Minutes of Meeting
February 4, 2010
In attendance: PD, JS, AP, DC, MCas, PH and SF
LR
7:00
Continuation
289 Hartford Avenue – Ed Gately
Sitting in: PD, JS, AP, DC and MCas
PD opened the continuation. The applicants’ attorney, Paul Kenney explained the request for their variance is to allow for the sale of bark mulch and loam. The property is split between a residential and industrial zone and the shape of the property creates a hardship. There is 45,000 square feet of property in total and 30,000 square feet of it is usable, which is zoned Industrial. Mr. Gately, the applicant stated that there is an easement and he is not allowed to put any structures on the easement, which is all in writing. He would like to use just the Industrial side for the sale of shrubs, plants and mulch. He is willing to put up a fence or planting as a stipulation in the decision as not to encroach on the other area, zoned residential. . Mr. Gately stated there are no wetlands. PD
read an email from Stacey Wetstein, Town Planner questioning if this was the correct request (variance for lot frontage) for this project. AP read section 2130b, questioning as to whether or not this request can even be granted. JS agreed and felt that all requirements of Industrial Zoning would have to be met and thought that Town Counsel should be consulted for advice. PD told the applicant that he should do some more research on this request and it would help the board if he could bring in any maps showing the easement, driveways and more details. The applicant requested a continuation to gather more information.
JS motion to grant a continuation as requested.
AP second.
All in favor to grant the continuation as requested to March 4, 2010 at 7:00 PM.
New – 144 Mechanic Street – Marie Roy
PD opened the hearing. The Legal Ad was read.
Sitting in: PD, JS, AP, DC and MCas
Marie Roy, the applicant stated her son and his wife would like to live near her as since her husband passed away the upkeep of the property and the expenses have been too much for her. Mrs. Roy brought in a plot plan showing the proposed unit attaching it to the existing garage. AP questioned as to why they would not construct the family apartment to the existing home that Mrs. Roy currently lives in. PD said that a family apartment must be connected somehow to the current home, which could be a walkway, hedges, wall, as long as it is adjoined. AP stated as a totally separate unit it does not really seem conducive to the family apartment definition. PD suggested that the applicant seek advice on this issue due to the fact that it would need to be connected and the board also would like to see the dimensions of
the proposed and existing buildings on the plot plan. It needs to be more accurate. JS asked the applicant if she met the other criteria and she stated she owned the property for 35 years, she did not need any variances or special permits to construct the apartment, she could tie into the town sewer for this building and she understood she would have to come back in 5 years to renew it if it was issued. The applicant asked for a continuance for more time to gather the requested information.
PD motion to allow for a continuance to April 1, 2010 at 7:00 PM.
AP second.
All in favor to allow the continuation as requested.
New -54 Newland Avenue – Andrew Kramer
Sitting in: PD, AP, JS, DC and MCas
PD opened the hearing. Mr. Kramer, the applicant explained that he owns a split level home and would like to make an apartment on the lower level for his brother, fiancé and their child. They would be moving in to help with financial issues due to the applicants’ job loss. The home is currently on town sewer. There is adequate parking. The applicant provided photos of the property. Some of his neighbors were in attendance and had concerns of the applicant renting out to who ever he wanted if his brother moved out. PD stated as part of the bylaw only the stated family members can live there. It will be registered at the Registry of Deeds and if they move out, then the Special Permit is no longer valid and it must be renewed in 5 years. The applicant stated he understood this. JS also
explained to the applicant that it must be owner-occupied and it will not be considered a 2 family. The applicant stated that his brother, David Kramer, his fiancé, Jessica and their son, Dawson would be living in the apartment.
PD motion to close the hearing.
AP second.
JS motion to grant the Special Permit for the family apartment as requested for the individuals listed above.
PD second.
All in favor to grant the permit for the family apartment.
There is a 20 day appeal period.
(Mario Castagna left the meeting for personal reasons)
8:15
The interviews for the alternate position were held and Jim Dunlea, Richard Singleton and Donna Johnson spoke about themselves and their reasons for applying for the opening. The board emphasized the importance of the position and if all applicants could commit to the monthly meetings; all were in agreement that they could. The board explained that they would review their information and make their recommendations and then they (applicants) would go before the Board of Selectmen for the final decision.
8:45
EXECUTIVE SESSION
JS motion to end executive session.
MCas second.
All members accounted for and agreed to end the executive session.
Minutes January 7, 2010
AP motion to accept the minutes.
PD second.
All in favor to accept the minutes.
AP motion to adjourn.
PD second.
Meeting adjourned.
Approved 3/4/2010
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