2005-12-08-ZBA-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 MINUTES of the Lexington Zoning Board of Appeals December 8, 2005 Present: Chairman — Judith Uhrig, Arthur C. Smith, Nyles N. Barnert, Maura L. Sheehan and John J. McWeeney. Petition Address: 10 Maguire Road The relief sought is for a Special Permit to allow a use totally confined within a building not otherwise allowed. The Chairman opened the hearing at 8:50 PM by reading the legal notice and described information received from the Petitioner relative to the Petition. There were comments from the Conservation Commission (Interior alterations not subject to conservation review), Planning Board (questioning the which by -law the petition should be under) and the Zoning Enforcement Officer (Confirming the By -law requirement for this petition). Robert King, of Essex River Ventures presented the petition for the regional Headquarters for the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Bruce Chapman from ICE was also present to answer any questions. Mr. King explained that this is an administrative immigration processing office for the New England area and that the average time for processing the immigrants would be approximately two to three hours. There would be no overnight stays and the average caseload would be about 15 detainees per day. They would be transported to the facility from holding areas in unmarked vans. Questions /Comments from the Board: Maura Sheehan: We usually issue Special Permits for one year subject to renewal with no issues; would you have a problem with that? Answer: The GSA lease is for 7 years and they would be taking a substantial risk if the permit were less than the 7 years. It will take at least 6 months to move in and the build out is expecting to cost approximately a million and a half. John McWeeney: Not totally sure what it is you do; can you explain? Answer: The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency enforces immigration laws. People are detained in county jails allover NE. They remove approximately 3,000 immigrants per year. They expect that approximately 1800 to 2000 people will be process thru this office. Only 875 square feet will be used as holding areas; the balance of the 5,775 square foot facility will be for administrative purposes. Maura Sheehan: Where are they transported from? Answer: They are mainly transported from the Boston area in a secured van with no markings. They run a very low -key operation.