Zoning Board of Appeals
Minutes
October 1, 2014
Landuse Meeting Room
Members present: Chair Ethan Berg, EB; Robert Fuster Sr., (RF); Ned Douglas, (ND); Shawn Leary Considine, (SLC); Cliff Snyder, (CS)
Staff present: Land Use Clerk Peggy Ammendola, (PA)
Chris and Veronica Fenton, 38 Taconic Avenue, Map 46, Lot 24, Special Permit under Section 4.1.1 to alter/construct an exterior 70 square foot covered deck, and a 105 square foot, 2-story addition to the dwelling.
ND disclosed that he teaches at BCD and that there were two members of the public in attendance whose children are students at BCD. He offered to step down if there were any objections. There were none.
Presenting the application was Rob Akroyd of Greylock Design Associates and Veronica Fenton. Also present was Sarah Alberti of Alberti Design Studios who is helping with the project.
Ms. Fenton said that she and her husband were before the Board( get date) with the initial request to renovate the 3rd story attic. They have decided to make some changes for contemporary living but keeping the Victorian design.
Mr. Akroyd presented elevations to illustrate the proposed changes to the pre-existing, non-conforming structure relative to setbacks. The most significant setback encroachment is the garage and to the abutters to the east, Joseph and Betsy Strauch.
Mr. Akroyd detailed the proposed modest additions to accommodate the needs of the family which involves a two story addition of a mudroom on the first floor and the extension of the master bedroom on the second floor and an extension of the covered porch. He said that there is one change in the application which would be to request a Special Permit under Section 3.3.3 versus Section 4.1.1. Mr. Akroyd said the proposal is no more conforming with the exception of the bottom steps to the porch.
Mr. Akroyd added that the property, located at the corner of Taconic and Maple Streets, has been subdivided, but will remain in common ownership. At some point in the future the Fentons plan to build a carriage house on the second lot which will consist of a double garage, small kitchen and living quarters on the first and second floor which potentially would be an in-law apartment or guest house.
No correspondence has been received. There were seven members of the public present.
The only questions regarding the project were from the abutters, Joseph and Betsy Strauch. Both Mr. Akroyd and Ms. Fenton answered their questions and the Strauches had no objections to the proposed project. The existing driveway’s condition will be improved, but location will not be changed. Other concerns were addressed and discussed relative to the maintenance of the grounds abutting the Strauch’s property but it was noted by EB that this was not under the jurisdiction of the Zoning Board.
EB made a motion to close the public hearing and RF seconded the motion. The Board voted to agree 5-0.
SLC made a motion to grant the petitioners’ request for a Special Permit amended from Section 4.1.1 to a Special Permit from Section 3.3.3 to construct a deck and addition. RF asked if anything needed to be done procedurally other than to accept the change in the request under different sections of the bylaw. SLC said that the change was not significant. EB seconded the motion and the Board voted to approve 5-0.
Other Business:
It was suggested that the petition of Mark Nulman which was withdrawn orally at the hearing of be withdrawn in writing. PA will contact Ms. Strassfeld who represented her brother in this matter and make this request.
Minutes-
August 6, 2014- EB, SLC, CS, RF, and RFjr sat for this meeting. Tabled
August 20, 2014- RF, RFjr, AH and JH sat for this meeting. Tabled
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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