Owner seeks variances to convert 313 Elm Street into three apartments; engineer testifies to parking and life‑safety measures

Joan London, attorney for the property owner, asked the Reading Zoning Hearing Board to grant variances to convert a six‑bedroom single‑family house at 313 Elm Street into three apartments (two two‑bedroom units and one one‑bedroom unit). London said the lot is approximately 3,920 square feet and argued the property's long, narrow shape and preexisting building coverage create a practical hardship that was not self‑created. "The variances being requested are the minimum necessary to allow reasonable use of this property," she told the board.

Jesus Figuero Hernandez, the owner, was sworn and confirmed he had reviewed and adopted London's offer of proof. He also confirmed he currently lives in the property. "Yes," he answered when asked whether he was present and had heard the statement, and added he had nothing further to add on the record.

Christopher J. Menna, a licensed professional engineer qualified as an expert, described the plans prepared with Green North Studio. He said the existing residence has roughly 2,512 square feet of living area and that the proposed site plan shows three off‑street parking spaces accessed from a rear alley. Menna noted the minimum parking stall used on the plan was 9 by 18 feet and said adding one or two additional spaces would be possible but could require longer backing maneuvers in the alley. "I would say about 70 to 80% of the original partitions would be intact," Menna said, explaining that only about 20% of partitions would be altered to create the units. He also described life‑safety measures including smoke and carbon‑monoxide detectors, emergency lighting and supplemental fire‑rated drywall and doors where needed.

Zoning staff and the board clarified scope and procedure: the chair and the zoning administrator noted that certain conditional‑use determinations and any related council approvals remain within city council purview. The board closed the evidentiary portion of the hearing and announced it will render a decision at its October meeting; applicants were told they do not have to be present and will receive written notice from the zoning office.

The board did not record any public opposition in the transcript. The hearing record will be considered at the scheduled deliberation in October.