MONSON PLANNING BOARD
MINUTES SEPTEMBER 20, 2011
MEMBERS PRESENT: Craig Sweitzer, Kevin Haley, Tara Hengeveld, Paul Hatch and Karen King.
John Goodrich met informally with the Board to discuss the possibility of a common driveway for his property on Waid Road. Mr. Goodrich stated he has approximately 63 acres and would like to utilize the existing driveway, bringing it first into conformance with the requirements for a common driveway to cut off a parcel with 9 acres and 220 feet of road frontage. The home that was proposed would be for his daughter and son-in-law.
Tara Hengeveld questioned the approximate length of the proposed common driveway?
John Goodrich stated it would be about 800 feet. The existing driveway is 400 feet in length and another 400 feet would have to be added.
Craig Sweitzer questioned if the intent was to have two houses?
John Goodrich stated he had additional frontage and would keep another 200 feet of frontage for his son if he chose to build there in the future. Mr. Goodrich questioned how much of the proposed driveway would the Board require to be paved?
Paul Hatch stated the driveway paving was required for the grade of the driveway not the length.
John Goodrich stated his driveway is currently gravel and paving. He questioned if the turnaround area had to be paved?
Paul Hatch stated no, the turnaround area was to allow emergency vehicles safe access and egress from the property.
Kevin Haley stated the driveway should be paved to the first high point.
Craig Sweitzer stated the minimum width of the driveway should be 24 feet and the traveled way minimum width 18 feet.
CS width and surface of driveway minimum width 24 feet traveled way 18 feet.
Tara Hengeveld stated the bylaw requires a maintenance agreement.
Craig Sweitzer stated he did not see any obvious red flags.
Paul Hatch stated Mr. Goodrich may have to request a waiver for the length of the driveway.
The Board signed the ANR plan for Gary Pfisterer to consolidate two existing building lots with frontage on Whitney Avenue into one lot and two existing lots with frontage on Main Street into one lot.
The Board discussed the situation that has arisen with non-conforming lots on which the house has been demolished due to the tornado that occurred in Monson on June 1, 2011 and the requirement that construction of a new home must start within two years after the demolition of the damaged home.
Craig Sweitzer stated he did not understand why a non-conforming building lot was not always a building lot.
Kevin Haley stated beyond two years he believed it would require a variance.
The Board had a lengthy discussion and determined that before it moved forward to amend or change the bylaws certain points needed clarification.
Craig Sweitzer stated he would contact the Office of Community Development for guidance.
The Board approved the minutes of August 16, 2011.
Voting aye: Craig Sweitzer, Kevin Haley and Tara Hengeveld.
Karen King and Paul Hatch abstained.
Paul Hatch moved to adjourn at 8:30 P.M.
Craig Sweitzer seconded the motion.
It was so voted unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda A. Hull
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