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Court‑remanded 1900 Hill Road case returns to Reading zoning board; applicants offer proof of four‑unit use
Summary
Owners of 1900 Hill Road provided photographs, inspection reports and utility‑meter evidence to support that the building has operated as a four‑unit property; the board asked for utility‑installation history and deferred a written decision to March.
The Zoning Hearing Board of the City of Reading took testimony Feb. 12, 2025, on an appeal for 1900 Hill Road after a county court remanded the matter for additional evidence. The applicants — JPRO Properties LLC and Redeemed Properties LLC — say the property has long been used as a four‑unit apartment.
The board heard an offer of proof and accepted exhibits from Joel Reedy, attorney for JRPO Properties LLC and Redeemed Properties LLC. Reedy submitted a 19‑page compilation of photos, inspection reports and other documents (entered as exhibit 6) that the applicants say shows the property was advertised and inspected as a four‑unit apartment for years prior to the current owners’ purchase.
Why it matters: If the board finds an existing fourth unit qualifies as a preexisting nonconforming use, the property owner could retain that unit under nonconforming‑use rules. The board’s eventual ruling will determine whether the property may be occupied and operated as a four‑unit apartment under Reading’s zoning rules.
What the applicants presented
- Joel Reedy told the board his clients, Lewis and Jessica Centrone, purchased the property after it was listed on MLS as a four‑unit apartment and that multiple inspection records going back to 2014 show four units. Reedy said photographs in the submission show “before and after” conditions and that all work the Centrones performed was permitted and inspected.
- The applicants said there are five electrical meters visible outside the building — one for each of four units and one for the owner covering common areas — and that Xfinity account information indicates separate accounts for four units.
Board questions and next steps
Board members and counsel suggested pursuing a utility‑installation history to corroborate the meter evidence. Solicitor Steve Price and board members recommended obtaining MetEd’s meter‑installation and activation history; counsel said he would attempt to obtain the records but noted the process may require a subpoena or liaison with MetEd’s in‑house counsel.
No members of the public testified in opposition or support at the hearing. The board said it will accept the exhibits into the record, consider the newly offered proof and render a written decision at the March meeting, to be mailed to the parties.
Speakers who testified or were noted on the record included attorney Joel Reedy (representing the applicants), Lewis Centrone (owner, licensed contractor), Jessica Centrone (owner), Emily Diaz Melendez (zoning officer), and Solicitor Steve Price.
The board did not take a final vote at the hearing; the record remains open for the board’s consideration and for any additional documents requested.
