Becket Planning Board
Approved Meeting Minutes
Wednesday , July 9th , 2008
Board Members Present: Gale LaBelle; Chairperson ( arrives at 8 :45 ), Ann Krawet, Martin Schlanger; Clerk, Robert Podolski: ViceChairperson, Beth VanNess
Board Members Absent: Joseph LaCascia,
Members of the Public Present: Robert Ronziio, Charles Chiecko, Gary Bellinger, Valerie Bellinger, Jeff Coburn, Jack Conboy, Robert Gorden, Barbara Stuhlman.
Meeting called to order: 8:05 pm.
Approval of Minutes of June 11th, 2008 Meeting
Mr. Schlanger makes a motion to accept the minutes of the June 11th, 2008 meeting as presented . Ms.Ann Krawet seconds motion. No discussion, unanimous approval.
Special Permit hearing for Gary and Valerie Bellinger, 336 King George Drive, Map 204, lot 197
Mr. Bob Podolski,Vice chairperson, standing in for Chairperson, Gale LaBelle. Mr. Podolski opens public hearing at 8:10 pm and advises that agendas are on the table for anyone who would like one. Mr. Podolski explains that this meeting is being held in accordance with Mass. General Law Chapter 40A and the By-Laws of the Town of Becket. He explains that a decision to issue a special permit requires a minimum of four positive votes from a five member board, and that currently present there is a four member board, all of which would have to approve in order to issue a special permit. Mr. Podolski goes on to introduce the board members.Mr. Podolski asks secretary if all fees have been paid. Secretary advises that the fees have not yet been paid. Mr. Podolski states that at this point, we could either delay the hearing all
together until the fees can be paid , or we could have the hearing, and make the special permit contingent on the fees being paid in full by a specified date. Mr. Martin Schlanger explains that it would not be advisable to hold the hearing until all fees have been paid, citing that a denied special permit could result in the fees not being paid at all. Board members present agree. Applicants willingly collect and come up with the fee money and are able to pay in full.
Mr. Charles Chiecko, architect for the applicants approaches the board and introduces himself. Mr. Chiecko passes out copies of the site plan that he has prepared for each board member. Mr. Chiecko goes on to explain that the Bellingers purchased the property about 5 years ago. He also states that Mr. Charles Andrews will be inspecting the well and that he will be contacting the building inspector as well. Mr. Chiecko reads aloud from the Zoning By-Laws, section 3.4.6, advising exactly what he and his clients would like approval for. Mr. Chiecko explains that the frontage requirement has been met, along with all setbacks, he states he is just looking for the lot to be considered buildable. Member of the board, Ann Krawet, asks where the nearest house is located. Mr. Chiecko points out on the map where the
existing homes are. Mr. Chiecko states that the house will have a 24 ft. x 32 ft. footprint, and will be utilizing the existing well and septic. Mr. Chiecko states that the home will be a 2 bedroom home , with a laundry room downstairs.
At this time, member of the public, Mr. Robert Ronzio states that he has two issues with this permit. He goes on to explain that the first issue is the fact that the house has been abandoned for longer than 2 years . Mr. Ronzio also explains that again, the plan presented was done by an architect, not a registered land surveyor, and that this should not be allowed. Mr. Chiecko disagrees with Mr. Ronzio and they begin to argue. Mr. Ronzio advises that he is aware that Town Counsel, Sally Bell, had said that the architect would be acceptable to do the plan in most cases, however, he does not agree. Mr. Chiecko says that we all have to act according to the principals of Town government, and be practical and reasonable. Mr. Chiecko states that every applicant should not be required to have a registered land surveyor.
Mr. Podolski asks if any abutters have been heard from. Secretary advises of the one letter received, by Kathy Sullivan, in favor of the proposed project.
Mr. Ronzio states that he hopes that this is not going to become a precedent and would like to go on record saying that this should be an exception.
Hearing closes at 8:40. opinion slips are passed out.
A motion is made to approve the reconstruction of the proposed 24’ x 32’ single family dwelling on the existing foundation, floor slab and partial concrete block wall. A drilled well with pump and complete septic system are existing. Mr. Podolski polls the board:
Mr. Podolski- Approve
Mr. Schlanger- Approve
Ms. Krawet- Approve
Ms. VanNess- Approve
Unanimous approval.
Public Hearing for John and Michael Conboy, 2727 Jacobs Ladder Road, Map 204, lot 57
Chairperson, Gale LaBelle arrives at 8:45 pm
Hearing opens at 8:45 pm
Ms. LaBelle opens hearing and re-introduces the applicant to the board. Ms. LaBelle explains to the board that Mr. Conboy has now come before the board a number of times and that she would really like to address the issue of the sign and help the applicant to obtain his special permit.
Mr. Schlanger advises that signs should be no more than 16 sq. feet.
Ms. Krawet states that she often drives by Mr. Conboy’s business and has taken notice of the sign. Ms. Krawet states that when driving by, the lettering on the bottom of the existing sign are too small, making it very difficult to read from the road. It is her suggestion to strike the letting on the bottom of the sign to accommodate “ Jacobs Ladder Real Estate”. Mr. Conboy explains to Ms. Krawet that he really needs the additional space to adequately advertise both businesses.
Mr. Podolski reads from the by-laws and then suggests to condense the current “Turn-Key” sign to accommodate for the new real estate sign.
Mr. Ronzio speaks in favor of granting Mr. Conboy his sign. He explains that he would like to see Mr. Conboy get his sign, and he states that the board could either follow the rules, thus denying the sign or, they could make an exception and approve the sign. At this time, Mr. Conboy reminds the board that at an earlier date, the board did in fact approve a 2 ft. X 3 ft. accessory sign. Mr. Conboy states that he would be more than happy with a 2ft. x 3ft. sign.
Mr. Ronzio states that he again would have to protest, citing the fact that only a registered land surveyor is capable of doing the boundary survey. Ms. Krawet asks if it would be terribly expensive to modify the sign and if this would be a possibility. Board members briefly discuss the option of the previously approved 6 sq. ft. sign (to include brackets)
Hearing closes at 9:05
A motion is made to allow the opening of a real estate office in a room in the existing model home. Also applicant will be granted a 2 ft. x 3 ft. sign ( including brackets) to read “Jacob’s Ladder Real Estate”
Mr. Podolski polls the board for a vote:
Mr. Podolski- Approve
Ms. LaBelle- Approve
Mr. Schlanger- Approve
Ms. Krawet- Approve
Ms. VanNess- has recused herself from the hearing
Public Participation:
Mr. Ronzio advises that the “Motorcycles Are Everywhere” signs are becoming more common, and are hanging at many different locations in the Town . Mr. Ronzio expresses his displeasure with this and hopes that something will be done. Mr. Podolski states that these are registry approved signs . Ms. LaBelle informs members that the sign at Uncle Larry’s tavern has been taken down.
Mr. Ronzio explains that he has recently done some research regarding Harbor Master issues, specifically in the town of Marshfield. He questions board members as to what the planning Board’s stand on some of these issues may be. Mr. Ronzio offers to bring in his research and share it with the board members .
Correspondence- Read and Reviewed
Budget- Read and Reviewed.
Schedule next Meeting for Wednesday August 13th
Ms. VanNess makes a motion to adjourn. Mr. Schlanger seconds motion. Meeting adjourned at 9:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Heather Hunt
Administrative Assistant
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Martin Schlanger; clerk
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Ann Krawet
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Gale LaBelle ; Chairperson
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Robert Podolski: Vice Chairperson
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Beth VanNess, Alternate member
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