DUNBARTON ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2003

TOWN OFFICES – 7:00 PM

 

The regular monthly meeting of the Dunbarton Zoning Board of Adjustment was held at the above time, date and place with Chairman John Trottier presiding.  The following members were present:

 

                John Trottier, Chairman

                John Herlihy, Vice Chairman

                Alison Vallieres, Secretary

                David Nault

                Gertrude Dulude

                Ron Slocum, Alternate

                John Van, Alternate

 

The Chairman verified with the Secretary that the meeting public notice had been posted in a timely fashion according to State Law in three public places throughout the Town and published in the Concord Monitor for one day only. 

 

Approval of Previous Month’s Minutes:  Monday, September 8, 2003

 

David Nault noted there was a spelling error on Page 1, next to the last paragraph and the word from should be changed to for in the sentence as follows:  “David Nault – Thanked US Cellular for running the three balloon test on August 25 and 26, 2003.” 

 

John Herlihy made a motion that the minutes be approved as amended.  David Nault seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

John Trottier stated the following members would be voting members this evening:

 

                John Trottier

                John Herlihy

                Alison Vallieres

                David Nault

                Gertrude Dulude

 

7:00 PM – REQUEST FROM STEVEN COHEN, 115 LONG POND ROAD, DUNBARTON, NH AND FIVE RIVERS CONSERVATION TRUST, 54 PORTSMOUTH STREET, CONCORD, NH FOR A REHEARING REGARDING THE REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO ARTICLE 4, SECTION G. 1 OF THE WETLANDS CONSERVATION DISTRICT TO ALLOW GARY KING TO PUT A STRUCTURE CLOSER THAN 125 FEET FROM THE WETLANDS DISTRICT ON HIS PROPERTY LOCATED ON 1175 BLACK BROOK ROAD IN THE LOW DENSITY DISTRICT IN DUNBARTON, NH

 

BOARD DISCUSSION:

 

The Board noted  they had reviewed the Wetlands Conservation District requirements and felt that Section G. Item 4 specifically stated that additions and/or extensions to single family dwellings may be permitted within the Wetland Conservation District provided that the dwelling lawfully existed prior to the effective date of this Ordinance and all other local, state, and federal requirements are met.  A motion was made to that effect. 

 

The Board noted that Mr. King’s home had been built in 1978 and the Wetlands Ordinance was enacted in 1990. 

 

Because of this, the Board had voted that Gary King did not need a Variance to the Wetlands Conservation District and voted accordingly. 

 

Mr. Cohen and Five Rivers Conservation are stating that the Ordinance referred to in Article 4. relates to the entire Zoning Ordinance which was passed in 1970 and not specifically the Wetlands Conservation Districts which was passed in 1990.  

 

The Board agreed there was a difference of opinion on the interpretation of the existing Ordinance. 

 

David Nault stated the Wetlands Section was not within the Ordinance in 1970.

 

John Herlihy stated the way he understood it, the Zoning Ordinance was passed on March 10, 1970.  There have been 13 administrative updates and the Wetlands Section came in 1990.  The structure was built in 1978 and does not comply with the Wetlands Ordinance.  He stated he felt that was a reasonable use of the land to allow Mr. King to put on an addition.  The Wetlands District was inserted after his house was built.

 

Alison Vallieres stated that the house would not have been allowed to have been built if it fell under the Wetlands Ordinance.  There are lots of other areas within the Town that fall within the Wetlands Conservation District, the largest being Gorham Pond.  There are many, many houses within that District also and Variances for additions and changes are made to these properties. 

 

John Van – Stated you have to move forward.

 

Ron Slocum – Playing the “Devil’s Advocate”.  If a house which was built prior to Zoning in 1970 is closer than the allowed setback, they still have to seek a Variance to put an addition on the property.  Just because the house was there prior to Zoning, does not give them the right to put an addition on which is closer than the present required setback.  These people have to seek a Variance from the Zoning Board. 

 

David Nault – Stated it seems almost like Article 4. was written because of these type of issues. 

 

John Trottier – Stated there is a difference of opinion on the interpretation of the Ordinance.  This is a request for a rehearing. 

 

Margaret Watkins asked if the Board had received the communication from Larry Cook, Conservation Commission.  Alison Vallieres stated they had and she had distributed it to the members.  (attached) 

 

Steve Duggan, Town Counsel, stated that the Ordinance can be interpreted either way.  With the rehearing, it is up to the applicant to prove to the Board what the correct interpretation is. 

 

MOTION:

 

John Trottier made a motion that the Dunbarton Zoning Board of Adjustment grant Steven Cohen and Five Rivers a rehearing regarding the request for a Variance to Article 5, Section G. 1 of the Wetlands Conservation District to allow Gary King to put a structure closer than 125 feet from the Wetlands District on his property located on 1175 Black Brook Road in the Low Density District in Dunbarton, NH.  Alison Vallieres seconded the motion.  The motion passed by a majority with the following vote:

 

                Yes – John Trottier

                Yes – Gertrude Dulude

                Yes – Alison Vallieres

                No – John Herlihy

                No – David Nault

 

The Gary King Request will be scheduled for a rehearing on November 10, 2003.

 

CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING FOR A VARIANCE TO ARTICLE 4, SECTION B. OF THE DUNBARTON ZONING ORDINANCE FROM US CELLULAR ON BEHALF OF THE OWNERS, RICHARD AND NICOLETTE HECK (C3-5-7) TO ALLOW THEM TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE A 180 FOOT FREE STANDING TOWER WITH 12 PANEL ANTENNA AND A 12’ X 20’ GROUND EQUIPMENT BUILDING AT THEIR PROPERTY ON 12 POWELL LANE IN THE LOW DENSITY DISTRICT IN DUNBARTON, NH

 

Attorney Steve Grill appeared before the Board.  He noted that Kenneth Kozyra would not be able to attend this hearing.  Attorney Grill presented the Board with the following documents in response to requests from the Board at the previous meeting:

 

1.        Artificial Tree Study

2.        Other Sites Search including town properties

3.        Sales Analysis regarding Property Values

4.        Study of the Impact of Telecommunication Towers on Real Estate Values of Surrounding Properties

5.        Study Showing Coverage from Surrounding Sites and Proposed Site, etc. 

 

(The above documents are on file at the Dunbarton Town Office for public review as an appendix to these minutes)

 

Dan Goulet, U. S. Cellular, explained the coverage maps to the Board. 

 

He stated that using  the church would not give the coverage they need.  In addition, SBA Tower would not provide coverage required to connect to existing sites to the south. 

 

D. Nault stated he thought the coverage looked pretty good at 120 feet.  Evidently, the goal is to provide complete coverage. 

 

Ron Slocum asked the applicants to explain several issues of the coverage maps in that different colors were over-laid over each other making it confusing to read.  Dan Goulet explained how the system worked and apologized for the confusion.   Stated he will redo maps to make them more user friendly. 

 

Alison Vallieres asked if US Cellular could provide maps of “Coverage from Surrounding Sites and Proposed Hecker Property at 100 feet, 120 feet, 150 feet and 180 feet” with a percentage of coverage.  This is really what we need to know.  What will the difference be between these heights as to coverage?

 

Dan Goulet, U. S. Cellular, explained how the calibrations were done in response to a request from a member of the public at the previous meeting. 

 

At this point in the public hearing, John Trottier asked Attorney Grill to respond to the letter from Kenneth Kozyra stating they were declining to pay for the ad which was run in the Bow Times to advertise the flying of the balloons on August 25 and 26.  Attorney Grill stated he will discuss it with K. Kozyra and work it out. 

 

MOTION:

 

John Trottier made a motion that the Dunbarton Zoning Board of Adjustment continue the public hearing for a Request for a Variance to Article 4, Section B. of the Dunbarton Zoning Ordinance from US Cellular on behalf of the owners, Richard and Nicolette Hecker (C3-5-7) to allow them to construct and operate a 180 foot free standing tower with 12 panel antenna and a 12’ x 20’ ground equipment building at their property on 12 Powell Lane in the Low Density District in Dunbarton, NH until November 10, 2003.  The motion was seconded by John Herlihy.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING FOR A REQUEST FOR A SPECIAL ESCEPTION FOR A PLOANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT (PRD) ARTICLE 6 OF THE DUNBARTON ZONING ORDINANCE FROM LOUIS AND ANNA CHAN (H5-1-1) TO ALLOW THEM TO SUBDIVIDE A LOT INTO A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT CREATING 9 NEW HOUSE LOTS, ONE EXISTING HOUSE LOT AND ONE OPEN SPACE LOT FOR A TOTAL OF ELEVEN (11) LOTS AT THEIR PROPERTY LOCATED ON GILE HILL ROAD IN THE LOW DENSITY DISTRICT IN DUNBARTON, NH

 

At this point, John Van stepped down from the Board because of a conflict of interest. 

 

Jacques Belanger, Surveyor, and the Chans appeared before the Board with a plan showing the proposed PRD.  The proposed lot sizes were all over 2.5 acres and frontages were 250 feet or more.  There will be 7.7 acres remaining with the existing Chan house. 

 

John Trottier asked for a plan showing a conventional subdivision and that the same number of lots could be put on the property as requested for the PRD. 

 

At this point, Jacques Belanger stated he did not have the map with him but would provide it later in the evening.  The total acreage of the property is 76.29 acres with 60.29 acres as developable land, with 1.62 acres used for the roadway. 

 

Jacques noted that the Chan’s have agreed to set aside the old granite foundation in a separate area and give it to the Town.

 

John Trottier asked what improvements will be made to Gile Hill Road as required by the Selectmen.  Jacques Belanger stated he had spoken with the Selectmen and they had done a site walk.  He understood they felt the road should only be 14 to 18 feet wide traveled way with improvements, but not paved.  Margaret Watkins had gone on the site walk and wanted the road to only be 14-16 feet wide.   He stated there was no mention of this discussion in the Selectmen’s minutes.  Chuck Graybill had stated that he did not feel it was time for the Selectmen to make a decision on the road improvements until the Zoning Board approved the PRD. 

 

The Zoning Board asked how can they approve a PRD on a Class VI road. 

 

Jacques Belanger stated the Chan’s are ready to “step up to the plate” and improve the road as needed.

 

K. Swayze stated a subdivision needs to be on a Class V Road and they can’t get any building permits until it is.  The Planning Board will be asking for as formable upgrade as possible.   He noted the road is a two rod road, being 33 feet wide to work within.  He stated that a 14’ wide road was not going to work in this case.  Stated he knew the Planning Board would be doing some sort of consensus but this is a Planning Board issue. 

 

The public hearing was continued until later in the meeting to allow Jacques Belanger to provide a conventional subdivision map to the Board. 

 

PUBLIC HEARING FOR A REQUEST FROM MICHEL BELANGER FOR TWO VARIANCES (ONE FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL LOT) TO ARTICLE 4, SECTION B. TO COMMIT TWO TRACTS (J1-2-5) AND (I1-3-1) TO BE INDIVIDUAL BUILDING LOTS, NOT TO BE SUBDIVIDED FURTHER, WITH LESS THAN 300 FEET OF FRONTAGE ON A CLASS V ROAD AT HIS PROPERTY LOCATED ON SOUTH HOPKINTON ROAD AND NEW ROAD IN THE MANUFACTURED HOUSING DISTRICT IN DUNBARTON, NH

 

At this point in the meeting, John Van stepped back to the Board.

 

Jacques Belanger, Surveyor, presented a plan to the Board showing the two proposed lots with proposed house locations and septic systems. 

 

Jacques Belanger stated that he and his partner are considering purchasing the 42.46 acre lot and would be cleaning up the property.  Will be only one house on the property.  Will work the gravel pit and reclaim the pit once finished. 

 

John Herlihy asked if he would be willing to commit to giving Mrs. Palys a right of way over the property to hers. 

 

Jacques stated he would be willing to do this.  He stated he would be removing all the vehicles from the property.

 

Ron Slocum noted that the driveway would have to be able to support haulers of gravel, etc. because it will be an active gravel pit. 

 

Kenneth Swayze cautioned the Board that the applicant (Michel Belanger) has a poor track record with the Town and there are many issues associated with this property.  Stated there were also environmental issues to be dealt with.  Would suggest that before any action is taken, the Board check with the Selectmen and Town Counsel.  He would suggest the Board table the request until such time as he was able to get together with Town Counsel and work out conditions that must be addressed. 

 

The Board agreed with this and requested that all legal costs for this be paid for by Michel Belanger prior to having the plan approved, etc. 

 

The Board agreed that they would like to act on both requests at the same time as an entire package. 

 

The Board noted they would like to go on a site walk with the Building Inspector prior to acting on this request.  No date or time was set. 

 

Abutters:

 

No abutters were present with the exception of Barbara Palys.  She had no comments at this time. 

 

Other members of the public:

 

Margaret Watkins – Stated she thought this was probably a good idea.  The question is could someone with a large lot in the future get two lot with only  200 foot frontage as long as you permit this.  How much land do you have to have to get a Variance for frontage?  The Town needs to get something out of this.  I would ask Ken to talk to Town Counsel as to whether a deed restriction is sufficient to protect the lot from being further subdivided.  Who administers it?  What authority do we have over the deed restriction?  The Town should look at a Conservation Easement on the property. 

 

K. Swayze stated he was sure the Deed Restriction would be binding.  He was told just this week that the land could not be further developed with the deed restriction. 

 

Margaret Watkins – Stated she would like to see the land have public access.

 

John Trottier asked Margaret Watkins that as a member of the Conservation Commission, do you want to access this property. 

 

MOTION:

 

John Herlihy made a motion that the Dunbarton Zoning Board continue the Public Hearing for a request from Michel Belanger for two Variances (one for each individual lot) to Article 4, Section B. to commit two tracts (J1-2-5) and I1-3-1) to be individual building lots, not to be subdivided further, with less than 300 feet of frontage on a Class V Road at his property located on South Hopkinton Road and New Road in the Manufactured Housing District in Dunbarton, NH until the next meeting to be held on Monday, November 10, 2003.  The motion was seconded by John Trottier.  The motion passed unanimously.    

 

PUBLIC HEARING FOR A REQUEST FROM REDML DEVELOPMENT, LLC (ROBERT AND DOROTHY PERRY) FOR A SPECIAL EXCEPTION TO ARTICLE 4 AND 6 OF THE DUNBARTON ZONING ORDINANCE TO ALLOW THEM TO CONSTRUCT FOUR BUILDINGS CONSISTING OF 16 CONDOMINIUM UNITS OF A PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR ADULT HOUSING AT THEIR PROPERTY ON MORSE ROAD IN THE LOW DENSITY DISTRICT IN DUNBARTON, NH

 

At this point in the meeting, John Herlihy stepped down because of a conflict of interest.

 

Carol Willoughby of McNichols and Willoughy appeared before the Board on behalf of the proposal.  She introduced Casey Hayes from Eric Mitchell who was the surveyor/engineer on the proposal. 

 

Mr. Hayes presented a sketch showing the proposed building and what it would look like.  It was a two story. 

 

She stated they were proposing four buildings of four units in each building to be condominiums for adults over 55 years of age.  The property consists of 51+ acres of land located on Morse Road.

 

She stated this proposal has been before the Planning Board for several months as a Site Plan Review.  She stated that the engineering companies had changed and the new company agreed that the proposal should be before the Zoning Board of Adjustment as a Special Exception for a PRD.  She stated she would address the questions necessary for the granting of a Special Exception as follows:

 

a.        No detriment to property values in the vicinity of the proposed development will result on account of: the location or scale of buildings, structures, parking areas or other accessways; the emission of odors, smoke, gas, dust, noise, glare, heat, vibration, or other pollutants; or the unsightly outdoor storage of equipment, vehicles or other materials.

 

Answer:  Stated the proposal gives you a good impression.  It is a nice design, colonial in character which would fit in with the rural historic nature of the Town.  This type of project would not be a detriment to property values in the neighborhood. In some instances, they are a benefit.  Owners tend to be a “empty nester”.  Will be well kept, condo documents provide for that.  Closest abutter is 1500 feet from any of the improvements.  Condo documents address outdoor storage, parking and residential use.  This has no more impact than any other residential use. 

 

b.       No hazard will be caused to the public or adjacent property on account of potential fire, explosion or release of toxic materials. 

 

Answer:  This is a residential use.  There is a large area between the structures and the abutters.  It meets all fire and building codes.  The condo documents explain what type of uses you can and can’t have within the condos, etc.

 

c.        No creation of a traffic safety hazard or substantial traffic congestion in the vicinity of the proposed development.

 

Answer:  55 and older residents have fewer vehicles per household than regular residential.  Chief Nelson had no public safety concerns to this use. 

 

d.       No excessive demand on municipal services and facilities, including, but not limited to waste disposal, police and fire protection and schools.

 

Answer:  Police Chief Nelson reviewed the project and found there would be no significant impact on his department.  Would be “empty nesters” with no children in school.  There would be no greater impact on the Town then any other residential use. 

 

e.        The proposed use will not result in the degradation of existing surface and groundwater water quality standards, nor will it have adverse effects on the natural functions of wetlands on the site which would result in the loss of significant habitat or flood control protection. 

 

Answer:  The improvements are located so as to not impact any wetlands.  There are fewer wells and septic systems than conventional housing.  There will be less impact on the aquifer.

 

f.         In addition to the standards specified above, special exceptions may be subject to appropriate conditions including the following:

 

(1)     Front, side, or rear yards in excess of the minimum requirements of the Ordinance;

 

Applicants stated they have gone through two regular meetings of the Planning Board for Site Plan Review and have addressed these issues as well.  The Planning Board has been looking at the proposal. 

 

(2)     Screening of the premises from the street or adjacent property by walls, fences, or other devices:

 

Answer:  This is a heavily wooded area. 

 

(3)     Limitations on the size of buildings and other structures more stringent than minimum or maximum requirements of this Ordinance;

 

Answer:  Proposing a Lot Line Adjustment which is presently before the Planning Board. 

 

(4)     Limitations on the number of occupants and methods and times of operation;

 

Ron Slocum asked if they would be presenting a real estate study showing there would be no impact of property values caused by the development.

 

The applicants stated they had presented this to the Planning Board. 

 

The Board noted that it was up to the applicants to present condo documents and real estate studies to the Zoning Board also. 

 

Carol Willoughby stated that the estimate for vehicles per unit was 1.3 which is considerably less than conventional housing developments. 

 

John Trottier asked what flood control measures would be in place.  How is the drainage going to be handled? 

 

The applicants stated that drainage is being worked on by Site Plan Review Process.  They are awaiting a Site Specific Approval with regard to drainage issues, etc. 

 

David Nault – Asked if there was any open space land proposed.  Will the land be in Current Use?  Not in Current Use at this time.  Stated the Board needs to have signed authorization that you are authorized to act on their behalf. 

 

The applicants stated there would be a common area for the residents of the development but not opened to the public as such. 

 

Ron Slocum asked he had a general question.  How could this have happened in that the Zoning Board did not hear the appeal for a Special Exception until now?  How come?  Who made the decision?

 

Abutters were read as follows and noted that all had been notified by certified mail:

 

Josephine Dailey – Not Present

Paul Belyear – Not Present

David/Justyn Constant – Present.  I ask myself,  Why am I here?  This kind of impact to our road is a pretty large increase.  The road has no shoulders.  People are flying down that road now.  This is an impact to this area.  It is a hazard.  Don’t think the conditions are acceptable.  This is not part of the community.  55 or older to me is a family of four.  You have limits on cars.  Can that neighborhood handle the proposal.  This great ledge/wall they are proposing.  Our Town will have to maintain that.  Fire Department and Police Department will have to be there more often.  This is a Low Density District.  There is nothing low about this.  What is the sense of having a Planning Board.  Laws are made to be broken.  You allow this, you allow everything.  You are not going to be able to stop it.  You can’t stop one without the other.  That lot is too small.  This is “bullshit”.  Looking at that 50 acres, that was an undevelopable lot.  It is out of control and you guys can’t keep up with it.

 

Daniel/Kathleen Labonville – Present.  Stated his property is going to be the most effected by this development.  My house is 800 feet from the development.  Every car that comes down that hill, I will see their headlights.  When I purchased my property, I was told there was an unbuildable lot behind me.  I would never have purchased my property if I knew this was going to happen.  I learned in the Planning Board requirements there is no protection to my property.  55 years old and older will require more Fire Department calls and will cause an impact on the emergency services of this Town.  Just not right for the area.  Already have two multi-family units in close proximity.  This is a bad idea.  Would rather see a couple of single family homes there. 

 

Nathan J. Narus – Not Present

Richard/Catherine Racca  - Not Present

David/Theresa Glannon – Not Present

Steven/Karen Elsasser –Present.  Said the other two fellows have said everything that he would have said.  These people said 1.3 cars per unit, then how come there are three parking spots per unit.  If there is going to be no traffic how come 3 spaces per unit.  No way you can keep kids from moving in there.  There are no shoulders on that road.  Can’t see how this can go in there. 

 

Rudolf/Elizabeth Vallauri – Present.  Stated the proposed complex is right behind his house.  150 feet from his property line.  The four unit across from my house has had water problems.  With 16 units behind me, what about my water?  What is the Town going to do if I run out of water?  This doesn’t seem to fit in with the area.  Too far from the Fire House.  Maybe I should turn my house into a Drug Store.  We are living in the country.  We don’t have 16 units in the center of Town.  Why don’t they put them in Town across from the Fire House.

 

Robert/Denise Perry, II – Present (applicants)

Michael Petito – Not Present

David/Beth Sedita – Not Present

David Wheeler – Not Present

Eric Mitchell & Associates – (Engineering firm for the applicant)

Schauer Environmental Consultants – (Wetlands Engineering for the applicant)

Charles Cote – (Electrical Engineers for the applicant)

Michie Corporation – (Contractor for the applicant)

 

Other Members of the Public:

 

Paul Bruzga – Stated  he was close to being an abutter to the property.  These are a few of the issues that I went to the Planning Board with.  In 1977 or 1978, Robert Perry came to the Planning Board and subdivided out 8 lots of land.  He stated the remaining lot would not be further developed.  I personally asked that can this be in writing.  I understand that this was a deal or contract.  The minutes are available and that is what they show.  He owns a parcel of land right next to this.  These lots could be merged because they are both substandard lots.  If an owner owns two pieces of property and one is substandard, why can’t they be merged into one piece of property.  I understand you have the power to grant the Special Exception.  Am concerned about what is being applied for.  I agree that it is a Low Density Area.  Sixteen units going up in a very tight area and next someone else will want to put 16 more units in.  Water is flowing over the Perry property running over unto the Labonville property.  Most of the time you (Perrys) have a problem with septic systems.  I know of no system that has not failed that Mr. Perry put in.  Mr. Vallauri’s failed.  The four unit apartment system failed twice and had to be put back in twice.  The neighbors don’t want this to happen any further.  You have the power to increase the front and side set backs.  Should be four times the frontage and move it away from Labonville Property.  He is concerned about the water supply and septic.  In summary, I am totally opposed to it.  I don’t believe it has any place in Town.

 

David Constant – If anyone has worked around there, the wetlands change there.  In the spring, it is unbelievably wet up there.  Water from there contributes to waterfalls in the area.  You should get someone from Wetlands there to look.  If you go up in the fall, things look different than in the spring.  In the spring there is standing water all over.  Lots of water coming off that hill.

 

Daniel Labonville – Stated he circulated a petition consisting of 50 signatures opposing this development.  He presented it to the Planning Board.  It is part of their record.  The people in the area don’t want this kind of development.  Submitted a letter stating that the development would have a negative affect on the marketability and value to their property.  (attached)

 

John Trottier noted the Board would like to know the impact of the development on Morse Road.  Has a traffic study been done.  We need you to assure us there is no creation of a safety hazard. 

 

The applicants stated they had done several site visits with the Planning Board and the Road Agent.  The majority of the development is in the back lot.  Morse Road is a Class V Town maintained road.  The Road agent didn’t have any issues with this. 

 

Ron Slocum – Asked about the Lot Line Adjustment and where it stood.    How will you be addressing Mr. Labonville’s concerns about lights coming down the hill to his property.  What about a Gentlemen’s agreement to plant trees, etc.  What about Mr. Vallauri’s well? 

 

Applicants stated the Lot Line Adjustment is in process and they are working on it with the neighbor. 

 

Paul Bruzga – Stated this is a substandard lot.  That was my understanding when he  (Perry) subdivided the lot.    The Planning Board made a big mistake by allowing that lot to exist because it was a lot without 300 feet of frontage.  You have in the Zoning Ordinance, a clause relative to substandard lots.  The two lots should be merged to make one lot.  I can’t think why this would  not be required.  That is a substandard lot.  He said it would be a back lot and not developed in the future.  There was no mention of coming in the future for 16 additional units. 

 

John Trottier  - He has got to go back and show us what he can physically put on that lot.  He needs 44 acres of land for four units, 11 acres for each unit.   He is going to have some slopes greater than 33%.  Not just a rubber stamp.  He has got to prove it. 

 

Paul Bruzga – You are saying he needs to have 44 acres of buildable land.  Who has the enforcement power to say no?  The Town can apply the Zoning regulations on the books and they can be modified.  Who has the right to go to court to enforce the condo rules.  The individual condo owners could vote and change the rules if they wanted to or someone could buy it and own all the units.  It sounds good to have 55 and older but the owners can change their bylaws. 

 

Carol Willoughby stated  it wasn’t that easy to change the bylaws.  You have to have 2/3 or ¾ of the vote to change.  The condo documents state that 66 2/3 votes of the units to change bylaws.  Any changes to the condo document has to be finalized with the Planning Board.  The owners association has standing.  As far as changing has to also go through 66 2/3 of any mortgage holders.

 

Paul Bruzga asked what limits as to the number of people living in the units.  It is up to the Town to address this accordingly.

 

David Nault – Asked if there has been any consideration in providing an easement to the Town so the Town people can access this property. 

 

Answer:  There presently is no public access point but would consider liability, etc. before granting easement. 

 

MOTION:

 

John Trottier made a motion that the Dunbarton Zoning Board of Adjustment continue the Public Hearing until the November 10 meeting for the Request from REDML Development, LLC (Robert and Dorothy Perry) for a Special Exception to Article 4 and 6 of the Dunbarton Zoning Ordinance to allow them to construct four buildings consisting of 16 condominium units of a Planned Residential Development for Adult Housing at their property on Morse Road in the Low Density District in Dunbarton, NH.  John Van seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING FOR PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT FROM LOUIS AND ANNA CHAN

 

At this point in the meeting, John Herlihy came back to the Board.

 

At this point in the meeting, John Van stepped down from the Board because of a conflict of interest. 

 

Jacques Belanger, Surveyor, presented a conceptual plan showing a conventional subdivision of the Chan property and that twelve lots was possible on the lot.  The length of the proposed road would be 2,700 feet which would be 1,000 feet more than the proposed PRD.  The proposed culdasac was in conformance with the Town Standard and consistent with what the Planning Board has been asking for. 

 

David Nault stated he had much rather see the open space. 

 

Abutters:

 

Steve Brennan – Stated that Gile Hill Road is a “shit” road.  It is not going to get any better.  Town has been doing the “Dunbarton Dance” regarding Gile Hill Road. 

 

Members of the Board were reluctant to consider a PRD which accessed onto a road which would not have sufficient improvements. 

 

MOTION:

 

John Trottier made a motion that the Dunbarton Zoning Board of Adjustment continue the Public Hearing until the November meeting for the Request for a Special Exception for a Planned Residential Development (PRD), Article 6 of the Dunbarton Zoning Ordinance from Louis and Anna Chan (H5-1-1) to allow them to subdivide a lot into a Planned Unit Development creating 9 new house lots, one existing house lot and one open space lot for a total of eleven (11) lots at their property located on Gile Hill Road in the Low Density District in Dunbarton, NH.  The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

 

John Trottier read a letter he had received from a party who was requesting information re in-law accessory apartments.  He was advised by the members to send the party a copy of the Zoning Ordinance.

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:20 p.m.

 

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                                                                Alison R. Vallieres, Secretary