Quorum Issues Force Continuance

The October 9 meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals was the first time in collective memory that they failed to reach a quorum. Though calls were placed to board members, a lack of response and a ticking clock forced Secretary Anne Marie Tobia to review Robert’s Rules, since no one could remember the correct course of action to take when a quorum isn’t reached.

But given the smoldering neighborhood opposition to the only hearing on the agenda, residents were still ready to ask questions of those members who were in attendance – Eric Pierce, John Sylvia, and Tom Cooper.

The project that has inspired such distaste is a condominium planned for 16 Cottage Street by builder/developers Sippican Preservation LLC, whose partners are Christian Loranger and Albert Meninno Jr. They planned this return visit to the ZBA to share modifications to the parking scheme proposed for the site. A previous meeting with the ZBA had sent them back to the drawing board for this aspect of the project only.

Once it was announced by Chairman Pierce that the meeting would have to be rescheduled, the applicants began packing up their presentation materials. However, the residents who had come to voice their concerns were not ready to go home.

With no requirement to address the chairman by giving their name and address, one resident asked about the parking, saying that the street was already congested. Again, Pierce said there wasn’t a meeting so any comments or answers voiced on this night would be part of the public record. Another person asked what the next steps would be. Pierce explained the ZBA process, noting that the applicant had a right to come before the board under Bylaw 6.1.3, which in part states a structure may be changed or extended if not detrimental to the neighborhood. He said that once the ZBA renders its verdict, there is a 20-day appeal process that allows any aggrieved party to petition the Town with respect to the ZBA decision.

The structure at this location has for many decades served as an apartment building. An increased number of bedrooms that would equate to more people in the area and a dislike for having a condominium project located near their homes seem to be the sticking points between the developer and the local residents. Pierce said that the Board of Health had already signed off on the project because it would be connected to town sewer and water. He said, “…the Board of Health is not worried about it…”

As part of the public record packet that was made available at the meeting the following residents have submitted written objections to the project: Todd and Shelley Richins, 22 Cottage Street; Daniel Engwert, 7 School Street; Christy and Evan Dube, 9 School Street; Eric and Paula Strand, 3 School Street; Patricia Young, 28 Cottage Street; and Roy Strand, 32 Cottage Street. Their letters all direct the Town’s attention to increased traffic and associated safety issues more vehicles may bring to a family neighborhood, stress on utilities, and the ‘character’ of the town. The opposition letters also question the bylaw intentions in allowing a new structure on the site to be larger than the existing multi-family dwelling.

Meninno said, “We want to be good neighbors and do the right thing, we think the parking changes will help.”

The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals is October 23 at 7:30 pm in the Town House conference room.

By Marilou Newell

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