2014-01-09-ZBA-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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BOA Meeting January 9, 2014 6 The Board member also clarified with the applicant that they had gone before the Historical Commission as an informal preliminary hearing in November; they have not received a formal approval from the HC as of yet. They have a formal hearing scheduled in the next month. The Chairman questioned why they wouldn’t want to have the HC approval before the ZBA makes their decision. (They are asking the ZBA for approval for the relief they feel will be necessary. They are willing to stay within the dimensional boundaries that they are asking for at this time.) The Chairman asked what will happen if the demolition of the garage is denied. They will need to go through a difficult and expensive campaign to retain the existing garage which does not have conforming dimensions for cars and the zoning standards for setbacks. Vincent Petronella of 7 Jackson Court questioned the use of the 2-story structure. (It will be used as a garage, the height of building will not allow for any other use above the garage.) Also asked about the privacy of the abutters neighbors. (Applicants would be willing to take windows out if that is a problem to the neighbors.) Gresh Lattimore of 5 Jackson Court questioned the wrap around porch; is it conforming and why that wide. (The porch will be 7’8” and will not be approaching the side yard setback. The plan is to take out the asphalt driveway away from this area which is within 3 feet of the side yard setback.) Kathy VonStetten of 40 Parker Street asked why the Town is allowing buildings to be so large on lots in residential areas. (They saw her covered porch, loved it and wanted to have a covered porch on this house. They did not have room to put it on the front and that is why it is on the side.) Why not put porch on the back? (Would have to encroach into the setback and/or would need to maybe move the garage.) Gresh Lattimore of 5 Jackson Court had a concern with the turrets. (The Architect said it was a bow and explained the design.) The Chairwoman had concern with the Architect telling the neighbors they are looking for input from the neighbors and would be willing to work with the neighbors to make necessary changes. The Board needs to see approved plans and may want to ask for a continuance. The applicant responded they are looking to the ZBA for dimensional controls approval and to the HC for design approval. Mary Petronella of 7 Jackson Court asked about the balconies over looking neighbors; are they necessary? (The Architect gave the reasons they had put them on and the applicant, Sean Glynn, told Ms. Petronella that he would be happy to eliminate the balcony on the right side of the house if they are a concern to her.) Gresh Lattimore of 5 Jackson Court had a concern for the green space for the abutters at 48 Parker Street. Mr. Stewart said they had talked with the abutter. Matthew Lucas of 48 Parker Street in general is very much in favor of the proposed improvements. Only concern is to the applicant to take more steps to inform the neighbors of the plans. Mr. Stewart said they have been in neighborhood many times and have passed their numbers to give outreach to the neighbors. Available anytime to meet for questions.