Minutes of Meeting
April 1, 2010
In attendance: PD, JS, AP, PH, SF and JD
LR
7:00
Continuation
53/55 Highridge Road – Timothy Jones
Sitting in: PD, AP, JS, DC and MCas
PD opened the hearing and read the letter requesting a continuance. JS asked if there was any information regarding the amount of money that was owed. PD stated as far as he knew it would be a benefit to the town. AP stated he was concerned about the ongoing continuance requests and would like some updates. JS suggested they request a person to attend the next scheduled hearing even if they plan on asking for a continuance so the board can get information or updates if they choose to.
JS motion to allow a continuation as requested until the June 3rd meeting with the attorney or the applicant in attendance at that time.
PH second.
All in favor to continue to June 3, 2010 at 7:00 PM.
New
1040 South Main Street – Mr. Wenger
Sitting In: PD, JS, AP, PH and SF
Mr. Wenger stated he would like the requested special permit to use the property for selling his produce while the road work was being done on Pulaski Blvd. as it may be closed to traffic and this will hurt his current business on 800 Pulaski Blvd. He stated he will have a portable storage shed (no foundation) on the requested property to sell his produce. The board members had concerns about traffic and safety as the property is on a curve on a busy road and they did not have an accurate plan with dimensions to show exactly where everything would take place. They questioned if an engineered plan was even necessary due to it being a temporary structure. They referred to the bylaw and told the applicant that if he planned on selling ¾ of what is grown locally in Bellingham then he
may be able to go ahead without a Special Permit and if he did not meet that criteria then he could possibly not even be able to come before the board for a relief. The board was in agreement to get Town Counsels opinion and walk the site in question. Mr. Wenger stated it will be retail as it is now on Pulaski Blvd. PD stated that if he was to go over the amount of retail sales then it would be considered wholesale and that cannot be done. Abutters spoke of their concerns as to safety with the curve and the traffic coming in and out of the parking area and as to why this would even be considered as they felt it was not an allowable use. The applicant requested a continuance to allow the board time to research this matter.
AP motion to continue as requested to May 6, 2010 at 7:00 pm.
PH second.
All in favor to allow the continuation as requested.
New
10 Wrentham Road – Hope for Animals Sanctuary
Sitting In: PD, JS, AP, PH and SF
The applicant, Linda Tanfani and her attorney were in attendance. They explained that they have a special permit to run their cat shelter but they have a donor that would like to buy them a home to run the shelter which would mean they would be moving to the new address requiring a new special permit. This property is zoned B1 and is in a distressed condition that will need work prior to moving in. The board members were concerned about the number of cats that would stay there at one time, their waste removal, the healthcare of the cats and the parking situation. The applicant stated they would not have over 25 cats there at one time (as what their current permit states) and if they have more than that then they outsource to other shelters. A letter from the Health Agent was
read with regards to no complaints ever being forwarded during their current years of operation. The applicant’s attorney stated he would confer to the health agent in regards to the waste removal as they currently used a commercial carrier but would use the town removal service if at all possible. The applicant presented informational operations binder including details on the background of the shelter, support letters from prior landlords, animal adoption process and emergency contact information.
AP motion to close the hearing.
PH second.
JS motion to grant a Special Permit to allow the operation of a cat shelter with the maximum not to exceed 25 cats.
AP second.
All in favor to grant the Special Permit as requested.
There is a 20-day appeal period.
New
37 Apache Road – Gordon Clark
Sitting in: PD, JS, AP, PH and JD
PD opened the hearing. A letter had been received that day from the Conservation Commissioner regarding filing under the wetlands protection act as the applicant would be in the 100 foot buffer zone. The applicant requested a continuance as he wanted to speak with the conservation commissioner regarding this issue.
AP motion to continue as requested to May 6, 2010.
PH second.
All in favor to continue as requested to May 6th at 7:00 PM
Informal – 84/68 Norfolk Street
PD read a letter from Town Counsel regarding the status of the complaints at the above property. Mr. Fitzgerald felt like he has not been communicated with as to the updates taking place. The board asked LR to contact Town Counsel and forward any updates that were available to Mr. Fitzgerald.
Board Member Positions
JS motion to continue with PD as the chairman until the next meeting as the full board was not in attendance.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM
Approved 5/6/2010
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