Report of the Board of Appeals 2009

The Board of Appeals is charged with reviewing applications requesting relief from Zoning Bylaws where enforcement of current Bylaws would create substantial hardship for the applicant. 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 is also responsible for the issuance of special permits, including but not limited to, public garages and gasoline filling stations.
 

The Board acted upon eleven (11) major variance issues and special permit requests affecting the Town in 2009, including a 61 unit housing development proposed on a 26 acre tract on Southwick Hill and a communication tower for the new DPW site. Additionally, the Board allowed a 1.2 acre parcel of land to be set aside to preserve the Phelps homestead which is on the National Register of Historic Homes.
 

The Board of Appeals is comprised of three (3) permanent members and two (2) alternates 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 recognize it’s secretary, Wendy Cordeiro, for her service and dedication to the Board. She is an invaluable asset to the team.
 

Respectfully submitted,
 

Paul A. Grégoire, Chairman

David Methe

Thomas Stapleton

Judith Bernath

William Lis

Wendy Cordeiro, Secretary