The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals met on Thursday, April 23 to hear two cases, one pertaining to the Peters of South Street and one involving the Marion Art Center.
Chair Cindy Callow began the first Public Hearing, originally submitted by Jessica and John Peters of 20 South Street, for a Special Permit for the renovation and expansion of the existing residence. Will Saltonstall and Joe DiPaolo of Saltonstall Architects, Inc. of Marion, spoke on behalf of the applicants. Saltonstall explained he has worked with the applicants for the last few years on this project, that will include two side-yard setback issues.
On the proposed work, much of the front house and facade would be preserved as well as the gables. Porches would be brought forward and enlarged with the main addition being added to the back of the home. The property’s shed would also be expanded. The architects did not have the exact square-foot measurements of the expansion.
Abutter Chris Chicoy was present to support the project, saying, “I’m confident that we have worked well together in the past and will continue to do so.” Other abutters, Sandria Parsons on one side and the Shield family on the other, were not present but were said to have been supportive of the project.
The hearing was closed, and the ZBA voted to approve the project as presented with a unanimous vote of approval.
Next was a Public Hearing from the applicant, the Marion Art Center at 80 Pleasant Street. Before the hearing began, Chair Callow and ZBA members Danielle Engwert, Margie Baldwin and Will Tifft all noted they were Marion Art Center members. The hearing was for a Variance of the Zoning Bylaw and a Special Permit to allow for various renovations and additions of the existing building to exceed 40% of the ground-area coverage.
Will Saltonstall of Saltonstall Architects, Inc. was also representative for this project. He noted over the last few years, they have performed “an intensive feasibility study” to determine the needs of the building, including making the MAC handicap accessible/ADA compliant. Proposed improvements include an elevator, an additional level, an accessible ramp entrance, a covered entryway onto Main Street, and a new gallery space.
The hearing was closed, and both the Special Permit and the Variance were granted with unanimous votes of approval.
The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals was not scheduled at adjournment.
Marion Zoning Board of Appeals
By Sam Bishop