TOWN OF HOLDEN
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
HEARING
John & Julie Stevens Case No.SP 0709
The Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing on July 10, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall, 1196 Main Street, Holden, MA on the Application of John & Julie Stevens for property located at 959 Wachusett Street for a SPECIAL PERMIT to allow retail sales of produce, greenery and related items.
Members of the Board in attendance: Ronald Spakauskas, Silvio Annunziata, Fred Lonardo and James Deignan. The Chairman called the hearing to order. The secretary read the application and findings of fact.
Mr. Stevens explained that he would like to open a greenhouse/fruit & vegetable stand on his 3 ¼ acre lot for the retail sales of plants, trees and pumpkins.
S. Annunziata asked if there would be a separate parking lot for this business. The applicant said he is going to widen the driveway, clear trees and put in stone for parking.
F. Lonardo pointed out that the plans indicated a 20 ft. x 30 ft. building for the use of sales; Mr. Stevens corrected the plan to approximately 16 ft. by 20 ft. Mr. Lonardo asked if this business would be year round or seasonal. It would be seasonal, perhaps from Easter to Thanksgiving. Hours of operation would be 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 or 6:00 p.m., weekends will be shorter.
J. Deignan asked if this would be a permanent building. Mr. Stevens indicated it would be stick built on concrete blocks, similar to a storage shed.
Angela Marra, 981 Wachusett Street, asked for confirmation of the driveway location. She also expressed concerns regarding signage. The Chairman confirmed that the applicant would be limited to a twenty (20) square foot sign.
D. Lipka, Building Commissioner, together with the Board, discussed reducing the size of the parking area.
William Elliott, 965 Wachusett Street, asked how much tree clearing is anticipated. Mr. Stevens said it would take place far down the road, in the back and left side of the property. To address another of Mr. Ellliott’s concerns, he also added that there would be no public walking in the back yard. Mr. Elliott asked to be notified prior to any clearing.
Since there were no further comments or questions, the public hearing was officially closed at 7:30 p.m.
The Board voted unanimously to grant the Special Permit with the conditions: 1) The parking area will be no larger than 30’ x 50’ with a maximum of 9 parking spaces; 2) Hours of operation: Daily 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Sundays 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; 3) A sign is limited to 20 s.f. with the approval of the Building Commissioner and will not be externally or internally illuminated; 4) Seasonal operation is limited to March 1st through December 31st; 5) The size of the building will be no more than 400 s.f; 6) All the parking area and structures will meet the requirements of the Holden Zoning Bylaw.
Ronald E. Spakauskas, Chairman
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