25 Haven Street
Listen to this articleReading, MA — By a vote of 5-0, the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) approved a site plan review presented by architect Farouk Youssef, representing the North American Foundation of Islamic Services, to renovate and construct a mosque and educational center at 25 Haven Street. The site, previously offices for the Reading Municipal Light Department and more recently a Rite Aid pharmacy, is listed on the town’s inventory of historic structures and, according to Historical Commission member Sarah Brukilaccio, is the only art deco building left in town. CPDC has continued a previous site plan review for a 40R development at the site for several months at the developer’s request.
Youssef described the plans for the center, which include a 5,600 square foot prayer area along with offices and social space on the first floor and the addition of two upper floors with social, educational, and activity space. The total building height is expected to be about forty feet. Plans are to maintain the current historic first-floor facade of the building, with clapboard siding and brick columns on the second and third-floor exteriors. The building will retain its current footprint on the lot.
The current parking lot with its entrance on Haven Street and exit onto Green Street will remain, though the lot will be repaved and relined along with some landscaping improvements. The lot will retain its current supply of 26 spaces. Youssef further explained that most activities at the new center will be in the evenings and on weekends, with an average of 30 to 40 cars present. CPDC chair Heather Clish noted that the center is less than 300 feet from the Brande Court municipal parking lot and the depot parking lot, which is unregulated on weekends.
Development Director Andrew MacNichol also explained to the commission that the Dover Amendment to state law covers the site as a religious or educational facility that limits CPDC oversight to bulk and height, setbacks, lot coverage, yard size, lot size, and parking regulations. He also indicated that the proposed usage of the building is a by-right usage for the Business B zoning district in which it resides.
Clish expressed concern over the need for more visual interest of the exterior on the Green Street side of the building, asking for some architectural features that would break up the look of the building as people drive north on High Street. Historical Commissioner Jonathan Barnes thanked Youssef for his commitment to retaining the historic facade of the first floor. He suggested that Youssef attend a Historical Commission meeting to hear more about the building. Youssef indicated a willingness to do so.
CPDC continued the public hearing on the previous plan for the site to its August 14 meeting. MacNichol suggested that the developer will withdraw the plan without prejudice.
Grandview Road Extension & Beacon Street
After discussing adjustments to a planned extension of Grandview Road, CPDC continued the public hearing to August 14. CPDC also continued the public hearing for a subdivision plan for 45 Beacon Street to August 14 as well, at the request of the developer.
246 Walnut Street
CPDC did open a hearing regarding a preliminary subdivision proposal at 246 Walnut Street.
Engineer Geoffrey Bren, representing the property owner, proposed razing the house at this site and using the 2.02 acres on the site to create three lots on a cul-de-sac. Significant concern was raised regarding the site’s wetlands, including a stream that joins the Aberjona River. There is also a significant valley on the site, which could limit building opportunities. Bren acknowledged these concerns and noted that fill and retaining walls would likely be needed to complete the project.
Several abutters expressed concern about the loss of the sound buffer from I-95/Rte. 128 that the trees provide, with one noting that he is surprised that the land is even buildable. Abutter Andrew Dolbin shared his concern about water management on the property.
“Runoff from this site will be hard to manage,” Dolbin stated.
CPDC voted 5-0 to accept the preliminary subdivision plan for the site after Bren removed his request for a few waivers. MacNichol reminded the commission and the public that the plan is still subject to Conservation Commission review and a more detailed future review by the CPDC. “This is not being built yet,” Bren quipped.
CPDC adjourned at 11:20 pm.
