Members Present: Jane Roberts, Jack Ernst, Steve Filipi, Gretchen Wittenborg, and alternate Cathy Davis (seated).
Others present: Mike Methe, Selectmen’s representative.
Meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM
Alternate Davis was seated for Porter who was absent.
Case # 08-01 Lawrence and Susan St. Laurent appeal for an Area Variance to construct a garage within rear setback on property located at 55 Old Troy Road, Map 9, Lot 9, Rural District.
Mr. St. Laurent distributed a revised copy of the plan for the proposed garage location and the Board discussed it. Photos of the area were distributed as well. Wittenborg clarified that they were seeking an Area Variance under Article V, Section 127-18 D. and E. The proposed garage encroaches on both the front and rear setbacks.
Their plan was revised by moving the proposed garage 36 feet south on the property to avoid the wellhead. The existing car port and shed will be moved too and the setbacks are more conforming than in the original plan. Given the pie shape of the 1.4 acre lot, a steep slope in back, and wetlands and leach field to the north, it is hard to locate structures on it. The lot is 300 feet wide at the north end, tapering to 40 feet at the south end.
Roberts pointed out that the lot backs on Morgan Reserve, which means the land behind the lot is not buildable.
Wittenborg asked what the garage height will be. The St. Laurents estimated it will be about 18 – 20 feet high. The ceiling rafters of the garage will be 12 feet high and the peak should go up no more than 6 or 8 feet beyond that. Mr. St Laurent said it will be a two bay garage with no ceilings. Its ridgeline will be parallel to Old Troy Road.
Filipi moved, Wittenborg seconded and the Board voted to close the public hearing to consider the case.
Roberts asked if the Board was ready to vote and they were. Ernst moved, Wittenborg seconded and the Board voted to grant the appeal for an Area Variance based on a unanimous affirmative vote on each element in the mandatory findings.
Minutes. The Board reviewed minutes of the last meeting on November 13, 2007. Wittenborg asked to use professional titles for Dr. Barth and Dr. St.Lifer in the minutes. She asked for clarification in the minutes of a statement made by Roberts.
Ernst moved, Davis seconded and the Board approved the minutes as amended.
Roberts read a letter from the Selectmen thanking Coni Porter for her service on the ZBA. Porter resigned effective March 1, 2008.
Ernst expressed the desire to be reappointed to his seat. His term of office expires in March 2008. The Board discussed possible recommendations to the Selectmen for appointment to the Board and as alternates.
Roberts and Davis reported on the training they attended in Hinsdale. Wittenborg distributed guidelines for conducting a hearing from the ZBA’s Rules of Procedure. They discussed tightening up procedures, dressing appropriately, using titles to address one another, acting more professionally, asking applicants if they have any problem with Board members, giving reasons for voting, and recalling that the Board’s job is not to solve applicants’ problems.
The new Fitzwilliam survey was distributed to members. Several members plan to go the OEP training in April.
Wittenborg moved, Davis seconded and the Board voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 PM.
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