WALPOLE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting of January 21, 2009

Present:  Myra Mansouri, Leo Carignan, Mary Therese Lester, and Alternates: Jan Galloway-Leclerc and Peggy Pschirrer.  Absent:  David Calhoun, Ernie Vose, Larry Britton, and William Webb.

Chair Mansouri called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.    Jan Galloway-Leclerc and Peggy Pschirrer were appointed to act as regular members in the absent of David Calhoun and Larry Britton.

Jan Galloway-Leclerc moved the Minutes of December 17, 2008 be approved as written.  Seconded by Leo Carignan.  All in favor, so voted.

NEW BUSINESS:  Andrew and Annette Dey of 69 Elm Street, Walpole, Map 019-033-000, were in to discuss building an In-Law apartment in the Barn.  Chair Mansouri explained the foundation needs to be continuous.  Mr. Dey informed the Board there is a stone foundation that connects with the barn and the house.  Chair Mansouri stated a retaining wall is not considered a foundation.  A foundation must be below the frost line.  Mr. Dey informed the Board he does not believe the house was ever connected to the barn.

Mr. Dey explained they would like to add a breezeway also, and this would connect the with the house.  The Breeze way would be placed on piers that would be below the frost line.

There was discussion regarding the difference between a foundation wall three feet below the frost line and a retaining wall.  Peggy Pschirrer questioned if the breezeway would be on the retaining wall and part on piers.  Mr. Dey confirmed this would be the case.

Leo Carignan had concerns regarding building on a retaining wall.  Stated there could be a shifting of the building within time.

After further discussion Mr. & Mrs. Dey were informed they would need a hearing for a Variance as any proposed building will be closer than the required 20 feet from a property line.  A hearing date was set for February 18, 2009.  Mr. Dey respectfully requests a site review of the property before the February hearing.

OLD BUSINESS:  Chair Mansouri informed the Board a letter has been sent to Mrs. Donald Wood Sr. indicating her “gravel pit” no longer qualifies for gravel pit status.

Chair Mansouri closed the meeting at 8:01 PM.

Respectfully Submitted

Elaine Moore

ZBA Secretary