TOWN OF GORHAM
BOARD OF APPEALS
MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 15, 2005
The Gorham Board of Appeals held its regular meeting December 15, 2005 at the Gorham High School.
Present; Acting Chairman, David McCullough; Board members, Lauren Carrier, Thomas Fickett, Clinton Pearson and Cressey Mollison. Code Enforcement Officer, Clint Cushman, Town Attorney, Bill Dale and Deputy Town Clerk, Jennifer Elliott
Absent; Audrey Gerry and Joe Gwozdz.
David McCullough took place of Chairman of the meeting.
Moved, Seconded and VOTED to approve the November 17 meeting minutes as printed and distributed. 5 Yeas.
The first applicant, Richard Towle, was not present and the Board decided to hear his appeal second.
Appeal # 05-197. The appeal of Donald & Judith Ricker requesting a 2.5 foot variance to accommodate a proposed private way that would be 47.5 feet from an existing home. The private way requires a 50-foot setback. The property they own is located at 221 County Road (Map 15, Lot 32), which is in the Residential/Manufactured Housing District. The Rickers had Demetria Chadbourne speak on their behalf. She stated that they have excess land behind the home and would like to break off the back lot. They would need a private way to do this. This would also be providing funds for their retirement. The land has been surveyed for just that property line and the existing garage will be moved.
The public hearing was opened and Debbie Dyer of 215 County Road spoke of her concerns about the private being next to her property line. The Town Attorney stated that the applicants would still have to go before the planning board for further approval and layout of the private way. The Code Enforcement Officer stated that her structures are fine and would not have to be moved.
There were no further comments and the hearing was closed.
The board discussed the lot size of 5.3 acres and it could only be 2 house lots at the maximum. Bill Dale stated that this does not fit the 20% variance criteria.
The board went over the criteria for the appeal.
Moved, Seconded and VOTED to approve the appeal. 3 Yeas 2 Nays (Pearson & Fickett).
The Findings of Fact as read aloud by Bill Dale were Moved, Seconded and VOTED. 5 Yeas.
Appeal # 15-196. The appeal of Richard Towle requesting a 15-foot variance to construct a 32-foot by 22-foot residential garage that would not be attached to the home on property he owns at 107 Barstow Road (Map 89, Lot 72), which is in the Suburban Residential District.
Richard Towle spoke on his own behalf and explained that he would like a 2-car garage and because of the layout and slope of the property he cannot go back any further. It will be further back from the road than the house. He did not attach it because it would cost too much, having to put in a frost wall and a firewall. This garage would be on a slab. There will be no living space above the garage.
There was no public comment and the hearing was closed.
The board discussed the criteria.
Moved, Seconded and VOTED to grant the appeal. 5 Yeas.
The Findings of Facts as read aloud by Bill Dale were Moved, Seconded and VOTED. 5 Yeas.
Moved, Seconded and VOTED to adjourn. 5 Yeas.
Time of adjournment 7:45 p.m.
A TRUE RECORD OF MEETING
Attest: Jennifer Elliott
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