ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting of November 19, 2008

Present:  Chair Myra Mansouri, David Calhoun, Larry Britton, Mary Therese Lester, and alternates Peggy Pschirrer, Bill Webb, and Ernie Vose.

Absent:  Leo Carignan and alternate Jan Galloway-LeClerc.

Chair Mansouri called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM, with twelve members present representing the Walpole Leadership Academy.

Chair Mansouri asked for an alternate to volunteer to take Leo Carignan’s place as a regular to the meeting.  Ernie Vose volunteered.

David Calhoun made a motion to approve the minutes of October 15, 2008 as written.  Seconded by Mary Therese Lester.  All in favor, so voted.

Secretary Elaine Moore thanked Peggy Pschirrer for doing the minutes of October 15.

Red Smith was in to request a Special Exception regarding two sign placements at 16 Westminster Street, owned by 1834 Washington Square II LLC.  The signs will be placed less than the 100 feet from each other. One sign will be 7” x 33” and will say Firstday Cottage, Inc., which will be placed on the right hand side of the door facing Westminster Street.  The second sign will be 60” x 5” and will say Griswald Place 1834.

Larry Britton moved to set a Special Hearing Date hearing for December 17, 2008 at 7:30 PM. for 1834 Washington Square II LLC.  Seconded by Ernie Vose.  All in favor, so voted.

OLD BUSINESS: Gravel Pits

Larry Britton and Mary Therese Lester visited the two Hodgkins gravel pits and the one Graves pit. The Hodgkins pit on Route 12 appeared completed.  There was a question regarding reclamation on Route 12 pit. The Board believes this lot is ok without the reclamation, as it will be used for industrial purposes.

Chair Mansouri explained the Walpole Leadership Academy group that all pits are reviewed once a year and are checked for intense use, safety issues, signage, gates, and other safety factors.  Grandfather status was discussed.  Chair Mansouri indicated if a pit is not in use, or less than one hundred yards are taken out per year, the grandfather status is lost and the land is taxed as a regular lot.

Bill Webb and Ernie Vose visited the Woods pit.  Map 015-018-000.  It appears the pit has not been used for some time and is inactive.

OTHER:

Chair Mansouri and Board discussed minutes of the Planning Board Meeting of 11/14/08.  The Board reviewed various Zoning Ordinances the Planning Board Secretary indicated may need to be put in place, noting some were turned down by the Planning Board. Some were in place already, for example 2 family home on one lot.

Special Exceptions were discussed.  If not implemented within one year the permit would become void.  To make this change there would have to be an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. Some in the audience felt one year was not enough time to implement the Special Exception and should be given a longer time before it becomes void.  Discussions brought about other thoughts and the idea needs to be explored further.

Mary Therese Lester moved to adjourn the meeting.  Seconded by David Calhoun.  All in favor.  Chair Mansouri adjourned the meeting at 8:34 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Moore

Zoning Board Secretary