WALPOLE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Minutes of March 18, 2009

 

 

Present:  Myra Mansouri- Chair, Leo Carignan, Mary Therese Lester, Peggy Pschirrer and alternates Bill Webb, Jan Galloway Leclerc and Ernie Vose.  Absent: David Calhoun.

 

Chair Mansouri called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.  Chair Mansouri appointed Jan Galloway Leclerc as a regular member due to the absence of David Calhoun.

 

MINUTES:  Peggy Pschirrer moved to approve the minutes of February 18, 2009 as read.  Seconded by Mary Therese Lester.  All in favor, so voted.

 

HEARING –  Lawrence A. Burdick Revocable Trust – Map 021-009-000 requests a Variance of Article X Section D – non conforming use. Chair Mansouri, recused herself as she is an abutter, and named Vice Chair - Leo Carignan  to Chair the Hearing.  Ernie Vose was appointed as a regular member to replace Myra Mansouri.  Mr. Carignan called the Hearing to order at 7:38 PM.  Mr. Burdick explained the plans are to add on to the east end of the building by 6 feet x 24 feet across the back of the building, restoring the building and the apartment, restoring the front porch with columns, and removing the upper front porch.  Mr. Burdick stated the building faηade will be restored to its former historic structure.  Mr. Burdick informed the Board the building is about 18 feet from the property line at the back of the building.

 

Parking issues were discussed and Mr. Burdick explained the tenants have at least four spaces for parking in the rear of the building.  Commercial Tenants will not be allowed to park behind the building. 

 

The placement of a dumpster was discussed.  The Board had originally been informed the dumpster would be placed on High Street during remodeling.  Mr. Burdick informed the Board the dumpster would not be placed on High Street.  Perhaps it would be placed in front of the building, or in the back of the building.  High Street would only have to be closed if placed behind the building and only for a short time while the dumpster was set in place.  He stated the same would go for the placement of scaffolding.  Mr. Burdick was asked how long the project might take.  He stated his intention was to have the tenants back in their apartment by fall.

 

Basement work was discussed, and Mr. Burdick informed the Board some silt and dirt would be taken out, and concrete poured.

 

Signs were discussed for the building and Mr. Burdick informed the Board he would be using the signs that are there now.  With no further discussion Leo Carignan closed the Hearing at 7:55 PM.  Ernie Vose moved to approve the request for a Variance of Article 10, Section D as requested by Larry Burdick.  Peggy Pschirrer seconded the motion.  All in favor, so voted.

 

At this time Chair Mansouri thanked Vice Chair Leo Carignan for conducting the hearing, and Ernie Vose returned to alternate status. Myra Mansouri resumed as Chair.

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Ms. Virginia Carter came before the Board to explain her plans for her proposed business at 114 Barnett Hill Road, Map 009-053-001.  Ms. Carter would like to open a winery on her property.  She raises her own grapes.  There will be a 6’ high fence around the vineyard.  She informed the Board the proposal is to build a 22’ x 24’ barn and use the downstairs to produce the wine and upstairs to sell the wine and wine replaced items, such as glasses, corkscrews, juices, jellies, etc.  Perhaps at some point even selling other products made in and around Walpole.  Hours of operation was discussed and Ms. Carter stated to begin she would only be open on Sundays perhaps just afternoons.  There would be no evenings.  Signs were discussed and Chair Mansouri indicted any sign would have to be placed at least 20’ off Barnett Hill Road.

Mary Therese Lester moved to set a Hearing for a Special Exception on April 15, provided all necessary paperwork was submitted to the Board no later than March 31, 2009, seconded by Leo Carignan.  All in favor, so voted.

 

 

The Hutten Company represented by Bradlee Mezquita of Appledore Engineering was in to discuss a proposed project on Route 12.  The Hutten Company would like to place a Retail Development at 549 Main Street – Map 012-109-000.   Most of the project would be in the Commercial District, however, about 250 feet would be in the Agriculture District.   There would be three business proposed for this project.  Chair Mansouri informed Mr. Mezquita the project would have to go before the Planning Board for a Site Plan Review, and a Hearing for a Special Exception would be needed with the Zoning Board.    Peggy Pschirrer moved to set a  Hearing with the Zoning Board to be held May 20th if all necessary paperwork is submitted no later than May 5th.  Jan Galloway Leclerc seconded the motion.  All in favor, so voted.

 

Sign at Berkely-Veller.  Ms. Jackie Atwood was not in attendance and this was continued to next meeting – April 15, 2009.

 

OLD BUSINESS: Donald Wood Estate gravel pit was discussed.  The Board sent Mr. Woods son a letter indicating the gravel pit is now classified as an abandoned pit and no longer holds the status of active and is no longer a viable pit.  Mr. Wood wrote back and stated the pit is active.  Another letter will be set to Mr. Wood to reiterate the pit is not active as there has been no activity since at least 1991.  If he wishes to re-open the pit he may apply for a Special Exception with the Zoning Board.

 

OTHER BUSINESS: Chair Mansouri informed the Board there will be a Planning and Zoning Conference on May 02, 2009 in Manchester if anyone is interested in attending.

 

Mary Therese Lester moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 PM.  Seconded by Leo Carignan.  All in favor.  Chair Mansouri closed the meeting at 9:07 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Moore

Walpole Zoning Secretary