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Minutes of the Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting on 10-11-07
Meeting convened at 7:40 pm in the Donaldson Conference Room at Town Offices. Present: John Kimball, Chair, members Anna Hardman, Joel Freedman, Jeff Macklin and Win Quayle, and Dorothy Blakeley, ZBA Clerk.
Continuances:
Shihab and Marlene Majors-Ahmed, 59 Oxbow Road, M/P 100 6 0, for a special permit to construct additions to a single family home. Mrs. Ahmed appeared with her architect, Andrew Bennett of Bennett Architecture. Since our last meeting on September 6th, a professional survey of the property has been done by Snelling and Hamel, Professional Land Surveyors.; a copy of the survey has been entered into the file for the record. In addition, there were letters of support from the neighbors entered into the record. The survey showed that the proposed addition would protrude into the rear setback requirements of 50 feet. Mr. Bennett noted that only about 8 to10 feet of the proposed addition would intrude into the setback and that the existing house was an antique with low ceilings and woefully
small rooms.. It was the applicant’s hope that they could add a large family room off the rear of the house, which would keep the architectural integrity intact. Mr. Bennett added that what they’re proposing is increasing the value of this property and careful consideration of preserving the face of the unique nature of the existing structure. The board members stated they are struggling with the size of the proposed addition and that it is twice as big as the other rooms in the house. John Kimball said if it were designed differently to allow the same functionality within a reduction in size, that may work. It was noted that any addition needs to stay within the setback requirements in order to obtain a special permit. Mr. Bennett and Mrs. Ahmed will try to redesign the proposed addition.
Action: This matter is continued until December 6, 2007. Panel includes: John Kimball, Chair, Anna Hardman, Joel Freedman, Jeff Macklin and Win Quayle. Decision writer is Joel Freedman.
Administrative Matters:
Completed decisions, Thomas Bray, and Richard and Janice McQuaid, signed.
Accessory apartment discussion: the Board had an informal discussion of the current accessory apartment procedure. It was noted that the current system is broken and that changes need to be implemented. The board discussed the term of renewal for an accessory apartment and everyone agreed that the three year renewal process is too short. The board discussed different renewal timeframes such as 5 years or 10 years and agreed that perhaps 7 years would be a good timeframe for the renewal process. It was also agreed that termination on sale of the property would remain in place. Also noted, it would be good to continue to provide incentives for low and moderate income tenants to increase diversity in the town and to allow exceptions for family members. However, these moderate income
apartments would not qualify under MGL chapter 40B under recent amendments to DHDC regulations The board will consider amendments to the by-law that would have to be approved at Town Meeting. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.
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