City of Salem Zoning Board of Appeals
Minutes of Meeting
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
A meeting of the Salem Zoning Board of Appeals (“Salem ZBA”) was held on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 in the third floor conference room at 120 Washington Street, Salem, Massachusetts at 6:30 p.m.
Those present were: Rebecca Curran (Chair), Annie Harris, Jimmy Tsitsinos (alternate), Bonnie Belair (alternate), and Jamie Metsch. Those absent were: Beth Debski and Richard Dionne. Also present were Thomas St. Pierre, Director of Inspectional Services, and Danielle McKnight, Staff Planner.
Ms. Curran opens the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of July 20, 2011 are reviewed. Mr. Metsch moves to approve them, seconded by Ms. Belair and approved (4-0 with Ms. Harris abstaining).
Public hearing: Petition of TERRYANNE ST. PIERRE requesting Variances from side and front yard setbacks in order to replace an existing deck with a larger, 8’x10’ deck on the property located at 36 MARCH ST (R-2).
Documents & Exhibitions:
- Application date-stamped 8-3-11 and accompanying materials
- Plot plan with proposed changes
- Photograph of the property with dimensions indicated
- GIS parcel map of 36 March St.
George Fallon presents the petition on behalf of himself and his wife, Terryanne St. Pierre. He explains that he wants to replace the deck, which is in disrepair and is pulling away from the house because of the way it’s been constructed. He shows the Board a photo of the side of the house and the deck, and explains that it’s unsafe. He says he has put in temporary supports. He also notes that he needs to go beyond the sewer line in the ground in order to put in permanent supports. He says this entrance is also the only way to get furniture into the house when people move in and out, and that’s another reason for making it a safer and larger deck. He indicates a berm on the property line and says the neighbor’s house is 12 feet away from that. Ms. Curran asks if he has
spoken to the abutter on that side; Mr. Fallon says he feels he will have support considering the improvements he’s made to the house. He also notes he has to go before the Conservation Commission.
Ms. Curran asks Mr. Fallon to explain the deck’s support system, which he does.
Ms. Curran notes for the record that no members of the public are present to comment.
Mr. St. Pierre says for the record that Terryanne St. Pierre is not a relation of his.
Ms. Belair says she feels the relief requested is minimal.
Ms. Curran says she also has no problem with the petition. Ms. Belair moves to approve the petition with six standard conditions, seconded by Ms. Harris and approved 5-0 (Ms. Harris, Ms. Belair, Ms. Curran, Mr. Metsch and Mr. Tsitsinos in favor, none opposed). The decision is hereby incorporated into these minutes.
Old/New Business: The Board briefly discusses how they operate, at the suggestion of Mr. Metsch, who is new to the Board.
Mr. Metsch moves to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Curran and approved 5-0.
The meeting adjourns at 7:45.
Respectfully submitted,
Danielle McKnight, Staff Planner
Approved by the Board of Appeals 9/21/11
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