HomeMy WebLinkAbout1931-11-06BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING
November 6, 1931.
The Board of Appeals held a meeting in the
Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, at_8 o►clock
P.M. Messrs. Maddison, Baldrey, Glynn and Custance were
present. Miss Elinor Moakley was also present.
Hearing was declared open upon the application of John
Lamont for permission to serve meals to the public at the
Mohawk Country Club on the premises at Cary Avenue, Lexington.
The Clerk read the notice of the hearing.
Mr. Lamont explained that this club house has been run
for sometime, and they have tried to keep within they
limits
of the Zoning Law. They have not done any advertising, but
they have run parties and served meals to them, and this has
always been an orderly place. He stated that he did not be-
lieve there was any other use that the Zoning Law would allow
that would support the building. He stated that he was making
this appeal so he could sell food at this place legally.
He explained that he desired to serve meals afternoons and
evenings to the public. He stated that as long as the
building was in his hands, it would be kept in an orderly
condition, and he felt that if the'Board granted the permit,
it would be an advantage to the -neighborhood.
Mr. Maddison asked Mr. Lamont what connections he now
had with the Mohawk Club; and Mr. Lamont stated that the
Club had passed title to him, and that the building was
entirely in his hands, and he desired to run it as the
Mohawk Country Club.
He stated that at some future date he hoped to put in
a golf course.
Mr. Maddison asked if this was an accessory use.to the
club.
Mr. Lamont stated that he granted -the Mohawk Club the
use of one room for themselves and the use of the building
any time they cared to use it. They could not run it as a
club, because there was no money coming in,, and Mr. Lamont
took it over. He hoped that at some future time they
could reorganize the Mohawk Club, and have it carried on as
before.
Mr. Maddison felt that if it was not an accessory use
to the Club, it was a restaurant.
Mr.Lamont did not feel that it should be called a
restaurant, but -rely a place for parties or persons to
have their meals if they desired.
Mr. Maddison asked Mr. Lamont if there was any
specified time for this use of the building, and Mr.
Lamont replied that he understood from the Chairman of the
Board of Selectmen that the permit was issued from yeat to
year.
1
Mr. Clyde Steeves explained that the Mohawk Club is
practically a thing of the past, but through Mr. Lamont's
efforts and generosity they still have the use of the
building and do as they always did. He felt that as
soon as the depression is over, however, the club would
be stronger than ever. He stated that he would like to see
the petition granted as he felt that Mr. Lamont would run
the building as any member of the Board would like to see
it run.
Mr. Hobert P. Trask, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen,
also spoke in favor of the petition. He stated that
although he had no personal interest in this matter, he
was interested from the standpoint of the Town of Lexington.
He stated that this was one of many situations that have
been allowed to exist contrary to the Zoning Laws because
no complaint has been rade. He felt that it would be much
better to grant the permit so the building may be run
legally. He stated that Mr. Lamont paid 800. a year taxes
on this place, and that he could not do it unless he had
some way of making the building pay for itself. He felt that
it was only fair to grant this permit as they have met the
requirements of the Zoning Law as best they could, and so
that the oelectmen would not be in a position of overlooking
a proposition which is unlawful. He stated that no one
appeared to object to the use of the building, and
that as it was well off the highway there was very little
possibility of its being a disturbance. He felt that as
long as the Selectmen have control of the situation by
granting a victuallers license from year to gear, there
could be no objection to granting the permit.
Mr. Maddison asked whether or not Mr. Lamont had any-
thing in mind as to signs or anything of that sort, and was
informed by Mr. Lamont that he had not.
No persons appeared to object to the petition, and the
hearing was declared closed.
The subject of the petition of John Lamont was discussed
by the Board, and inasmuch as the petition called for
relief under section 9 Og) of the Zoning Law whichin the
opinion of the Board did not cover the conditions as they
actually exist inasmuch as the Mohawk L'lub is not much if
any a factor in the situation, the Chairman was requested
to consult the Town Counsel in regard to the best method
of procedure.
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 P.M.
A true record, Attest:
Clerk.