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.
π July 6, 2026 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
π Meeting Start: 00:00:50
β° Meeting End: 00:14:38
π» Format: In-person
π€ Chair: Patrick Houghton (acting)
π₯ Attendees: Patrick Houghton, Andrew Grasberger, Frank Capone, Taylor Gregory, Amanda Beatrice, Frank Rizza
π Summary
The Zoning Board of Appeals opened the meeting by swearing in potential speakers and approving a continuance request for Case 264 at 90 John Carver Road. The board then conducted a public hearing on an application for a special permit at 26 Whittier Road to construct a second-story addition over an existing nonconforming structure with an existing side-yard setback deficiency.
The applicant received multiple letters of support from neighboring property owners, including direct abutters. After brief discussion confirming that the addition would remain within the existing footprint, the board approved the special permit. The board also approved prior meeting minutes with a minor spelling correction and discussed, but did not formally act on, the vice chair position. A new member, Frank Rizza, introduced himself and provided background information.
π Agenda Overview
| β° Start Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:00:50 | Oath of testimony and meeting opening |
| 00:01:15 | Continuance request β 90 John Carver Road |
| 00:02:01 | Public hearing β 26 Whittier Road special permit |
| 00:10:55 | Approval of meeting minutes |
| 00:12:03 | Board discussion and member introduction |
| 00:14:32 | Adjournment |
π³ Discussion & Vote β Continuance Request, 90 John Carver Road
β° 00:01:15 β 00:02:01
π€ Presenter(s): Board Members
Overview:
The board considered a request to continue Case 264 for 90 John Carver Road.
Key Discussion Points:
- Continuance requested for the same reasons discussed at the prior meeting.
- No substantive discussion on the underlying application occurred.
Vote:
β Approved
Vote Count: Unanimous voice vote (count not stated)
π’ Public Hearing & Vote
β° 00:02:01 β 00:10:55
π€ Presenter(s): John McCabe; Board Members
Applicant:
- John McCabe, on behalf of the property owners.
Proposal:
- Special permit request for 26 Whittier Road.
- Construction of a second-story addition over the existing foundation of a pre-existing nonconforming structure.
- Existing side-yard setback measured approximately 14 to 14.5 feet where 15 feet is required.
Safeguards / Compliance:
- Addition to remain within the existing footprint.
- Conditions included submission of certified plot plans, foundation plans, final construction plans, and as-built plans to the Building Inspector at required stages of the project.
- Applicant advised of decision recording and 20-day appeal process.
Key Discussion Points:
- Board members viewed the proposal as straightforward.
- Direct abutters and several nearby neighbors submitted letters supporting the project.
- No objections were raised during the hearing.
- Board confirmed that the addition would remain on the existing footprint and would not expand the structure laterally.
Vote:
β Approved
Vote Count: Unanimous voice vote (count not stated)
β Meeting Minutes Approved
β° 00:10:55 β 00:12:03
π€ Presenter(s): Board Members
- Prior meeting minutes approved as amended.
- Amendment corrected a spelling error in Andrew Grasbergerβs name.
π£οΈ Public Comment
β° 00:05:50 β 00:07:09
π€ Presenter(s): Applicant and Supporting Neighbors
- Multiple letters of support were submitted from neighboring property owners.
- Direct abutters expressed no objection to the project.
- Additional letters from nearby Whittier Road residents supported the proposal and indicated no concerns.
- No opposition was presented.
π Key Summary
- The board approved a continuance for Case 264 at 90 John Carver Road.
- A public hearing was held for a special permit at 26 Whittier Road for a second-story addition to an existing nonconforming structure.
- Multiple neighboring property owners submitted letters supporting the Whittier Road project.
- The board determined the proposal would remain within the existing footprint and would not increase the nonconformity.
- The special permit for 26 Whittier Road was approved unanimously by voice vote.
- Meeting minutes were approved with a minor correction to Andrew Grasbergerβs name.
- The board discussed the vice chair position but took no formal action.
- New member Frank Rizza introduced himself and outlined his professional background.
