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.
🏛️ Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Summary
📅 Date: September 2, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Select Board Room, Town Hall
👥 Board Members Present: Andrew Grasberger (Chair), Cynthia Hartman, Frank Capone, Chris Cridler, Anthony Fodera (Associate), Taylor Gregory (Associate)
🧾 Staff Present: Amanda Beatrice (Administrative Specialist)
📌 Case #25-04: 39 Summer Avenue – Continuance Request
🕒 2:49–3:09
📝 Request: Applicant requested a continuance to the next meeting.
✅ Outcome: Motion to continue was approved unanimously.
📌 Case #25-11: 94 Oak Street – Special Permit for Garage and Living Space Addition
🕒 3:09–30:17
📣 Speaker: Nancy Twomey (Architect, representing homeowners Leslie and David McIsaac)
📝 Request: Special permit to demolish an existing single-car garage and construct a two-car garage with living space above on a legally non-conforming structure with a non-conforming sideyard setback.
🔑 Key Points:
- The existing garage is 8.9 ft from the side lot line; the proposed structure will be 9.2 ft, slightly improving the setback.
- The addition includes a two-car garage, extended kitchen, mudroom, and a second-floor bedroom and bathroom.
- The design maintains the scale and character of the original 1934 Royal Barry Wills-style Cape.
- The roofline and dormers are designed to minimize visual impact on neighbors.
- Over 30 letters of support were submitted by neighbors.
- One abutter at 100 Oak Street expressed concern about the garage extension blocking views and creating a boxed-in feeling.
- Tumi clarified that the design was intended to reduce impact by keeping rooflines low and pulling massing away from the neighbor’s side.
✅ Outcome:
- Special Permit Granted under Sections 6.3, 7.0, 7.3, and 7.3.2.
- Conditions:
- Submit certified plot and foundation plans before foundation permit.
- Submit final construction and as-built foundation plans before building permit.
- Submit as-built plans after completion and before occupancy permit.
📌 Case #25-12: 18 Knollwood Road – Special Permit for Garage and Second-Floor Addition
🕒 30:34–41:41
📣 Speaker: Vinicius Silva (Builder, representing homeowners Anita and Barat Batia)
📝 Request: Special permit to construct a rear addition and a front garage extension with second-floor living space on a legally non-conforming structure with a non-conforming sideyard setback.
🔑 Key Points:
- The rear addition is fully compliant and has already received Conservation Commission approval.
- The front garage extension adds 5 ft to accommodate a standard vehicle and includes a second-floor addition.
- The sideyard setback remains unchanged; the project does not increase non-conformity.
- The existing home has been vacant for three years; the new owners plan to move in immediately.
- All immediate abutters were consulted and expressed support for the project.
✅ Outcome:
- Special Permit Granted under Sections 7.0, 7.3, and 7.3.2.
- Conditions:
- Submit certified plot and foundation plans before foundation permit.
- Submit final construction and as-built foundation plans before building permit.
- Submit as-built plans after completion and before occupancy permit.
- Project must comply with Conservation Commission approvals.
🗂️ Administrative Notes:
- Minutes Approved for August 2025 with amendments.
- Board Reorganization:
- New Chair: Chris Cridler
- Vice Chair: Patrick Houghton (retained)
- Scheduling Discussion: Board considered moving future meetings to Mondays starting in 2026; decision pending.
- Next Meeting: Scheduled for the first Tuesday in October.
