The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) met Thursday, May 8 for a Special Permit hearing for the Morgans living at 73 Pleasant Street. The permit would be for the expansion of a pre-existing non-conforming garage.
In detailing its correspondence with other town bodies, the ZBA said the Board of Health had “no comments” on the special permit application. The Conservation Commission had stated the project is “not jurisdictional,” or it does not concern them. The Planning Board only recommended the design of the new work on the garage to be consistent with the architectural style of the existing house. Finally were comments from abutters and neighbors across the street at 72 Pleasant Street. The abutters were in full support of the work with no negative comments.
Following the reading of correspondence, Chair Cindy Callow stated she is also an abutter, so must recuse herself from the hearing due to conflicts of interest. Member Margherita Baldwin also stated she was an abutter, living within 300 feet, but stated she was far enough away to look at the issue impartially.
The Morgans then presented their request, saying their current garage was built in 1912 and is too small for two cars and does not offer much storage. The residents do not like street parking, “particularly in the winter and snow.” For the work being done, another room would be added on that would conjoin the house to the garage. An existing bedroom would be enlarged and converted into an office.
The Special Permit hearing was closed and approved with a unanimous approval vote.
The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals was not scheduled at dismissal but will take place after the Marion elections on May 16 though the Zoning Board has no open positions contested for the election. Chair Cindy Callow joked this could be her last meeting with the Zoning Board, as she is running for a spot on the Select Board.
Marion Zoning Board of Appeals
By Sam Bishop