Applicant seeks special exception to open appointment-based content studio in Reading

Alexander Heredia told the Reading Zoning Hearing Board on March 11 that he wants to convert an existing building in the R‑3 Residential district into a by‑appointment creative studio offering personal services such as barbering and podcast/content production. The board read the public notice and took sworn testimony from Heredia, but did not decide the application at the hearing.

Heredia said the space would be appointment‑based and more private than a traditional barbershop, adding that he has "been cutting hair for, like, over 20 years" and that the studio would also allow him to record podcasts and create social media content. "It's more like a private studio where it's gonna be more appointment based," he told the board, describing a mix of barbering, content production and educational work.

Emily Melendez, zoning staff, told the board the revised staff report included the supplemental materials the office requested and that staff would be comfortable if the board was satisfied with the revisions. Jack Raymond Gumbach, speaking on behalf of Mayor Eddie Moran, said the mayor supports the project, describing it as a "positive step for the neighborhood" that would bring an underused building back into productive use.

Board members asked how much of the building Heredia would occupy and whether podcasting would be a revenue source. Heredia said he planned to focus on first‑floor barbering while using upper floors for occasional podcast and content sessions and described his online work as largely educational rather than primarily commercial. The board closed testimony and the chair said a written decision will be mailed; the board is expected to render its decision next month.

The hearing record includes the public notice, proof of posting and the applicant's exhibits; no formal vote was taken on the application during the March 11 meeting.