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Minutes of the Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting on February 7, 2008
Meeting convened at 7:45 pm in the Donaldson Conference Room at Town Offices. Present: John Kimball, Chair, Steve Daigle, Joel Freedman, Jeff Macklin, Win Quayle and Dorothy Blakeley, ZBA Clerk.
Continuances:
Mr. Anthony Cotoia, 63 and 65 Winter Street, proposal for permission to subdivide property. Mr. Cotoia appeared with his legal counsel, Mr. Robert Annese, and his engineer, Mr. David Crispin of the BSC Group. Mr. Crispin noted that currently there are 2 buildings on one lot and due to this, they cannot refinance as they need to at this time. Mr. Annese stated that the zoning by law prohibits 2 buildings on the same lot, yet this is what we have in this situation. Mr. Annese further stated that this is how it has been since 1956 and no one ever indicated that this was a problem. The Board discussed the legal issues and perhaps finding a solution through a variance or a special permit and found that the problem is the same as it was in itsour last meeting, namely, there is inadequate
frontage and the conditions for a variance are absent.. Mr. Crispin noted that 7 or 8 years ago, they discussed a preliminary sub-division plan with the Planning Board, but that it was deemed infeasible, no lots gained, because of wetlands and soil conditions. Mr. Crispin stated that should these 2 buildings be separated into two lots, there would be no detriment to the neighborhood and that the only change would be at the Registry of Deeds. Mr. Freedman inquired whether the applicants had looked into the possibility of a two unit condominium with a ground lease. Mr. Annese responded that they had not investigated that possibility but they would look into it.that alternative.
Action: This application will be continued for another 60 days, giving the applicant time to explore alternative solutions. Panel includes: John Kimball, Chair, Steve Daigle Joel Freedman, Anna Hardman (meeting recorded), Jeff Macklin, and Win Quayle, and Win Quayle.. John Kimball is the Decision Writer.
Ms. Jamie Atkins and Mr. Warren Flint, 5 Sandy Pond Road, special permit for proposed additions to a single family home, includinges includes a detached garage. Ms. Atkins appeared with her architect, Matthew O’Connell. Ms. Atkins stated since theour last meeting on January 24th, the applicant has received approval from the Conservation Commission, and the Historic District Commission. The Board discussed the height of the garage and the creation of the driveway and the trees within that area. Ms. Lattimore, an abutter at 2 Bedford Road, reiterated her concern with the impact to her view. and the proposed garage which will be approximately 10 feet from her wall. Ms. Atkins offered to plant more trees for screening of the auto turning area, which would be about 20 feet from
the Lattimore house.. Mr. O’Connell added that the grade elevation of the driveway will be 1 ½ feet below grade. and they are willing to provide thick buffer evergreen material and mulch. They do not want to do anything to undermine the stone wall. In general terms, it was noted that reasonable vegetative screening will be maintained. The applicant also agreed to refrain from obstructing the Lattimore’s view of the fields behind the Atkin’s house. Motion to close the record approved unanimously.
Action: Motion to grant this special permit approved unanimously, with the noted conditions... Panel includes John Kimball, Chair, Steve Daigle, Joel Freedman, Anna Hardman (meeting recorded), and Jeff Macklin, and Win Quayle. John Kimball is the Decision Writer.
Administrative:
T-Mobile decision denying variance request signed.
Joel Freedman briefly discussed the Long Range Planning Committee Public Forum meetings scheduled for Friday night, Feb. 8th and Saturday morning, Feb. 9th. He noted that the Speaker for Friday night’s meeting was Armando Carbonell, Chairman of the Department of Planning at the Lincoln Institute of Land Planning in Cambridge.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.
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