Despite its creation of a further non-conformance, the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals was poised to approve the Special Permit for Dale Allison of 359 Delano Road on October 8 when Allison presented an altered plan that increased the non-conformance slightly less than the previous plan and satisfied a neighbor’s concern that the new house to be constructed would be too close to his property.
“Every time you reduce a non-conforming setback it’s a good thing,” said ZBA Chairman Eric Pierce. “So that’s an improvement.”
Allison plans to raze the existing small cottage to build a two-story dwelling, to which several neighbors expressed support during the last meeting of the ZBA.
Allison told the board that his abutting neighbor, whom he referred to as Lucky Evans, expressed his concern at the September 24 meeting that, although the plan was a nice addition to the neighborhood, it encroached structures on his property too much for his comfort. Allison altered the plan to slide the proposed house five feet away from the lot line, the only change to the plan.
“I think that’s a very positive change,” said Pierce. “I’m feeling positively toward this project.”
The board granted the Special Permit.
Also during the meeting, the board granted a Special Permit to Susan Titus of 36 South Street to remove an existing screened-in porch to construct a new 13-foot by 13-foot four-season room.
Titus had submitted two letters of support from neighbors who said the new addition would improve the neighborhood.
“It seems straightforward to me,” said Pierce.
The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for October 22 at 7:30 pm at the Marion Town House.
By Jean Perry
