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.
📅 March 2, 2026 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
🕒 Meeting Start: 00:00:31
⏰ Meeting End: 00:26:19
💻 Format: In-person
👤 Chair: Chris Cridler
👥 Attendees: Zoning Board of Appeals members, staff, and members of the public
📋 Summary
The March 2, 2026 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting was brief and procedural in nature. Three scheduled public hearing matters were addressed, all involving requests for continuances to the April 6, 2026 meeting date. Two cases were formally continued at the request of the petitioners, while a third case was ultimately withdrawn without prejudice due to lack of applicant response and nonappearance.
In addition, the Board approved meeting minutes from February 2, 2025, as presented, and January 5, 2025, as amended. The meeting concluded with discussion clarifying the withdrawal process for an application at 16 Elm Street, followed by formal adjournment.
📑 Agenda Overview
| ⏰ Start Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:00:31 | Call to Order |
| 00:01:11 | Case 25-18 – 16 Elm Street (initial discussion) |
| 00:02:01 | Case 26-01 – 526 Summer Avenue |
| 00:04:20 | Case 26-02 – 107 Woburn Street |
| 00:06:32 | Case 26-03 – 122 John Street |
| 00:09:55 | Approval of Meeting Minutes |
| 00:12:23 | Case 25-18 – 16 Elm Street (withdrawal discussion & vote) |
| 00:26:04 | Adjournment |
🗳 Discussion & Vote – Case 26-01: 526 Summer Avenue
⏰ 00:02:01 – 00:04:15
👤 Presenter(s): Chris Cridler; Staff (Amanda Beatrice referenced)
Overview
Continuation of a public hearing for a special permit and variance related to a proposed two-story addition extending a nonconforming side-yard setback and exceeding maximum lot coverage.
Key Discussion Points
- Petitioner formally requested a continuance.
- No representatives for the applicant were present.
- Abutters and required boards had been properly notified.
Vote
🔄 Continued
Vote Count: Unanimous
Action: Continued to April 6, 2026.
🗳 Discussion & Vote – Case 26-02: 107 Woburn Street
⏰ 00:04:20 – 00:06:22
👤 Presenter(s): Chris Cridler
Overview
Request for special permit and/or variance to convert an existing nonconforming medical office into a nonconforming multifamily residential use.
Key Discussion Points
- Written request received from applicant’s attorney to continue the hearing.
- No public comment or applicant representation present.
Vote
🔄 Continued
Vote Count: Unanimous
Action: Continued to April 6, 2026.
🗳 Discussion & Vote – Case 26-03: 122 John Street
⏰ 00:06:32 – 00:09:04
👤 Presenter(s): ZBA Chair
Overview
Special permit request to demolish and reconstruct a nonconforming structure while maintaining nonconforming front-yard setbacks.
Key Discussion Points
- Continuance requested by applicant’s attorney.
- One member of the public attended seeking information; no objection raised.
- Staff directed the attendee to online application materials.
Vote
🔄 Continued
Vote Count: Unanimous
Action: Continued to April 6, 2026.
✅ Meeting Minutes Approved
⏰ 00:09:55 – 00:12:14
👤 Presenter(s): Chris Cridler
- February 2, 2025 Minutes: Approved as presented (unanimous).
- January 5, 2025 Minutes: Approved as amended to clarify motions and seconds (unanimous).
🗳 Discussion & Vote – Case 25-18: 16 Elm Street
⏰ 00:12:23 – 00:23:26
👤 Presenter(s): Chris Cridler; Staff (Amanda Beatrice referenced)
Overview
Application involving 16 Elm Street, initially held to allow time for applicant arrival or clarification.
Key Discussion Points
- Applicant and property owner did not appear.
- Email from architect indicated intent to proceed with a by-right single-family home with attached ADU and questioned need for zoning relief.
- No formal continuance request submitted.
- Board determined applicant actions indicated intent to withdraw.
Vote
✅ Approved
Vote Count: Unanimous
Action: Application withdrawn without prejudice.
🔑 Key Summary
- Three public hearing cases (526 Summer Avenue, 107 Woburn Street, and 122 John Street) were unanimously continued to April 6, 2026.
- The application for 16 Elm Street was unanimously withdrawn without prejudice due to nonappearance and applicant correspondence.
- February 2, 2025 meeting minutes were approved as presented.
- January 5, 2025 meeting minutes were approved as amended.
- No substantive zoning hearings were conducted due to applicant-requested continuances.
- The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to adjourn.
