Reading zoning board approves razing of 1792 house

Zoning Board · Meeting of October 5, 2026

Reading's Zoning Board of Appeals approved demolition of a 1792 house tied to muralist Rufus Porter, over objections from preservationists and neighbors. The board, chaired by Patrick Houghton, voted unanimously to grant applicant Giuseppe Rovita a variance to raze the house at 52 Salem Street and build a two-family duplex, on condition that salvager David Ottinger get six weeks to remove Porter-attributed murals and architectural elements, part of a roughly $25,000 salvage agreement. Historical Commission member Jonathan Barnes warned the mitigation work was already behind schedule and historic material "may not be preserved." Neighbor Mary Scott said the owner "shows no concern or respect for the town of Reading." The board also unanimously approved variances and special permits for projects at 178 Forest Street, 449 Franklin Street and 72 Green Street, where architect Michael Keyes won approval to convert his home into a three-unit property despite 45.1 percent lot coverage against a 25 percent zoning maximum.

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Source: the Zoning Board meeting of October 5, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.