Zoning Board of Appeals
Middleton, MA
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
November 17, 2011
The Middleton Zoning Board of Appeals met at a regularly scheduled meeting
on November 17, 2011 at the Fuller Meadow School,
143 South Main Street, Middleton, Massachusetts at 7:00 PM.
The following board members were in attendance:
Acting Chairperson Barbara Piselli, Clerk Anne Cote, and members James Fox and Jeff Garber
Others present:
Richard Bienvenue, Building Commissioner, and Karen Matsubara, Recording Secretary
Acting Chairperson Barbara Piselli called the meeting to order at 7:06 PM.
191 Essex Street, Map 17, Lot 74–Matthew & Randi Brown-Special Permit-Application #926
Clerk Anne Cote read the legal notice and confirmed that the abutters had been notified.
Acting Chair Piselli pointed out that there were only four members at the meeting and that four positive votes were needed to approve the petition. The applicants were given the option to continue to the next meeting to allow for more members to be present.
The petitioners agreed to go forward with the four members.
Randi Brown presented the petition to rebuild the existing garage which is in disrepair; water runs through it every time it rains and the original foundation is crumbling. The plan is to build a new two-car garage with an attached breezeway to the home. Behind and to the left of the property is heavily wooded.
Letters in favor of the project were submitted to the Board from the neighbors across the street and directly abutting the property (letters on file.)
There was no one to speak in favor or against the proposal and no additional correspondence.
Anne Cote confirmed that the new garage would be further from the rear and side lot lines than the existing garage, making it less nonconforming.
Mrs. Brown explained that the driveway would not be changed from its existing location shown on the plan and therefore would not affect traffic flow.
MOTION: Made by Barbara Piselli that the Board find that the adverse effects of the proposed use will not outweigh the benefits in view of the characteristics of the site and the proposal in relation to the site. Specifically, the removal of the existing garage structure and the building of a new garage will not impact the existing traffic and pedestrian flow and safety in the neighborhood. It will have no impact on parking in the neighborhood. It will not adversely impact utilities or public services and the proposal of building an aesthetically pleasing and functional garage in a residential neighborhood is consonant with the existing uses in that neighborhood. There is no evidence that this petition if granted will have any impact on the natural environment in any adverse way.
Motion seconded by James Fox. Vote 4-0 in favor, motion carried.
MOTION: Made by Barbara Piselli that based upon the findings the Board grant the petitioner’s request for a Special Permit.
Motion seconded by James Fox. Vote 4-0 in favor, motion carried.
Approval of Minutes-October 27, 2011
MOTION: Made by Jeff Garber to accept the minutes of the October 27, 2011 meetings as written. Motion seconded by James Fox. Vote 3-0 in favor, motion carried. Barbara Piselli abstained from the vote because she was not present at the October meeting.
MOTION: Made by James Fox to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:17 PM.
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