Zoning Board of Adjustment
Meeting Minutes
January 28, 2004
Members present: Michael A. Methe; Chairman, Daniel Baker; Clerk, Jane Roberts and Coni Porter
Members absent: Edwin Mattson and Gerald Neiman; Alternate
Chairman Methe opened this meeting at 7:33 p.m.
Public Hearings
7:30 p.m. Case #04-01: Josephine Plaszewski d/b/a Fitzwilliam Antiques requests a Special Exception under Article III: Section 127-11 (A) to conduct retail sales (antique shop) on property located at 179 NH RT 12 North, Tax Map 15; Lot 29, located in the Rural, Residential and Light Industrial Districts. – Chairman Methe opened this public hearing at 7:33 p.m. and read the case title aloud. Mr. Methe advised the applicant there was not a full Board present and a majority vote would be required for the Special Exception to be granted. The hearing could be postponed if the applicant so chose. Mrs. Plaszewski wanted to proceed this evening noting that time is of the essence for her to reopen her business.
Mrs. Plaszewski presented a large diagram of the floor plan for the space within the Concord Industries building that she would be occupying. The diagram detailed the shared parking lot on the southerly side of the building and the numerous egresses in the building.
Mrs. Plaszewski told the Board that her business employees twenty-six people, affecting four families, and they have been out of work since the fire at her old shop on January 4, 2004, so she would like to reopen as soon as possible and that is why she is before them this evening. Mrs. Plaszewski said that Concord Industries has been extremely nice to her and they donated a clean space to her to store her merchandise from the shop in until she knew what was going to happen. Mrs. Plaszewski added that this is a nice building with plenty of room, and it is a safe building also, with a sprinkler system and alarm system. Mrs. Plaszewski added that she feels that the logistics of the building make it extremely feasible for her to operate there and it is also very visible in a
good location.
Ms. Porter asked about signs and Mrs. Plaszewski said that there is a sign for employee parking and she would like to bring her old business sign which is still located at Casey J’s where the old shop was, for a year or so, or until people are familiar with her move as this sign has been there for the business for the past twenty years. Mr. Baker clarified that this was not a temporary move and Mrs. Plaszewski said that this would be permanent as the building meets the needs of the business. Mr. Baker asked about the shed business at this location and Mrs. Plaszewski said that it is a seasonal business and it is outside of the building. Ms. Porter questioned if there would be any conflict with parking while there were sheds on the property. Mr. Methe stated that the
southern parking lot was ample to accommodate both the sheds and parking for this business.
Chairman Methe asked the applicant if she had anything further to add and Mrs., Plaszewski told the Board that there is a paved lot there and a sprinkler system, both of which make this a much safer location, and she hopes that they approve her application. Chairman Methe asked the Board if they had any further questions regarding the application. There were no further questions from the Board.
Chairman Methe asked if there were any abutters present. There were none. Chairman Methe asked if there was any public testimony.
Kaye Terpstra introduced herself to the Board noting that she owns the Hannah Davis House here in town, and told the Board that if she had a fire she would be thrilled to have space made available to her, and she thinks that this proposal seems to be a good use of the building.
Stephanie Lecuyer introduced herself to the Board and explained that she one of the dealers in this shop, and that this business is like a small family and that everyone gets along well and it is a fun place to be, and she thinks that the people that go there to shop enjoy themselves and would no matter where it is located. Ms. Lecuyer added that she hopes that the Board approves this application.
Chairman Methe asked for any further comment, to which there was none, and closed the public hearing at 7:40 p.m.
The Board reviewed the mandatory findings next. The proposed use:
1.) Is in harmony with the purpose and intent of this chapter – The Board agreed unanimously that this proposal is in harmony with the Land Usage Chapter.
2.) Will not be detrimental or injurious to the neighborhood in which it is to take place – The Board agreed unanimously that this proposal would not be detrimental or injurious to the neighborhood.
3.) Is appropriate for the site in question – The Board agreed unanimously that this proposal is appropriate for this site.
4.) Complies with all applicable requirements of this chapter – The Board agreed unanimously that his proposal complies with the applicable requirements noting that this use is allowable by Special Exception.
5.) With respect to dimensional requirements establishes that there exist special conditions that make the meeting of these requirements unduly burdensome – The Board noted that this is not applicable.
Chairman Methe asked for a vote on the application before them.
Daniel Baker moved to accept the application as presented by Josephine Plaszewski and to grant the Special Exception. Coni Porter seconded the motion. A unanimous vote in favor of the motion was taken.
Chairman Methe told the applicant that her request for a Special Exception has been granted and she would receive a Notice of Decision in the mail. Mrs. Plaszewski thanked the Board.
Administrative Work
*** Review and approve January 13, 2004 Meeting Minutes and October 23, 2003 Non-Public Session Minutes – Coni Porter moved to accept the minutes of January 13, 2004 as written. Jane Roberts seconded. A unanimous vote in favor of the motion was taken. Daniel Baker moved to accept the Non-Public Session minutes from October 23, 2003 as written. Coni Porter seconded. A unanimous vote in favor of the motion was taken.
Chairman Methe moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Coni Porter seconded. A unanimous vote in favor of the motion was taken.
Respectfully submitted,
Margo M. Best
Administrative Assistant
Land Use Boards
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