:25.840 criteria >> shape of a lot. >> Yeah. So it is a uh a pre-existing lot sufficiently efficient in total area lot with uh 21 00:07:25.840 --> 00:07:43.840 yes perfect uh over that then the enforcement of 15t yard setback which involves substantial hardship dimensional dimensional deficiencies in the existing house placement leads 22 00:07:43.840 --> 00:07:59.759 conforming building envelope for a standard residential structure. The age geometry of the lot renders the proposed left side location the only viable location addition making the pliance with the current 15t setbacks physically impossible maintain functional use of the land. Uh desirable relief can be 23 00:07:59.759 --> 00:08:14.000 granted without the detriment to public good proposed 9.9 ft setback is nearly double the 5-ft buffer required for a detached property under section 5.512 of the writing bylaws. In addition, the property maintains total lot coverage of 24 00:08:14.000 --> 00:08:30.560 only 15.4%. It's well below 25% maximum required or allowed, excuse me. Uh ensuring the structure does not overcrowd the law or negatively impact the surrounding gatherers. Uh and the relief does not nullify the intent of the zoning ordinance as it honors the 25 00:08:30.560 --> 00:08:50.560 spirit of residential buffers while accommodating unique land constraints. Approach this project with respect to town standards. commitment to be good neighbors on forestry ensuring structure remains positive and respectful. >> Do any members of the board have any questions? 26 00:08:50.560 --> 00:09:06.880 >> I just have a question about your survey. Um I just there's sort of a chart on it that lists the different um dimensions existing and proposed. 27 00:09:06.880 --> 00:09:24.320 >> The according to this the minimum um front yard setback says existing 9 9.4 as proposed 48.3. I just didn't understand that. >> Yeah, I don't quite understand that either. Uh I I spoke with the the 28 00:09:24.320 --> 00:09:43.920 surveyor who set up that that plug. I believe that was simply inter. >> Okay. So nothing is changing about the front. >> No, not nothing at all is changing about the front of the house. >> Okay. >> I also have some packets here with uh images of the property if you want to 29 00:09:43.920 --> 00:10:01.120 more carefully visualize the space. >> I have a question. >> Yes, pardon me. What is the setback to the rear of the where the the lot line kind of splits up? >> Oh, um I don't believe that was me. 30 00:10:01.120 --> 00:10:18.480 >> It's good. >> I had to make like a >> if it's >> Yeah, it's going to be more than that. >> I don't know if it was actually 15. >> Just eyeballing it. >> Probably not. probably closer to like 12 31 00:10:18.480 --> 00:10:40.480 or 15. >> Have you thought about because obviously I mean the 15 foot sideyard set back where we're we're approaching that 5T now. Have you you consider shortening that? So you still met the 15 foot sideyard setback where it's like rather 32 00:10:40.480 --> 00:10:56.640 than having a 20 foot five 24 foot wide garage shrunk it down to 19 cubic change. >> I did consider that um a 24 foot uh twocar garage seemed fairly standard and I would even if I shrunk it down to 33 00:10:56.640 --> 00:11:13.360 being smaller two-car garage that would be a 20 foot wide and I would still end up requesting a variance. So, I wanted to request the variance for a garage that would be the best possible thing for me. >> Did you consider swinging it around? So, the garage is actually on the back 34 00:11:13.360 --> 00:11:27.440 >> kind of. >> I did I did consider uh doing that. Uh there would be uh significant it would be significantly more difficult project because I have a sprinkler system installed in the back required to be 35 00:11:27.440 --> 00:11:44.480 rooted and this existing construction is uh it would be probably the least disruptive to my property. Uh it's the most level space that I have available to me. uh it meets very nicely to the uh 36 00:11:44.480 --> 00:12:07.440 the the driveway which I would otherwise have to pave further into the property. Um and as you stated like if I moved it to where the deck is right now, I would need to get the deck out. I guess another question. Um, so you mentioned how there's a a bylaw saying 37 00:12:07.440 --> 00:12:22.800 in a detached garage and and I got to I don't I double check as well the bylaw to see if it states that but stating that a detached garage 5 ft yard set back. Is that something that you've considered in the past to me? >> I have and unfortunately the the problem 38 00:12:22.800 --> 00:12:39.920 with that was that uh a detached garage needs to sit 10 feet away from the property. So I was still ending up playing with 15 ft. >> What does it say? >> You mentioned in your um application it was 5T. 39 00:12:39.920 --> 00:12:59.800 >> Yeah. 10 ft from the house, 5T from the >> Oh, okay. 5T from the Okay. >> Yeah, it can be within. >> So it'll be another 10 ft from the the corner of his house. >> Yeah. So now just 40 00:13:11.040 --> 00:13:30.800 have to kick back in too. See how the land goes back in. >> Yeah. Do you have did you address or um talk about this case with your buddy neighbor because I did I you did you have a letter from them um in approval of this? 41 00:13:30.800 --> 00:13:46.959 >> Unfortunately, I don't have a letter from them. I only spoke to Sheila briefly uh and verbally we exchanged. She wanted to ask about any questions. I have text messages between us that are like, "Hey, can we talk?" But like that was about it. and she was very she was 42 00:13:46.959 --> 00:14:03.120 totally fine with with what I was I was doing and was not concerned about it at all. >> Her only concern was to make sure that whatever was done was done and by the running >> her driveways on your side also. >> Yeah, that's that's one thing I was 43 00:14:03.120 --> 00:14:17.199 going to mention just because I I did look at this case prior to this meeting and noticed that your two driveways are right next to each other. So, I just didn't know. Uh, I will say >> No, I I I I feel pretty strongly that 44 00:14:17.199 --> 00:14:34.079 I'm not I can show you uh here's a a photograph of the the lot property. I think the relevant pictures are this one and this one. Yeah. >> Uh the garage that I'm proposing would not exceed this white fence that is already there uh and is already not 45 00:14:34.079 --> 00:15:03.199 encroaching property whatsoever. Please, by all means, take the whole packet. And if anyone else would like a packet with the images, >> you be willing to revise the size of your windows on that side there if you're that property line. 46 00:15:03.199 --> 00:15:43.839 Sure. Or even move the windows if that is the rest of the board. Yeah, exactly. I have no problem. Thank you. Does the board have any other questions? We can't open it up soon to the public. Is there anyone who would like to speak 47 00:15:43.839 --> 00:16:04.040 on this property? Not seeing anyone. Uh we will load public comments on this particular uh matter. My 48 00:16:07.839 --> 00:16:30.880 My only concern is obviously variance are supposed to be difficult to achieve in the town. So ultimately it's circumstance where the actual bylaw itself says no variance shall be issued for 72 4 49 00:16:30.880 --> 00:17:01.680 unless zing board finds each of those four particular criteria. I think I am struggling with the unique circumstances of the land uh and I'm struggling with whether or not it may 50 00:17:01.680 --> 00:17:19.039 involve a substantial buyership as well. Those are my two concerns because ultimately it's a circumstance where if we grant a variance ultimately that changes the property in perpetuity. >> Sure. So that and that sets precedent for any other neutral for any other 51 00:17:19.039 --> 00:17:37.280 reason. So those are the circumstances where we have to pay very close attention to the intent of the bylaws themselves and make sure that each of those particular criteria are met. You can I would ask actually I 52 00:17:37.280 --> 00:17:53.840 don't know if any of the other board members have opinions one way or the other. I >> go ahead. >> Go ahead. >> Well, if you're gonna say something leather, >> I was just going to say that 53 00:17:53.840 --> 00:18:12.640 we have generally been very conservative about granting variances. Um, for exactly the reason why it's supposed to be hard to get. Um, I actually do think that this is 54 00:18:12.640 --> 00:18:32.480 one of the best cases I've ever seen just in terms of the uniqueness of the lot as compared to the neighborhood. Yeah, that's what I was speak on the lot is if he moves, let's say he comes back and 55 00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:49.360 the way that the um the lot line angles both ways towards the back and towards the front. Even if you would move it back, I think you'd still run. That's why I wish I knew what that that measurement was from the back of 56 00:18:49.360 --> 00:19:05.200 the garage to the because if you moved it back, I think you'd still have a problem going back. probably have to shift it into the back of the house. >> Unfortunately, I don't have that measurement, but I'm inclined to believe they 57 00:19:05.200 --> 00:19:23.679 moved it back. I I think the board would have been much more comfortable if they saw it back more and you had maybe a a twoft. I mean, I'm not a big advocate of neighbors writing letters because if 58 00:19:23.679 --> 00:19:41.080 they move out, the next person has to deal with the issue. Correct. I do see um you could that be a hardship that that by Chris being unique. 59 00:19:42.880 --> 00:19:58.720 I mean, even if it were moved all the way back on the same plane, some portion of it would still be >> violating the sight set back. Either the front of it or the back of it, depending how far you moved it, but something would be >> 24 is the preferred. What is the 60 00:19:58.720 --> 00:20:16.720 absolute smallest you can get? >> 20. >> Gets closer to it. >> Is there a reason it needs to be a two pack? I mean I you didn't I guess you didn't specify if there's you know other cars or other vehicles parked right. 61 00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:34.000 >> So it is of course for my car. Um and then the reason why I chose to start the home in running is though I don't have a spouse and I don't have a second car. I do plan to have both of those things. Uh, and so I would like for my property to be in a 62 00:20:34.000 --> 00:20:49.520 space where I could welcome a family and a spouse in reading. Especially with my position as I am on Forest Street so close to the schools. I would really like to have my place on Forest Street to be a place where I can raise my 63 00:20:49.520 --> 00:21:07.840 >> right now. Your driveway is wide enough for two cars. >> That's correct. I don't believe that the dimensions of the garage extend past what the driveway currently is. and obviously wouldn't be practical for the same reasons there substantial hardship because you're going to still 64 00:21:07.840 --> 00:21:24.480 have some grass and regular system. I think my opinion you got definitely shaping topography is substantial hardships it's like you get there 65 00:21:24.480 --> 00:21:42.919 system at least um mentally good I don't hear any neighbors here complaining um one would think that if they were affated they would be here. 66 00:21:43.679 --> 00:22:17.600 I don't condition any letter, but I don't think they necessarily they're not here. How long has the uh was the sprinkler system something that was in on the property when when you 67 00:22:17.600 --> 00:22:34.720 when you purchased it? Was that correct? >> It's been it's been there for greater than 5 years. Uh because the previous owners uh also it was purchased by the Zoyas when they owned the property before the previous owners who bought 2020. Okay. 68 00:22:34.720 --> 00:22:50.640 >> Is that manifold? Okay. Would it be inside the garage? >> Uh, excuse me. >> Next to the water spot. >> Oh. Um, for like the valve control. >> Yeah. >> Uh, that is out front on the eastern. >> So, the garage. >> Yeah. 69 00:22:50.640 --> 00:23:11.520 >> As it stands, the garage would uh at most maybe if my water and sewage goes out underneath my driveway. That's the only concern that the builder has indicated to that's it. >> I mean, you've been a very fair board. 70 00:23:11.520 --> 00:23:28.400 It's up to you how you fit on the board. You can come back, tweak some things. You've heard all our comments. >> Yeah, I know. I'm just I'm a little torn. We would like to get out of the >> Yeah, >> but um 71 00:23:28.400 --> 00:23:45.679 better if you had four kids right now. >> Yeah, >> I'll get on. >> Yeah, that's that's the problem. Your your hardship is somewhat speculative right now. >> Yeah. Yeah. No, I mean Yeah, 72 00:23:45.679 --> 00:24:03.600 >> I I would go back and tweak because and put some more. >> Okay. Yeah. >> So one of the things that we certainly re that we generally recommend it's a circumstance where if we were to move forward today and if we were not to grant the variance at that point in 73 00:24:03.600 --> 00:24:19.840 time it's two years before you would be able to see a similar variance. I see. So with these types of circumstances we generally like to we usually give folks the opportunity to request continuous just to try and see if there's different ways that you could potentially tweak or 74 00:24:19.840 --> 00:24:36.320 get any other additional support if necessary. Okay. >> Uh so those are the things that I think would be >> very beneficial for the board to hear as well. >> Okay. >> Um so I mean I certainly leave it up to you if you'd like to try and move forward just based upon uh some of the 75 00:24:36.320 --> 00:24:53.360 issues or if you'd like to ask for that continuence. I think the board would certainly be in favor of of granting the continuence that you know. So, I can either request a vote now, in which case I might be told no, or I can request a continuence and bring back some more 76 00:24:53.360 --> 00:25:08.960 supporting evidence based on the comments here. >> Yeah. >> And see how that shakes things. >> I think you might you may get a little have gotten a little bit of the gist of where we would likely likely to fall if we were to take a vote now. >> Understood. >> And you need 77 00:25:08.960 --> 00:25:24.799 >> four. >> You would need four out of five. So, >> um I think having the cost of all the assist and that kind of stuff like the person in front people there with me just even without it 78 00:25:24.799 --> 00:25:41.520 because it can eyeball the cost of that. Um, I don't think I'll knock you not having a spouse already. And I not I think I treat anyone similarly situated, you know, and and this like we kind of talked about kind of runs with 79 00:25:41.520 --> 00:26:01.679 the land as well. If you wouldn't mind making up this last section though how desirable relief may be granted without nullifying or substantially derating intent to by you're going to go back and do it already. As it as it honors spirit and 80 00:26:01.679 --> 00:26:34.000 bre I think I get what you're saying. >> Yeah, I think there's circumstance. Obviously you definitely bring up the u the difference between the detad versus the uh versus the attack aspect. So the thing about it is that there's also very 81 00:26:34.000 --> 00:26:51.840 there's a reason that the town does kind of keep those separate as well. >> So what you can do is ask for this to be continued to do you want our next meeting which is June 1st I think a letter. >> Yeah. Uh in in light of the comments 82 00:26:51.840 --> 00:27:12.000 from the board uh like the board wish to accept >> you guys want to decide on who's going to vote in this case. >> Oh yeah >> um to accept the continuance until did you say June? 83 00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:32.240 >> What June 1st that time? That's only that's three weeks away. However, the makeup of the board is change after June. So, >> after June, >> June 1st should be >> second. 84 00:27:32.240 --> 00:27:53.120 >> Okay. All in favor of continuing this matter till June 1st. Thank you. Right. Next item this evening is case number 26 06 and 9 85 00:27:53.120 --> 00:28:09.520 way. The zoning board appeals will hold a public hearing on 10 conference meeting at town hall 16 street Massachusetts on May 11 2026 at 7 p.m. on the application of Edward D Simone. Uh pursuant two mass general laws 86 00:28:09.520 --> 00:28:24.320 chapter 40 section 9 for special permit lender ready zoning bylaw section 7.0 7.3 and 7.3.2 to demolish an existing non-conforming singlestory garage and construct a new two-story garage with a capital living 87 00:28:24.320 --> 00:28:40.080 space above. extends the non-conforming sideyard setback on the property located at Lincoln Way assessment map 20 lot 57 in reading Massachusetts unless there is an objection I will dispense with the 88 00:28:40.080 --> 00:28:56.240 reading of the with the list except that the were notified as for the following the select board town clerk lease department fire department building department conservation commission health department assessor's office engineering division CPDC members and 89 00:28:56.240 --> 00:29:12.279 associate members of the board of appeals as well as planning boards of Wakefield, Benfield, North Reading, Stonem, Wuburn, Wilmington testimony. So if you think you may speak on this matter, please stand and raise your right hand. 90 00:29:14.640 --> 00:29:28.960 Can you please raise your right hand? I swear that testimony given by me before this board will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. And the response is I did. Thank you. Come on up. I guess your testimony 91 00:29:28.960 --> 00:29:50.240 Simone homeowner at le uh I've submitted a request for a special permit to um extend the existing non-conforming uh br structure that's on my property. This is part of of a larger scale renovation that we're contemplating. Um, 92 00:29:50.240 --> 00:30:06.080 one thing I don't have is uh nice pictures for everybody, but but what I do bring is a wife and kids. So, >> um, but no, my my wife and I, we moved to Reading a couple years ago and fell in love with it. I grew up in Walden, so 93 00:30:06.080 --> 00:30:23.679 this is a nicely nice upgrade. And she was in Andover, but we fallen in love with the property, which is an old colonial uh, built in 1929. We do. We have a one-year-old and a two and a half year old. And as they grow and get older, our house is getting 94 00:30:23.679 --> 00:30:40.799 smaller. The the real crux of this entire renovation is we only have one full bathroom, one a very I won't call it small, but it's getting to be a small kitchen and small house overall. And so, um, I work from home. My wife 95 00:30:40.799 --> 00:30:55.760 technically works from home as well. Um, our kids are often in the house. My Mia is in Montasauri school, but she's only in there three days a week, three hours a day. And then Bo, my son, who's one year old again, he'll be going to the Montasauri school next year as well. Um, 96 00:30:55.760 --> 00:31:12.000 so this the the request for the special permit is part of a larger scale renovation that we're trying to move forward with, which theoretically should be able to do by right. Um, which is to extend our kitchen, be able to expand above and create um two full bathrooms, 97 00:31:12.000 --> 00:31:28.000 which is what we need. And then um egregious, not egregiously, but also we have a dilapidated porch, sun porch off the side. It's screened in. We're going to take that down, just rebuild it to be more of a fourseason extension of our home. Um we contemplated going larger 98 00:31:28.000 --> 00:31:43.600 over there, but when I did the site survey, we were getting pretty close and I did not want to be here for even though my neighbor actually charged because I did. I went to both of my neighbors on both sides of me just to inform them they they were going to get 99 00:31:43.600 --> 00:32:00.159 notified. One is Frank Resza, he's at 17 Long View. And then Erin and Cory and Claire are my immediate neighbors that are actually impacted directly by this special permit request. Um immediately full support garnered by all of them. No, I do not have a letter. I think it'd 100 00:32:00.159 --> 00:32:17.120 be pretty easy to obtain as Frank kind of pointed to the weight of a letter is only as good as the homeowner that's currently in there. So, um, let's get to the actual request. So, I have a a two twocar garage that's currently there. It is wildly dilapidated. Needs to really 101 00:32:17.120 --> 00:32:32.720 come down regardless. If if anything, it's a sorry excuse of a storage unit putting it nicely. Um, I I think that again, I'd love to be able to preserve it. The doors are awesome, the way they open and whatnot, but it's just not functional, and it's it's actually a 102 00:32:32.720 --> 00:32:49.120 pretty significant safety hazard. I can't get my vehicle in there, let alone my wife's vehicle. I forced it barely uh this past winter. So, um it's not conducive to to to being able to to operate in that capacity. Ideally, we'd be able to get both vehicles in there. 103 00:32:49.120 --> 00:33:05.360 Having two kids, the way our our driveway is sloped um in the winter time, it does lend itself to a lot of ice and just a lot of moisture collectively. Um, so this this this special permit request again, our garage is currently sitting within the setback 104 00:33:05.360 --> 00:33:22.880 currently. It's about 10 ft off the current setback. So it's already non-conforming. Our my ask and ask by on behalf of my family is to extend it out about 3 and 1/2 ft approximately um towards uh Aaron and Cory Sinclair's 105 00:33:22.880 --> 00:33:39.200 property and then also be able to pull it forward 9 and 1/2 ft. Now the reason for that is numerous right um one we do have a second story technically but it's not even a storage unit you can almost there access it um but if we if we if we 106 00:33:39.200 --> 00:33:54.640 go about this two different ways if we extend it forward roughly 9 and a half ft we're we're merely extending the existing non-conforming aspect um that is already off that side setback we're still well with off well within the setback off the front the road frontage 107 00:33:54.640 --> 00:34:11.280 so really no material impact at all from that standpoint. Uh the reason or why, one, I drive a pretty large truck. Um so if I am going to get in and out of this garage, I need to be able to get in and out collectively. My my truck won't fit 108 00:34:11.280 --> 00:34:28.079 currently. Um you know, I'm the one that does drive them to school, pick them up, specifically my kids. I'm not saying I can't get out and ice and snow and everything else. not here to to sit here and sugar coat it and tell you that our life is miserable because we can't get in. But obviously, there's definitely a 109 00:34:28.079 --> 00:34:44.480 convenience aspect when it's boring out anything else. That's why you have a garage in the first place. Um, but you know, that's where the second aspect of this comes in. Obviously, we're asking to extend roughly 3 and 1/2 ft approximately towards the neighboring property line. Still within the setback 110 00:34:44.480 --> 00:35:01.599 obviously, but already within a previously approved non-conforming aspect of that setback. why I'm here. There's a couple different reasons. For me, time is the essence. I I have been working with an architect on this. Um, obviously, wildly beneficial, well recommended within the the Renick 111 00:35:01.599 --> 00:35:18.640 neighborhood area, and quite honestly, I I didn't realize time was of the essence this much, but that's why I'm here. Uh, ideally, let's assume this moves forward successfully. I get an approval on this. I go through an appeal period. my goal 112 00:35:18.640 --> 00:35:33.359 and and I'm lined up to move as quick as feasible on this and part of the reason for that is is numerous um one if my kids are not in school for the June July August period I have a really good 113 00:35:33.359 --> 00:35:51.440 opportunity to tackle both the kitchen without the kitchen and specifically that second bathroom which we're not we won't have one full bathroom for a pretty good period of time. So, we're going to have roughly it's going to be a spring, but it'll be a three-month period while they're not in school to get in there. Um, 114 00:35:51.440 --> 00:36:07.920 you know, the the other thing that is kind of really intricral is this this law really it's it's already a a unique non-conforming lot currently. Um, one of the things that is going to allow this to move is obviously this garage is going to get taken down regardless. We 115 00:36:07.920 --> 00:36:24.079 have to get to the back of the house. Honestly, the only reasonable and viable access is actually going to be going through that garage. Let's assume we immediately demolish the garage. Now, we've got access to the back in a much easier, more efficient and cost effective manner. Any delay would 116 00:36:24.079 --> 00:36:40.240 produce a pretty significant hardship, right? I could move forward with again the the the the crux of um this entire renovation, which again is second bathroom and an extended kitchen, right? that if I had to if I had to prioritize, right, that that's really the the main 117 00:36:40.240 --> 00:36:58.079 part of this um being able to close in and get existing footage out of a a porch. Again, by right, yes, not a massive priority, but overall, if we're already in there, we want to be moving efficiently and whatnot. The garage is the other one that I would say is number two. To me, it's it's important. Um like 118 00:36:58.079 --> 00:37:14.480 I said, we want it to be functional, but it it's going to be twofold, right? If we get the opportunity to extend and um you know both forward and out, right, then we actually get the appropriate use of what the garage is merely intended for was be able to park in there, get 119 00:37:14.480 --> 00:37:30.400 access accordingly, get a safe space to actually walk in. Right now, we currently just walk right into our kitchen and it's a mess because you're trapping in pine needles and everything else. So allowing for this specific expansion enables us to actually get a mud room 120 00:37:30.400 --> 00:37:46.960 into um it it it's not integral overall but but it is really important. Uh I will tell you that we've worked endlessly with this architect to try and go through every single alternative. We do have a lot of different alternatives. Um but this to us is is the most optimal 121 00:37:46.960 --> 00:38:03.599 to be able to you know achieve everything that we want to right and one with also. Uh, with that said, I'm going to be open and transparent. This isn't a end all be all to me. You know, I meaning 122 00:38:03.599 --> 00:38:19.839 are there alternatives? Yeah, absolutely. Um, I'm willing to sit here and discuss back and forth what's viable, what's not viable, what's >> So, actually, let me go ahead and uh just stop. So, as you mentioned, the one thing that you uh did notice that you 123 00:38:19.839 --> 00:38:35.680 didn't specify was the difference of standards that we're looking at here specifically between someone seeking a uh special permit versus that of variance. There are the variance is obviously very difficult 124 00:38:35.680 --> 00:38:53.280 to to obtain special permits. The standard the standard is basically we only ask that you are responsible for convincing this board that the proposed use is less detrimental to the neighbor to the 125 00:38:53.280 --> 00:39:09.920 surrounding neighborhood neighbors and neighborhood >> more detrimental >> not more that is yeah so not more detrimental than than it sure so that's that's the one so and I think based upon just the information that we've received 126 00:39:09.920 --> 00:39:24.960 I um pretty comfortable uh just moving forward. I didn't know if there was anything else that you wanted to let us know. I didn't know >> any I'd be lying if I said that this I felt like this is 127 00:39:24.960 --> 00:39:40.720 >> really black and white. This isn't an overly egregious ask from from our behalf. Um and it I I I I can't tell you how appreciative I'd be obviously to have your support in that. It really is about as simple I know there's a lot going on here but if you focus on just the garage and the fact that it's 128 00:39:40.720 --> 00:39:57.520 already non-conforming um the the the only one that really should have a viable input would be our neighbors at for LinkedIn and to have their full support without even a question was really comforting from my standpoint but obviously it it's your decision at the end of the day as well. 129 00:39:57.520 --> 00:40:12.320 >> Does the board have any other questions? I actually know the house. I tried to buy it. I didn't buy it. And I And I give you credit. The sun room is beautiful, but it's it needed a ton of work. >> Yeah. >> The garage is sketched. 130 00:40:12.320 --> 00:40:27.760 >> We wanted I mean, my my wife loves the sun room, but but it's but it's just so dilapidated. Yeah. >> And uh I love the inside. It does fit with the neighborhood. >> It was going to be big. My wife uh was keen on having rough like old bones. We 131 00:40:27.760 --> 00:40:43.200 don't like new construction, but she's also an interior designer. She owns our interior design business. So, I struggle. I don't say I struggle, but I just I do it. >> That saying, they don't build them like they used to. Thank god they don't. >> But we did like for what it's worth, it's outside the scope. That's just 132 00:40:43.200 --> 00:40:59.680 where we went through so many renditions with the architect that dormer design. We didn't want it to look like an addition. This really is a really unique colonial that was the 1920s colonial. We're trying to preserve as much of this without making it look like a a an addition, if you will. Like I said, we 133 00:40:59.680 --> 00:41:20.240 want it not to be so modern and preserve that historic nature. >> Plus, you have to uh keep up with the castle next building. >> Yeah. Yes, I do. >> Yeah. I didn't know. Is there anyone here from public who wishes to speak on 134 00:41:20.240 --> 00:41:42.160 this property? Not hearing anything. We can close public comments. Uh does the board have anything in discussion? Is there is there anyone who would like to make a 135 00:41:42.160 --> 00:42:02.119 motion? >> I will move to grant the petitioner Edward's um special permit under 7.0 >> 7.0 7.3 and 7.3.2 136 00:42:02.560 --> 00:42:19.920 um as shown on application number 2606 for 10 L way um um um special permit is subject to the following conditions. petitioner shall submit to the building inspector a certified flat plan of the proposed 137 00:42:19.920 --> 00:42:36.560 construction and proposed foundation plans prior to the issuance of foundation permit work. Two, the petitioner's final construction plans for the new structure shall be submitted to the building inspector along with the asbuilt foundation plans prior to the issuance of a building permit. Three, as built shown completing construction 138 00:42:36.560 --> 00:42:56.480 shall inspector after the work is completed and prior to the issuance of the next. Second and all in favor. >> We have uh Taylor, you're you're on this one. >> Y thank you. 139 00:42:56.480 --> 00:43:11.200 >> And so that is unanimous. Congratulations. >> Awesome. >> Thank you. I appreciate it. I think Amanda will be able to take you through any sort of uh logistical. >> Yes. So we have um two weeks to back if possible. 140 00:43:11.200 --> 00:43:28.720 >> Sure. the day that it's cler that's when the period starts rolling then I'll upload a copy of it into your application and I'll let you know when they pick it up the clerk >> sure >> um the certified decisions um and then you take it to the registry 141 00:43:28.720 --> 00:43:45.200 register there >> do I have the ability to start moving on the building permit simultaneously just so I'm happy to take that offline >> I think it's probably best to contact them in the morning and have that 142 00:43:45.200 --> 00:44:02.480 conversation. I don't know their entire process. >> I'm going to be amenable to anything obviously with the time of the essence. I'd love to be able to at least be starting in advance the process if that's an option. So, >> yes. So, I'll definitely contact them uh 143 00:44:02.480 --> 00:44:19.920 during like their encounter and so that thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. Wiping my kids works great. >> Construction 210. >> Thank you. You had a really good opportunity to maybe save me some time 144 00:44:19.920 --> 00:44:38.319 and money, but now I got to go my wife. >> Thank you again. Have a good night. >> All righty. Next up, we're calling case number 26-7 Le Morgan Park. The zoning board of appeals will hold a public hearing in the conference meeting room 145 00:44:38.319 --> 00:44:54.480 at town hall 16 street Massachusetts on Monday May 11th at 7 p.m. on the application of Elizabeth Alston. I apologize if I mispronounced it. >> You actually pronounced it right. >> No one ever does. So thank you. >> Pursuant to master laws chapter 48 146 00:44:54.480 --> 00:45:08.880 section 9 for special permit underwriting zoning bylaw section 6.3 7.07.3 and 7.3.2 two to remove the existing porch and construct a new porch located on an existing structure with non-informing sideyard setback on the 147 00:45:08.880 --> 00:45:25.040 property located at 11 Morgan Park map 20 lot 50 in Reading Massachusetts uh unless there is an objection I will dispense with the reading of the abutters list except to say that the abutters were notified as the following the select board town clerk police 148 00:45:25.040 --> 00:45:40.560 department fire department building department conservation commission health department assessor's office engineering division CPDC members and associate members of the board of appeals as well as the planning boards of Wakefield, Benfield, Northring, Stonem, Wuburn, and Wilmington. A 149 00:45:40.560 --> 00:45:57.520 testimony given before this board is taken under oath. So if you think you would like to speak, we would ask you to please stand and raise your right hand. I swear that the testimony given before given by me before this board will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. The responses I did. 150 00:45:57.520 --> 00:46:15.359 >> Come on forward. Uh and so this is a uh application for a special permit. So obviously you have the difference in standards that we explained with the last with the last applicant. So 151 00:46:15.359 --> 00:46:31.359 >> why don't you give us an idea of just what the project entails and >> All right. So my name's Elizabeth Deborah Austin and I did bring my husband. I did not bring our children. So we um currently have an existing >> No, we don't. It's fine. Um, we have an 152 00:46:31.359 --> 00:46:45.680 existing non-conforming um, porch and stairs that give us entry into the main door that we use. Um, and this special permit is actually part of a bigger project in that we are looking to add on a family room to the back of the house 153 00:46:45.680 --> 00:47:03.599 where the existing porch is. So when we do that, we'll actually be bringing the property more conforming, except we still need that porch and stairs to get into our main point of entry into the house. So with that, we would be 154 00:47:03.599 --> 00:47:19.200 constructing a new porch within the side setback. Um we have been in touch with our neighbors um who did send an email um that we can provide that they are fine just moving forward with it. And obviously the standard opposite we 155 00:47:19.200 --> 00:47:36.480 look for is that the proposed project is what's the exact wording not less or not >> not more. Yes. >> Thank you so much. >> So in keeping with that measurements >> you would be not more detrimental. 156 00:47:36.480 --> 00:47:54.640 >> Appreciate it. Thank you. Any of you members of the board have any questions? >> And it's basically the same set of students just different. Yeah, >> it's just shifting it down further playing south. >> Was there a white fence there? 157 00:47:54.640 --> 00:48:12.640 >> Yes, the neighbors have a white fence there. >> Yeah, and the school's on the other side. >> We will uh open this up for any public comment. I do not see anyone present. Would you like to speak, 158 00:48:12.640 --> 00:48:45.599 >> please? I get we can close we can close public comment. Does the board have any questions and uh as who would like to take this? >> Would anybody like to make a motion? Frank, I don't know if Frank's made a 159 00:48:45.599 --> 00:49:01.280 motion yet. >> Yeah, Frank's trying >> with the the uh the grant. That's a long grant. The petitioner special permit underwriting zoning by law section 6.3 160 00:49:01.280 --> 00:49:19.200 7.0 0 7.3 and 7.32 to remove the existing porch construct the new porch located on the existing structure the non-conforming sideyard se back on the property located at 11 B Massachusetts um special permit under the following 161 00:49:19.200 --> 00:49:36.000 conditions petitioner shall submit the building inspect to the building inspector certified block plan of the proposed construction and proposed foundation plans prior to the issuance of foundation permit for the Worker's final construction plans for the new structure shall be submitted to building 162 00:49:36.000 --> 00:49:51.960 inspector along with the asbuilt foundation plans prior to the issuance of the permit as build plan showing completed construction shall be submitted to the inspector immediately after the work is completed prior to the issuance of permit 163 00:49:52.319 --> 00:50:09.880 >> session and all in favor of granting session >> a thanks Congratulations. >> Well, we do appreciate it. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Yes, you too. 164 00:50:19.359 --> 00:50:43.920 >> All right. Thank you so much. >> Thank you everybody. the kids. >> Yeah. Who knew? Huh? >> Thank you. >> The only thing we have left are >> reference that plan, too. I couldn't find a date. 165 00:50:43.920 --> 00:51:23.480 >> Oh, yes. So, that is Yeah, reading survey. >> Yeah. Yeah, that was all right. Is this the are not submitted with the application. 166 00:51:25.520 --> 00:51:56.880 Yeah. Okay. So as well referencing the plat for this particular test. No. Would you move on? >> Are we sure? Because I feel like that one's 10. >> No, it's 11 Morgan Park. I'm looking at Was it? 167 00:51:56.880 --> 00:52:22.800 >> Yeah. >> I mean, it might also have been 10. >> You know what? 10 lane looks was the same. >> Thank move on to It's probably April 6th. >> Yeah, I wasn't here. 168 00:52:22.800 --> 00:52:42.240 >> I was here in spirit. >> No, I just forgot to move you guys down and I realized I had all the others present in me. So, I didn't check that. >> Okay, next. So 169 00:52:42.240 --> 00:53:24.880 tonight approve we approve if we not the minutes. >> Yeah, I did. I watched the video. video that >> and is there a second? 170 00:53:24.880 --> 00:53:46.319 All in favor to approve this from 46. Well, I guess if if we because I watched the video already. >> All right. So, that concludes for the evening. Is there a motion to >> second? All in favor? 171 00:53:46.319 --> 00:53:54.520 >> I unanimous. So, we are welcome.