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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1961-12-04~ionday, December 4, 1961 Regular Meeting & Hearing The Planning Board held their regular meeting on Monday evening, December 4, 1961, at 7:30 P.M. in the Town Building. The following members were present and voting: James M. Barman, Chairman; Robert J. Burke, Secretary; Howard Gilman, George Farley and William Cb.pulis, Jr. Mr. Barman called the meeting to order and announced that the meeting will be adjourned to the Fire Station because of the large number of people present. There were approximately 44 people. ~r. Burke read the legal notice describing the parcel of land involved for a change from Village-Residential zone to General~Business zone o Atty. John J. Willis, represented Charles Wait,s, proprietor of the Hunt Club which was damaged by fire in August, and later razed. Atty. Willis presented copies of plans to the Board and passed several copies among the spectators. He explained that he could speak per- sonally on the case, since he was brought up in the neighborhood. The Hunt Club has been in existance over 30 years and that upon checking with the Police Dept. found that there were few disturbances in that period and no violations to the law. Mr. Waites has operated the Club for 8 years and has owned it since 19§9. It was in existance and ioperated prior to the 1956 Zoning By-Laws. After a fire some months ago, the building needed major repairs to be put back in condition. It if had been rebuilt or repaired, it would not have been necessary for Mr. Waites to come before any Board. However, the remains of the structure were completely torn down and now the only way that he may rebuild is to have the land re-zoned. The Board .of Appeals denied his petition to rebuild saying~they did not have the a~thority to grant such permission. The By-Law took care .of scattered businesses throughout town, but through possibly an oversight, not intentional, this parcel was not included. ~Atty. Willis went on to describe the character of.the land - how the land slgpes %oward Sutton's Pond, which is an Industrial pond, directly across from an industrial plant. It is less than 100 feet from the Town yards, less than 200 feet from the main business section of Main Street. Some of the land and surrounding property was dump land. Atty. Willis closed by saying that by'an "Act of God" Mr. Waites has been put out of business, and can be put back by an "Act of Charity" of the neighbors. The people would not be affected and if rebuilt, the building will be more attractive than before. He would like to be given an opportunity to submit the petition to the Town for action. Chairman Bannan explained that the proposer of an amendment has the privilege and right to present it before the Town Meeting. The planning Board has the privilege and right to present its own re- commendations. Chairman Bannan asked if there was any opposition. Those opposed were: William Hurrell, 82 Saunders St. - His reasons were: Noise, nuisance, alot of cars, street not well lit, alot of children in the neighborhood. Donald Haigh, Saunders St. - Same.reasons as Mr. Hur~ell. Lot is not big enough for business. Mary Sheridan, Cleveland St. - A lot of nuisance on street, noise, people cutting through their back yards, alot of children in the neighborhood (approx. A4). Katherine Sheridan, Cleveland St. - Noise, loud talk, fighting, cutting through back yards. The traffic has noticeably decreased~ since the fire. Mrs. Eva Routh~er, Saunders St. - Her house is directly in front and is just so glad that the Hunt Club is gone. Better of~ without it. Mrs. John Costello, Cleveland St. - A nuisance, too many children in the neighborhood. The following spoke in favor: James Bernardini, 1939 Great Pond Road - He lived 29 years on Saunders St. and found most traffic was from traffic re-routing from Sain St. Cannot see how business would change traffic situation. Mr. Vernile, 62 Saunders St. - Has not noticed any extra traffic because of the Hunt Club. George Carroll, 22 Belmont St. - Everyone should have a right to make a living. Personalities should not enter into the matter. After some remarks were made that did not pertain to the p~pose of the hearing, Atty. Willis again spoke stating that there was no need to get involved in personalities. This case was an unfortunate circumstance, a catastrophe that put Mr. Waites out of business. He felt that the town would feel it was equitable to allow Mr. Waites to rebuild the club, if it came up before an annual town meeting.- He added that he could appreciate the feelings of the residents on the matter, but reminded them that a club had been in the area before most of them moved into their homes there. Mr. Gilman made a motion to take the matter under advisement, seconded by Mr. Chepulis and voted unanimously. At 8:15 P.M. the Board returned to the Town Building to continue with further business. After a very thorough discussion of the hearing, Mr. Farley made a motion to refer to the Town Counsel regarding the legality of the size of the lot for business. Mr. Burke seconded the motion. The vote was A-l, in favor, with Mr. Chepulis opposed. A letter will be sent to Atty. Salisbur~ for legal advice. Mr. Bannan showed releases he had signed for Carty's Circle and Mark Road. Mr. Chepulis made a motion that a majority of the December 4, 1961 - Cont. Board should sign Bond releases. There was no second to the motion. M~. Bannan explained that the reason the Chairman signssreleases is that usually it is difficult to get a majority together to sign. The Board discussed briefly the matter of considering any re- zoning articles for Town Meeting. The matter of reducing restrictions on lot sizes where new sewerage has been installed was discussed. The Board discussed the acceptance of Morris Street. A letter will be sent to the Board of Selectmen suggesting that Morris Street should comply with the Sub-Division Control Law, regarding the laying out of public streets. The Board discusSed the Budget for 1962 and will request the same appropriation as for 1961 - $900.00 The amount of $400.00 is to be kept in the reserve fund for anticipated printing of By-Law Revision. The following bills were approved: John R. Hosking N.E. Tel. & Tel. Daniel Cahill (Postage) Anna Donahue 4.09 1~.7~ 6.66 4.00 19,~5 The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M.