Below is a summarized version of the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.
📅 May 11, 2026 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
🕒 Meeting Start: 00:01:32
⏰ Meeting End: 00:53:46
💻 Format: In-person
👤 Chair: Chris Cridler
👥 Attendees: Chris Cridler (Chair), Patrick Houghton (Vice Chair), Andrew Grasberger, Frank Capone, Cynthia Hartman, Anthony Fodera (Associate), Taylor Gregory (Associate), Amanda Beatrice (Administrative Specialist)
📋 Summary
The Zoning Board of Appeals convened to review multiple applications involving variances, special permits, and continuances. Early in the meeting, the Board unanimously continued one case due to a late request. A variance request for a new two-car garage on Forest Street generated extensive discussion regarding hardship criteria and lot uniqueness, ultimately resulting in a continuance to allow the applicant to revise and supplement the submission.
The Board later approved two special permit applications—one for reconstruction and expansion of a nonconforming garage with living space above on Lincoln Way, and another for replacement of a nonconforming porch on Morgan Park—both with standard conditions. The meeting concluded with approval of prior meeting minutes and adjournment.
📑 Agenda Overview
| ⏰ Start Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:01:32 | Call to Order |
| 00:01:54 | Case 26-04 – 90 John Carver Road (Continuance) |
| 00:02:54 | Case 26-05 – 51 Forest Street (Variance) |
| 00:27:49 | Case 26-06 – Lanteon Way (Special Permit) |
| 00:44:31 | Case 26-07 – 11 Morgan Park (Special Permit) |
| 00:52:49 | Approval of Meeting Minutes |
| 00:53:46 | Adjournment |
🗳 Discussion & Vote – Case 26-04: 90 John Carver Road
⏰ 00:01:54 – 00:02:48
👤 Presenter(s): Chris Cridler
Overview
A late request was submitted to continue the case due to a family-related issue.
Vote
🔄 Continued to June 1, 2026
Vote Count: Unanimous
📢 Public Hearing & Vote – Case 26-05: 51 Forest Street
⏰ 00:02:54 – 00:27:41
👤 Presenter(s): Richard Audi (Property Owner)
Applicant
P. Catalano Construction LLC, on behalf of the homeowner
Proposal
Variance to construct a new two-car attached garage creating a reduced side-yard setback (9.9 feet instead of 15 feet).
Key Discussion Points
- Lot is pre-existing and nonconforming in size and frontage
- Physical constraints and lot geometry limit alternative placement
- Board concerns regarding hardship standard and variance precedent
- Discussion of alternative designs, garage size reduction, and relocation
- Neighbor outreach discussed; no written letters submitted
Public Comment
No in-person or remote public comment.
Outcome
🔄 Continued to June 1, 2026, at the applicant’s request to revise plans and provide additional support
Vote Count: Unanimous
📢 Public Hearing & Vote – Case 26-06: 10 Laneton Way
⏰ 00:27:49 – 00:42:58
👤 Presenter(s): Edward DeSimone (Homeowner)
Proposal
Special permit to demolish an existing nonconforming single-story garage and construct a new two-story garage with living space above, extending an existing nonconforming side-yard setback.
Key Discussion Points
- Existing garage is structurally deficient and unsafe
- Proposal maintains neighborhood character
- Nonconformity already exists; extension deemed not more detrimental
- No public opposition
Vote
✅ Approved with standard conditions
Vote Count: Unanimous
📢 Public Hearing & Vote – Case 26-07: 11 Morgan Park
⏰ 00:44:31 – 00:50:00
👤 Presenter(s): Elizabeth Dever-Allston (Homeowner)
Proposal
Special permit to remove and reconstruct an existing porch located within a nonconforming side-yard setback as part of a larger renovation.
Key Discussion Points
- Porch relocation supports overall project bringing property closer to conformity
- Neighbors notified and expressed support
- Minimal impact to surrounding properties
Vote
✅ Approved with standard conditions
Vote Count: Unanimous
✅ Meeting Minutes Approved
⏰ 00:52:49 – 00:53:30
👤 Presenter(s): Chris Cridler
Minutes: Approved as presented
🔑 Key Summary
- Case 26-04 (John Carver Road) was unanimously continued to June 1, 2026.
- The Forest Street variance request raised significant hardship and precedent concerns and was continued to allow revisions.
- A special permit for a two-story garage with living space on Lincoln Way was unanimously approved with conditions.
- A special permit to replace a nonconforming porch at Morgan Park was unanimously approved.
- No public opposition was presented for any hearings.
- Prior meeting minutes were approved, and the meeting adjourned unanimously.
