HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-03-15 N~rch 15, 1976 - Monday
BOARD OF APPEALS & PLANNING BOARD
JOINT
The BOARD OF APPEALS AND PLANNl~G BOARD held a joint meeting on Monday evening,
Narch 15, 1976 at 6:45 P.M.' in the Town Office Meeting Room. The following members
were present and voting - Board of Appeals: Frank Serio, Jr., Chairm~n; Alfred E.
Frizelle, Vice-Chairm~n; Ralph R. Joyce, Alternate Nember; Planning Board: William
Chepulis, Chairman; ~k'i%z Ostherr, Vice Chairman; Paul R. Lamprey; John J. Monteiro
and William N. S~lemme, Clerk.
SUBJECT: HERE~RD ~TTER - Mr. Chepulis opened the meeting by stating that the
purpose is to see if the alleged dispute can, be resolved by arriving at a mutually
agreeable solution. He reminded all present of what had already transpired on the
oaSee
Mr. Serio commented that it appears the problem is that the BOARD O1~ APPEALS inter-
prets it one way and the PLANNING BOARD interprets it another. The Appeals Board
members interpret it to be a perpetual permit with a yearly review. The Planning
Board members felt %hat although Hereford is a pit that really has no new areas to
develop they should still follow the new rules %0 a point of exception - when this
happens then there is flexibility in the By-Law. A discussion followed in which
both Boards aired their views. Mr. Frizelle stated th~% in their research nothing
had ever been found that showed the permit had expired. He also felt %hat, in some
instances, %he conditions imposed through the years were more stringent %hah the By
-Law.
Mr. Salemme inquired if the Board of Appeals felt it was setting a precedent or not
to which Mr. Prizelle replied %hat would be only if the permit had ex~ired. Mr.
Lamprey mentioned that in John Willis' letter he used the word '~rpire".
Mr. Ostherr asked what would be done in the future. Mr. Frizelle said that he wou/d
analize each on a case to case baeis and g~ve an example of Gil Rea's pi%. Mr.
Lamprey's opinion was that if they couldn't live with any part of the By-Law they
would have a logical reason for a variance. Mr. Joyue suggested .i~koosing the new
By-Law under the conditions of %he decision. Mr. Frizelle then asked what the Plan-
ning Board would like the Board of Appeals %o do. ~r. Chepulis told %he others that
the Planning Board had originally asked for the Board of Appeals to clarify their
decision and they came up with a Memo which m~de no reference to the original deoision~
The Board of. Appeals has an inherent power to amend the original decision by filing
this type of Memo~ s~id Ralph Joyce. The purpose of the renewal, said Mr. Frizelle,
is to keep the Board of Appeals informed as to what is happening.
The two Boards then invited the Board of Selectmen to the meeting. They were told
that the Boards concurred that Section 5 of the ZBL could be practically resolved
within a 6 month period by doing the following: adding "and/or annual review" in
paragraph 5.1 (5). They informed the Board of Selectmen that in order to implement
th~% as fast as possible it would be necessary to insert an article in the Town
Warrant sponsored by the two Boards. Selectmea Coady felt that %his could be done.
If this is adopted at Town Neeting the length of time Hereford Corp. is allowed %o
operate is 6 months and this is a tolerable situation which will also be in line with
the new By-Law. It was agreed to enter this as an article in the Town Warrant.
The meeting adjourned at 8 P.M.
William Ch~pulis , ~hairmml
/6ild~ Blaokstock, Secretary
March 15, 1976 - M~nday
Regular Meeting
The PLANNING BOARD held a regular monthly meeting on Monday evening, March 15,
1976 at 7:30 P.M. in the Town Office Meeting Room. The following members were
present and voting: William Chepulis, Chairman; Fritz Ostherr, Vice-Chairman;
William N. Saleratus, Clerk; Paul R. Lamprey and John J. Monteiro.
There were 15 visitors present.
The minutes of Feb~ary 17, 1976 were unanimously accepted as received upon motion
of Mr. Monteiro and second by Mr. 0stherr.
PLANS NOT REQUIRING APPROVAL:
1. JOSEPH OTTAVIANO - Coachman's Lane: Mr. O~taviano stated that the purpose of
the request is to combine lots 4, 4A and 4B. The BOARD suggested that' he have a
heavy line drawn on the plan surrounding the whole parcel with broken lines be-
tween the original lots. A motion was made by Mr. Ostherr to endorse a plan of
land located in North Andover, Ma., dated Jan. 5, 1976 as not requiring approval
under subdivision control law showing a combination of lots 4, 4A and 4B on Coach-
man's Lane following the heavy outlining of the combined lots with a broken line
showing the division of the old lots. Mr. Monteiro seconded the motion. It was
mentioned that Ben Osgood had send a letter to Ottaviano on Jan. 7, 1976 stating
that this addition to the parcel was never to be used as a building lot. Mr.
Chepulis reasoned that it is not within the PLANNING BOARD'S jurisdiction to g~vern
what goes on between the seller and buyer as long as it does not violate the Zoning
By-Law. The vote on the motion was .-,,~animous.
PLANNING BOARD/BOARD OF APPEALS JOINT Nk~TING: As an outcome of the meeting, Mr.
Ostherr made a motion that the PLANNING BOARD in concurrence with the BOARD C~
APPEALS shall sponsor an article amendment to the Zoning By-Law at the Annual Town
Meeting by adding at the end of the second sentence of Section 5, (5.1) (5), the
following: their expiration date "and/or annual review". Mr. Monteiro seconded
the motion and the vote was unanimous.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Zoning Amendments:
A) Sec. 4.129 (14) and B) Sec. 4.129 (14) primary use with a special permit. George
Sehruender stated that he has ~ad inquiries for warehousing and distributing either
under the Building Department or through a special permit and informed the BOARD
that he preferred the first article (to have it as an allowed use in the ZBL). He
requested having one of the articles approved and would strike the other at
Meeting. He described a distributer as somewhat similar to Capital Distributing.
Mr. Chepulis said this relies heavily on trucking. John Monteiro felt that distribut-
ing means sometimes heavy trucking as opposed to light t~_~g and questioned if what
was being requested was what was really desired. He suggested warehousing and whole-
saling only beoause the other route could create a traffic problem.
The Building Inspector stated that wholesaling andwarehousing as shallowed use or
a permitted use is one of the differences between I-2 and I-1 and is probably one
of the factors in the lack of development along Rte. 114. This rather restrictive
zoning policy has certainly played its part, he thought. He didn't see anything
wrong with having distributing or warehousing as part of an industrial district.
linch 15, 1976 - con'l:,
Mr. Poster also went into the history of the Zoning ~y-Law regarding the differ-
ence between a warehouse and a di_s_$~butorship~ it deserves possible change in
order to get some revenue in this/~he Town.
'led Phelan stated that he has been Chairman of the Industrial Commissiou for several
years and recently have had many inquiries from people who have found it complex
and restrictive so would go over the border and build. He also stated that he lives
in the area and wouldn't mind a ~arehousing type building as ~ong as the grounds
were kept nicely, etc. It is important for the tax base and employment.
Chairman Chepulis noted that, according to the map, we have more area in Z-1 ~h~_n
I--2 but in some respects it would make I-1 more equivalent to I-2. Mr. Monteiro
stated that he had no objection to either ~ne of these articles and would li~e to
see the Town Meeting vote on it. He also specified that he is in favor of special
permits. Mr. Chepulis brought up having a site review but it was questioned whether
or not this would be legal under the new Ch. 808. Another area ques%ioued ~as that
if this was opened up would it have any impact on the State to adopt necessary recon-
struction of the highway. 0~e of the problems with a special permit is that the
petitioner exposes himself to any particular citizen who wishes to appeal the decision.
Mr. Ostherr noted that the Regional Planning District b_~_~ suggested that all the land
along 114 be re-zoned back to Residential.
Mr. Monteiro made a motion to take amendments A & B under advisement and insert in
place the following.- warehousing, wholesaling and distritr~ting. Mr. Ostherr seconded
and the vote was unanimous.
C) Sec. 4.121 (4) and ~.122 (4) and 4.123 (4): ~"he PLANNYNO BOARD'S intention to
amend or change this particular by-law ~as to eliminate home factories rather than
home occupations and by allowing people to be hired to work there who go home at
night so that the owner will reside in the dwelling. Also, this article purports
that the number of people be changed from 5 to 3. Mr. Os~herr stated that normally
we don't go after something unless there is a problem and asked for an explanation.
Charles Poster, Building Inspector, told the ROARD that on several occasions requests
for a ruling on how many people were allowed had come before him. 0~e of the most
recent ones was from a psychiatrist who planned a clinic for his home. It seemed
that with 5 persons allowed the whole first floor of a dwelling could be used to con-
duct the business. Re noted that this same thing happens with Real Estate people
operating out of their home which creates alot of traffic. Re said that he was the
one who suggested this modification. ~ne 5 people being involved generates from
Foulds Bakery on Beverly ~. which was a family arrangement. Mr. Chepulis asked if
he knew of any that employ more than 3 persons to which Mr. Foster replied yes, in
some of the beauty shops; however, those that are in existence would not be effected
unless they reduce their staff for more than 2 years. Re commented tb~t one thing
he had seen happen was that the professional person only works there during the day
and the janitor or some relative actually lives there.
Mr. Ostherr made a motion to take Article C under advisement. Mr. Menteiro seconded
and the vote was unanimous.
D) Sec. 4.121 (6) ~) thru 4.130 (13) (B): Insert in place thereof the following -
"0~ any parcel of land of at least~hree (3) acres owned or lawfully occupied and used
by a single person,e~tity, or group of persons, ... one such additional animal or
bird~" Ail of the above paragraphs refer to zoning districts regarding the keeping
of.animals on ~ acres. Some problems have arisen in the past with the semi-tics.
Basically, this does not change the number of animals that may be kept on the
specified site, but specifies leasing, renting, etc. If someone has a piece of
March 15, 1976 ~ cont.
land over three acres he can b~ lease get sufficient land to keep his animal.
Anthony Campagna, 114 Boxford SS.: referred to "any lot" which now has been
changed to "parcel of land" and in the definition "lot" means "pl~t" or "parcel"
and felt that it means the same things. Mr. Chepulis informed him that the key
phrase is "single ownership". This means sufficient acreage lawfully obtained.
He also questioned the amount of time involved with a lease because someone can take
a lease and immediately break it. Mr. Chepulis told him that if this happened to
him it should be brought up before the proper authority, the ~uilding Inspector.
Campagna then told the BOARD about his experience with the pony nex~ door. ~he
letter from Town Counsel, dated 10/9/75, to Dr. Ray ~as read regarding a lessee and
length of time. Mr. Ostherr brought out the fact that this amendment is an attempt
to clarify that issue. Mr. Monteiro felt there was a definite health hazard involved;
the problem can only be solved by the Board of Health.
Carroll ~aylor,
"useable land".
three acres w~s
neighbors.
Charles Foster,
sentence
addition
District
of a lot.
A motion
seconded
940 Johnson SS.: Asked if this could be defined in the By-Law as
His opinion was that there areno teeth in the amendment. ~ne
not so much to protect the amimal as to provide a buffer for the
Building Inspector, suggested a change in the wording of the final
which now reads: "...of a family living on ouch parcel" to read "... in
to household pets". Essentially it would be eliminated in an Industrial
or Business District and it would be better if the 3 acres were not part
where people live. ~he intention is to h~ndle non-commercial animals.
was made by Mr. Monteiro to take the matter under advisement. Mr. Ostherr
and the vote was unanimous.
E) Sec. 4.132: Add new paragraph 12...injurious, noxious or offensive... Member
Ostherr stated that some of the wording of the By-Law was not changed on purpose and
added that we are not totally without provision for other non-retail, commercial
activity. Parking is one of the accessory uses. He then made a motion to take the
proposed amendment under advisement. Mr. Lamprey seconded and the vote was unani-
mous.
SUESSION OF PR'~.IMINARY PLANS:
1 · T~rtle Hill
2. Paddock Estates
3. Greenwood West
A motion was made by Mr. 0stherr that the plans be referred to the Subdivision Control
Subcommittee for review and comments. Mr. Monteiro seconded and the vote was unani-
mot~s.
Hearing on Article amending Sec. 5 ' Mr. 0stherr made a motion t°se$ a hearing date
for Saturday, April 3, 1976 at 9 A.M. in the Town Meeting Room. Mr. Lamprey seconded
and the vote was u~mimous.
PRESCOTT ST. NURSING H0~: Represented by Kenneth Zimble who stated his case regarding
the Covenant running with the land and the later modification that was filed. He
felt it would be prurient to have the covenant cl&rified so that i~ will be clear
that it regards the lots and site as it now exists. A letter along with a proposed
clarification is on file. The clarification states that parcel B is not subject to
the provisions of a certain Covenant running with the land. He admitted that they
could be going overboard with caution but would like it cleared up so financing will
March 15, 1976 - cont.
not be delayed. William Cyr, H~gh~ay Surveyor, brought up the drainage on this parcel
to which Mr. Zimble replied that he was happy to be alerted to the problem.
Mr. Chepulis oommented on C~ndition ~ on the plan and Mr. Zimble stated that, as a
matter of law, the Town doesn't lose leverage by virtue of the Building Permit
issuance. He also told the BOARD that the drainage problem would be rectified before
they proceed· The Building Inspector said that he had looked at the plan previously
and that he amd Mr. Cyr will make sure it is satisfactory.
A motion was made by Mr. Ostherr thatthe PLANNING BOARD execute the clarification as
read by Mr. Zimble. Mr. Lamprey seconded and the vote w~s unanimous. The clarifica-
tion will be signed following submission of the recorded plan number by Mr. Zimble.
DECISIONS:
1. ~IDGE ESTATES: Mr. Ostherr stated that the Subdivision Control Committee
has reviewed all the information submitted to date, has walked the l~nd and met with
other Town Departments. The Subdivision Control Subcommittee made a motion to approve
the definitive subdivision plan subject to the following conditions: 1) the usual terms
regarding Covenant running with the land; 2)all improvements shall be in accordance
with the Rules & Regulations regarding the Subdivision of Land for the Town of North
Andovers 3) that wate~ and seWer if applicabl~be in accordance with the BPW; 4) that
fire protection improvements be constructed in accordance with the standards of the
Board of l~ire Engineers; 5) that roadway and surface drainage be constructed in accord-
anoe with the standards of the Highway Surveyor; 6) that no lot may be built upon until
a subsurface sewage disposal system permit be granted by the Board of Healths 7) that
the proposed 50 foot roadway easement from the turn-~round be aligned along the lot
line between lots 6 & 7S 8) that the drainage easement between lots 1 & 2 be ~eleted
and that the drainage easement between lots 3 & 4-be continued to approximately con-
tour 65 as shown on the definitive plan, and that all land below such contour be
restricted by placement in similar drainage easements to the Town; the street.drain-
age will then be continuous from Nerbleridge Road to approximately station 4+255
9) that the locus plan be corrected to scale and the proposed roadway shown; IO) that
the paved roadway be 26 feet in width, with an 18" gravel overlap on either sides
11) that the two additional catch basins be shown at approximately station 2+50;
12) that final location and installations of catch basins be performed under the-
direction of the Highway Surveyor during constructions 13) that two hydrants be
located along the proposed s~reet at locations to be d~termined by the Board of Fire
~gineers. Mr. Lamprey seconded the motion. Mr. Barbagallo, the developer, wanted
to know about the drainage easements and whether or not he had to do it. Mr. Gelinas
said that he didn't believe he was giving up the fee on the property. He also question-
ed the 3 ~i~e hydram~ Mr. Gelinas stated that he ~ld see the Chief and ask him to
write a letter for tn, placement of the 2 hydrants. The vote on the mo~ion was
unanimous ·
2. Willow Ridge Estates: The subdivison Control Suboommitte~oved approval of ~he
defi~iti~sul~livi sion plan subject to the followin~ conditions: 1) usual 2) usual
3)all fire protection improvements shall be Constructed in'accordance with the s~and-
ards of the Board cf Fire Engineers$ 4) that roadway and surface drainage be con-
s~ructed in accordance with the standards of the Highway Surveyor; 5) that no lot
may be built upcn until a subsurface sewage disposal system permit be granted by
the Board of Healths 6) that the turn-around drainage be piped approximately 75 feet
ina northerly direction to a natural drainage swaleS 7) that sloped granite curbing
run from the catch basins at station 0+85 to station 7,~30S 8) that a surface water
drain be shown entering at the 0+85 catch basin; entry to provide relief from sur-
face water in the swale on lot 5 (not a part of the subdivision)$ 9) that catch
basin swales and curbing be constructed to catch the street surface water; 10) that
gravel under-base ex~end 18" beyond the pavement on each side.
March 15, ~976 - cont.
Nr. Ls~rey seconded the motion and the vote of the BOARD w~s unanimous.
DISCUSSION - WIN~ HILL ESTATES CUL DE SACS:
Mr. Gelinas informed the BOARD that one of the conditions imposed by the Town
Departments was unacceptable to his client.. Nr. C2T suggested the connection of
the cul de sacs in this subdivision andMr. Gelinas said that he could not do this.
They hav~ eliminated one of the cul de sacs but the issue before us is that we
shouldn't h~ve these. He felt that they are a tremendous advantage to the community,
it is a land planning issue and a sacrilege to connect these two roads. He mentioned
how he has a very difficult time selling the idea of not using grid subdivisions to
developers and proper~y owners and if we connect these roads we will create a grid.
Mr. Gelinas said that he was at an impasse with the Highway Surveyor and that is the
reason he came to the BOARD. It would eliminate beautifUl stone walls and cause
alot of cut and fill to which Mr. Cyr retorted that there would not be much cut and
fill. Any circle street, said 0yr, is put in with the understanding of the possibility
of a future street. Gelinas stated that there are some that are put in that are
explicitly not to be ex~ended~ and you want them connected for ease of snow plowing
and m~intenance. And, for fire protection added 02~. The discussion continued along
this vein. The BOARD decided to discuss it fu~her at the hex% meeting.
BOARD C~ APPEALS LEGAL NOTICES:
F, S. Davis- no comment
Ninety-Nine North - no comment
The meeting adjourned at 11:15 P.M.
~~ ~ Chairma,~
W~liam Chepulis /
Oilda Blackstook