TOWN OF NEW BOSTON
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
MEETING MINUTES
11/10/08
APPROVED 01/20/09
Members present: Greg Mattison, Robert Todd, Phil Consolini, Chairman Dave Craig, Harry Piper, Ed DiPietro, and Clerk Laura Todd
2008-10 RAYMOND BARSS “USE VARIANCE”, MAP/LOT 13/73. 332 Joe English Road.
Chairman Craig opened the hearing @ 7:00PM and asked the applicant (Raymond Barss) to speak to his application. Mr. Barss said that Barry Buck his builder would speak for him.
Mr. Buck explained that an access driveway, carport and ramp were needed due to health reasons. The existing front door has eight stone steps from the lower driveway and the garage, which is under the house, has a full set of stairs, which Mr. Barss is no longer able to climb.
Chairman Craig questioned why the carport could not comply with the 50’ setback and still have a ramp or have a ramp with a turn
Mr. Buck said the ramp should go into the carport and extra turns should be eliminated for safety. He also pointed out the carport would not be any further into the setback than the house, which is 42’ from the centerline of the road.
Chairman Craig asked about the lot frontage and Robert Todd said this is an existing lot, Chairman Craig then asked about more than one driveway and Harry Piper said that was an issue for the Planning Board.
Chairman Craig asked the board to review the written criteria for this application. (see file)
Chairman Craig wanted to be sure he understood the existing stairs.
Mr. Buck said the front door opened onto a landing, and then there were 8 stone stairs down to the present driveway. The other access was a full flight of stairs coming up from the cellar (garage).
Robert Todd asked when the house was built.
Mr. Barss said 44 or 45 years ago.
Harry Piper moved to approve this application, Ed DiPietro 2nd.
Robert Todd spoke in support, saying that all the criteria have been met. (See file)
The board unanimously approved the motion.
Chairman Craig asked that the record reflect there were no abutters present.
Meeting minutes from 09/16/08, 9/30/08 and 10/21/08 were approved as written.
Discussion followed regarding a December hearing. It was determined that because of Laura Todd’s surgery and the holiday season, it would be better to not hold any meetings in December. The board voted unanimously.
Laura Todd made a motion to close the meeting, 2nd by Robert Todd, passed.
Respectfully submitted
10/12/08
Approved 01/20/09
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