Report of the Board of Appeals 2008

The Board of Appeals reviews petitions presented by the citizens of Southwick requesting relief from certain Zoning Bylaws where enforcement of current Bylaws would create substantial hardship for the applicant. The Board is also responsible for the issuance of special permits, including but not limited to, public garages and gasoline filling stations.

    

The Board acted upon fifteen (15) variance applications and special permit requests in 2008. The majority of appeals for variances generally involve older parcels, most of which were developed many years prior to today’s zoning ordinances. Thus, applicants desiring to add on to structures or otherwise make modifications to existing buildings, often find themselves in need of dimensional variances in order to move forward with their intended projects. The Board seeks to provide relief, where possible, provided that the appeal is in keeping with the public good and that the decision will not nullify or substantially derogate from current zoning.

    

The Board of Appeals consists of three (3) permanent members and two (2) alternate members as appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The Board must vote unanimously in favor of granting a variance in order for it to be approved. The Board meets on the second (2nd) and fourth (4th) Monday’s of each month at 7:00pm.

    

The Board wishes to thank Wendy Cordeiro for her service and dedication to the Board. She is an invaluable asset to the team.
 

Respectfully submitted,
 

Paul A. Grègoire, Chairman

Michael Grilli

David Methe

Roy Benson

David DeiDolori

Wendy Cordeiro, Board Secretary