October 4, 2012
Minutes of Meeting
In attendance: JS, AP, JD, MC, PD, BS and NF
7:00 PM
New – 500 Hartford Avenue – Variance for operation of a retail business
MC read the request for a continuation to January 3, 2013.
JS motion to grant.
JD second the motion.
All board in favor to allow to continue to January 3, 2013.
Interview – Alternate Position
Mary Chaves was in attendance to interview for the alternate position. The board questioned her experience, availability and interest with this position and her involvement with a recent appeal situation. MC felt she had experience from her past positions on the ZBA, BOS and her present position with the Master Plan Committee. She explained her involvement with the past appeal of a recent ZBA decision and felt she had every right as a resident to appeal and also drop the case due to the fact the builder agreed to make the intersect near her home safer. Some of the Board Members disagreed with this.
JS motion to recommend Ms. Chaves to the BOS.
JD second.
In Favor: JS, JD, AP
Opposed: PD and MC
Mary Chaves will be recommended to the BOS for the opening as an alternate on the ZBA. LR will write a letter to the BOS.
Continuation – 53/55 Highridge Road – Variance Request
Timothy Jones was in attendance. JS explained that he met with Town Counsel and this application was to be heard like any other application request as at the last meeting there was discussion regarding this due to the other pending application with this same address. Timothy Jones, owner explained that the bank and the town were both involved in this request as he cannot do the original 2 lots requested and make any money to pay back the town. He stated he needs this variance as he is seeking 3 extra lots for a total of 5. They would be below the 2 acre minimum but overall it is 10 plus acres. The homes would be consistent with what is already there. The board went over the criteria that had to be met for a variance and they felt Mr. Jones did prove there was a hardship to himself but they would like
to have him show how the hardship relates to the soil, shape or topography. Mr. Jones thought his engineer would be able to answer that. The board suggested the applicant read through section 1322. There were abutters in attendance that had questions in regards to how and why variances are issued. The abutters felt that when they purchased their homes there were 2 lots in the original plan but now there would be 3 extra homes and an extra roadway. One abutter felt Mr. Jones should not get the variance granted as it felt like he was being rewarded with more lots just because he owes the town money and can pay them back with this arrangement. The board stated that Mr. Jones must meet the criteria in section 1322 of the bylaw. Mr. Jones asked for a continuance to the next month to seek advice from his engineer.
JD – Motion to continue to November 1, 2012
PD second.
All in favor to continue to November 1, 2012 at 7:00 PM.
Mr. Lussier stopped in informally to seek advice in regards to a building permit he feels should not have been issued to an abutting business of his at 341 Pulaski Blvd. The board suggested he file an appeal of the building inspector with the Town Clerk and it would be heard before the board.
Board Member Re-organization
Chairman
JS nominated JD as new chairman
JD accepted the nomination
All in favor
Vice Chairman
JS nominated AP as new Vice Chairman
AP accepted the nomination
All in favor
Minutes
August 6, 2012 – Approved
September 6, 2012 – Approved
Meeting Adjourned 9:00 PM
Approved 11/1/2012
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