The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals met on February 27 for a public hearing and to go over various correspondences with other boards.
Shane C. and Denise Whittaker of 6 Cole Road had requested a Special Permit to “allow the removal and reconstruction of a legally non-conforming, single-family dwelling which would not increase the current non-conformity but increase the building area and volume as allowed.”
The current cottage was built in 1948 on a lot which, at the time of construction, had lots of fauna growth and trees. Since they have been taken down, the cottage is now non-compliant per FEMA as well as with non-compliant setbacks from Cole Road. The permit request would allow for the removal of the cottage, the concrete patio, and gravel driveway and, in their place, construction of a new dwelling. It was stressed numerous times that the new house would “basically align with the old house,” given that the plan still calls for one floor and similar dimensions. To comply with FEMA, the house would be elevated due to its location in a flood zone.
Various correspondences from other boards and commissions were addressed. The Marion Board of Health had requested an Asbestos Remediation Report it found necessary due to the age of the cottage. The Conservation Commission issued the applicant an Order of Conditions that the applicant must abide by during the process. The Planning Board had no comment.
A local from 14 Cole Road expressed some concern, saying “what’s going to happen to the jungle that’s there? It’s an eyesore,” and also expressed concern with wetland breaches.
Members of the Conservation Commission agreed to take a look at these concerns. Finally, argument broke out between the owners of 6 and 14 Cole Street with the permit requestor saying, “someone keeps throwing trash and leaves” on the lot, to which the abutter stated, “it’s your trees.” Due to these vegetation growths, the residents at 14 Cole Street are concerned over their property value diminishing.
ZBA Chairperson Cynthia Callow interrupted the disagreement and told the abutter they must go to an alternative board, likely the Planning Board, as these issues do not fall under the purview of the ZBA.
The public hearing was continued to Thursday, March 13, at 6:30 pm at the Marion Police Department Conference Room.
Marion Zoning Board of Appeals
By Sam Bishop