“It’s hardly a ‘McMansion,’” Engineer Rick Charon told the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals on December 11, when describing his client’s plan to build a raised single-family house with two new decks at 80 Dexter Road. That may be the case, but Pamela Oliveira will still have to withdraw her application for a setback variance and instead file an application for a special permit.

The footprint of the home remains the same; however, the two decks increase the lot coverage, and ZBA Chairman Eric Pierce said the plan creates another nonconformance at the site.

“Variances are difficult. At least how we use them in Marion,” stated Pierce, who said there was a possible issue with the bylaw relative to this project, and a special permit must be filed. “It’s your lot, do what you can,” continued Pierce, adding that it was up to the board to regulate expansion such as this. “It’s a tough line to walk sometimes.”

Pierce, after some debate with Charon, told Oliveira to file for a special permit, although Charon did not fully agree.

“I can’t tell you what to do,” said Pierce, “But I would withdraw and come back as a special permit.” Pierce pointed out the difficulty Oliveira would have proving financial hardship seeking the variance.

Oliveira’s deadline to file in time for the January 8 meeting was that following Monday, and Charon said he hoped to make it in time.

Also during the meeting, the board continued the hearing for Marvin and Carol Bannon of 22 Wilson Road in order to take under advisement their application to raze an existing house and build a new one.

Engineer David Davignon described the plan to construct a new two-story house, located within a flood zone, according to the flood plain requirements. The house would have a drive-under garage and include a new deck, as well as a formal driveway off Dexter Road. The lot is a corner lot and currently has no driveway.

The board’s concern was the new house’s effect on the character of the surrounding neighborhood, with Pierce referring to the plan as a “significant creature.” The board decided it would like to visit the site to determine if it would have a negative impact.

“I can understand the logic behind it (the plan for the new house),” said Pierce, acknowledging that the existing cottage is dilapidated and small. “It’s just that this is a big change.”

The hearing was continued until January 8.

Jon Delli-Priscoli, owner of 91 Water Street, spoke with the board about his plan to restore back to its original condition the small cottage that sits on the lot. Delli-Priscoli wanted to hear the board’s opinion before officially filing with the board.

The plan is to expand the bathroom and widen the doorframes to 36 inches to allow for wheelchair access.

“You’ll never know there was an addition,” said Delli-Priscoli, saying he wants to keep the original character of the 1931 cottage, adding that it is the smallest house in his neighborhood.

Delli-Priscoli said Building Commissioner Scott Shippey sent him to the ZBA because the plan creates a “five-foot discrepancy.”

“We get constrained with the numbers pretty tightly,” stated Pierce. “But I think it’s worthy of discussion.” Pierce advised Delli-Priscoli that if he could minimize some of the five feet in question that would help his case.

The hearing for Tabor Academy was continued until January 8, and the application filed by Jerry and Beth Devlin, owners of 17 Hiller Street, was withdrawn by the applicant.

The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for January 8 at 7:30 pm at the Marion Town House.

By Jean Perry

When you must appear before a local appeals board hoping for approval for a project, the hearing is a big deal. You hope that you have all your documentation correct and ready, have all the answers to the questions that might be asked of you, and even sometimes sit with your fingers crossed hoping for quick approval. As for the board members, they also hope you have everything pulled together in proper order. No committee member likes being faced with problems or long, drawn-out hearings.

And so on December 12, the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals was faced with a light agenda and very little to delay their returning to the warmth of their homes, and possibly even the smell of pine these mere 14 days before Christmas.

Coming before ZBA Chairman Richard Cutler and board members Randy Cabral, Davis Sullivan, Kirby Gilmore, David Arancio and Thomas Flynn were two applicants.

Richard Nash, 306 Walnut Plain Road, was seeking a variance to build a 30-foot by 40-foot three-car garage. His application was approved with the condition that the garage not be used for any living space or business activities.

Sean Crook, 201 Neck Road, sought a variance to build an oversized garage, swimming pool and hot tub. His application hearing was continued until January 8 as the board requested he return with a certified plot plan.

The next meeting of the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for January 8 at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall meeting room.

By Marilou Newell

Shortly after the adjournment of the joint meeting of the Tri-Town selectmen on December 15, the Rochester Board of Selectmen held their own meeting and established the ad hoc Town Hall Annex Study Committee it promised to create, after the board’s Special Town Meeting article to fund a feasibility study to build a new annex failed.

In a follow-up interview the next day with Town Administrator Michael McCue, he gave a general description of what took place during the brief selectmen’s meeting and described the composition of the new study committee.

“It will be the three selectmen, two at-large members, myself the town administrator, Andrew Daniel the facilities manager, and Highway Surveyor Jeffrey Eldridge,” said McCue.

Selectmen will advertise for the two resident at-large spots on the board and address the matter at the next meeting.

Also during the meeting, selectmen approved a list of goals and objectives for McCue for the coming year. McCue provided these goals and objectives in an email on December 16:

– Town bylaws/amendments written into a single document

– Direct Town Hall Annex/Building an annex

– Examine options to improve town cash flow

– Work with water commission on water issues-New Bedford issues

– Rochester/Marion water contract

– Redesign evaluation forms in consideration of department heads goals and objectives

– Complete review of current policies and procedures

– Establish quarterly inspection of all town-owned facilities

The next scheduled meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen is January 5 at 6:30 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.

By Jean Perry