Zoning Board of Appeals Recap: July 1, 2025
(30 second read)
My home, like many older homes in Reading, needs work. My spouse and I have decided the next project is updating our deck. For some extra construction fun, we have a quirky situation and needed to go before the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to request a Special Permit — something many residents are familiar with.
As an associate member of the ZBA, I took some extra steps to ensure there were no conflicts of interest (details below). Unfortunately for us, Amanda Haley, co-owner of the Reading Recap and wife of Select Board Chair Chris Haley, expressed during public comment that I had not disclosed a conflict of interest to her personal expectations. In order to provide transparency to the community, below is a full accounting of our deck request.
Short version…
1) Discussed with town staff about the appropriate actions to take while avoiding conflict of interest.
2) Did NOT discuss the deck with any member of the ZBA.
3) Recused myself from participating in the meeting as a ZBA member, where my deck was being discussed.
Thank you, Taylor and Andrew
(4-5 minute read)
Long version…
At the July 1, 2025, Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting, I presented a Special Permit application for a deck project at my home [0:25]. As an associate member of the ZBA, I recused myself from the case before it was opened, made full disclosures, and participated in the meeting strictly as a resident for my case. While the permit was ultimately approved, the discussion surrounding my involvement sparked a wave of commentary online -- some critical, some supportive.
Several residents defended the fairness of the process, noting that I had followed all required procedures. One comment summed it up clearly:
“People who volunteer for Town Boards have the right to make home improvements and seek the necessary permits like anyone else. It’s appropriately handled through recusals.”
Others were more pointed in their observations of how the hearing unfolded:
“Not only did [Chris Haley’s] wife try to sabotage the variance based on the conflict of interest stuff, but then to also try to advocate against it on the specific aspects of the project and the neighborhood was next level petty.”
“All I can say is last night’s meeting might be the most egregious display of unneighborly behavior I’ve ever seen on RCTV. And that’s saying something considering the state of this town. Congratulations to ZBA for not engaging in it and simply doing their job.”
How I handled the process
I followed the same procedures any resident would. I filed my application online, disclosed my role on the ZBA, and recused myself from board deliberations. I did not speak with any ZBA members about the specifics of my case.
I also disclosed the following during the meeting:
I was appointed to the ZBA in 2024 and had recently been reappointed by the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee (VASC).
When I applied for reappointment and interviewed with VASC on June 9, I had no pending business before the ZBA.
I learned on the evening of June 10 -- after my VASC interview -- that I would be the one applying for the permit, due to my spouse’s travel schedule.
The Building Permit application was originally submitted by our contractor. There was an error in my Special Permit application indicating that no Building Permit had been filed. I learned of the mistake later while reviewing documentation with town staff.
I spoke with Amanda Beatrice, a member of town staff, about administrative steps in the process.
Context for the permit request
Our home was built in 1850 and is a legally nonconforming structure located 2.2 feet from the side yard lot line. The proposed deck would sit 8.8 feet from the same line. While this is still within the 15-foot required setback, it does not increase the existing nonconformity, as the house itself is closer to the lot line.
I also:
Spoke directly with both adjacent neighbors, who expressed support.
Had a nearby resident attend the meeting to support the application.
Referenced a recent case (Case 25-6) that had similar circumstances and was approved, to demonstrate consistency in ZBA decisions.
Conflict allegation and public response
During public comment, Amanda Haley, co-owner of Reading Recap and spouse of Select Board Chair Chris Haley, read a prepared statement alleging conflict of interest, arguing that I should have disclosed the situation during my VASC interview. However, as one community member noted in response:
“[Taylor] clarified that there was no pending business at the time of the application or interview, and they plan to disclose the conflict at tonight’s meeting. Personally, I find that explanation satisfactory. These are volunteer positions, and by all accounts, Taylor has served effectively on the ZBA. I appreciate their willingness to volunteer and contribute.”
ZBA members affirm independence
During the meeting, ZBA members confirmed that I had not discussed the case with them prior to the hearing. In fact, several board members noted that they didn’t realize I was attached to the case until the night of the meeting. They stated clearly that their decision was based on the merits of the application, and that the project met the requirements for a Special Permit.
Final thoughts
I handled this process with care, transparency, and respect for the public trust. I recused myself, disclosed all relevant information, and followed the exact procedures required of any applicant. I’m proud to be a volunteer in this town and to have contributed to the ZBA’s work.
Just like any other resident, I sought a permit to make a modest improvement to my home. I'm saddened that the wife of an elected official would attempt to thwart our home improvement efforts. However, I am grateful the process worked as it should -- and I thank the ZBA members for considering the case on its merits and remaining focused on fairness and facts.
Image of the July 1, 2025 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting from the RCTV Youtube page. Pictured (left to right): Board members Frank Capone, Patrick Houghton, Cynthia Hartman, town staff Amanda Beatrice, and associate Board member Taylor Gregory.
