ZBA Minutes 10.04.17

Attachment 1 October meeting, Attachment 2 october meeting

Meeting called to order at 7:00pm by Brooks McCandlish, Chair.

Members Present:

Brooks McCandlish, Chair; Denise Renk; Nathanial Bruss, Stephen Pierce; Bill Duffy; Bob Hodges

Review and Consideration of Minutes

Minutes of September 6th were approved

Appeal for Croto Home Business:

Brooks (Board Chair) recused himself and Stephen Pierce chaired this part of the meeting. Amy Manzelli is the attorney for Michele and David Halsted representing them for the request for the ZBA to Appeal the Planning Boards decision to approve Croto’s home business. Amy presented the Board with a letter along with a few exhibits, please see attachment #1 for further information.  Amy went through the letter to the Board in detail as to why a rehearing would be necessary. Michele Halsted also spoke and expressed her concerns this business would have on her family, neighbors and also the Town of Bradford. The Board discussed how maybe there should be more information presented that was not presented to the planning Board such as a safety plan and more details about storage and where testing of bullets will occur. The Board also talked about how the Planning Board did not place any regulations on the application and for that purpose the Board felt like there should be a rehearing. There was a motion to hold a Public Meeting on December 6th at 7pm at the Community Center. Vote 3-2

Public Hearing: Chumas Special Exception and Variance Map20/Lot27)

Public Hearing was opened at 7:55 by Brooks (Chair) Brooks explained the Public Hearing process and then Eric Buck presented the two application, they removed one application for a Variance because the home owners talked with neighbors and they decided to move the location of the home to meet the setbacks and would no longer need variance. Their plan is to demolish the current home and rebuild a new home and deck. Abutters spoke in favor of the project and mentioned how impressed they were that the Chumas family was willing to work with them on the setbacks and willing to change their plans. Hearing was closed at 8:09pm. The Board discussed both applications and went through criteria for each. There was a motion to approve both the Special Exception and the Variance, seconded, vote 5-0

Application for rehearing on Rosa application for hunting preserve Map8/Lot30&31 Map12/Lot5&6:

Bill Duffy recused himself as did Stephen Pierce; Heather Weed and Bob Hodges were seated (this was the original Board that denied the first application. Rosa’s attorney (Robert Carey) started by stating that Bob Hodges should recuse himself because he is the Broker to a property that is close in proximity to the Rosa land. Brooks explained that it is ultimately up to the Board members to recuse themselves and after discussion Hodges did not feel that is was needed for him to recuse himself. Robert Carey presented the Board with a letter, please see attachment #2, indicating the 4 reasons why he felt the Board should grant a rehearing. After hearing from Robert Carey the Board felt there was no new evidence brought to the table and there was a motion to deny the request for rehearing, vote 5-0. The Board did not feel they did anything unlawful in original denial.

Other Business:

Kate Ormiston 9 High St Map16/Lot21: Kate presented the Board with an application for a Special Exception to put a historical correct front porch back on the home that had originally been there. Kate also presented the Board with old pictures and plans for the new porch. The Board reviewed the application and said that it was complete. There will be a Public Hearing at the next meeting on November 1st at 7:00pm at the Community Center.

The Board asked the secretary to have the agenda available the Friday before the meetings going forward.

As there was no additional business to come before the board, meeting adjourned at 9:09 PM.