HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - ZBoA - 12/07/2015 Zoning Board of Appeals FINAL MINUTES 1 of 4
December 7,2015
COHASSET ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
DATE: DECMEBER 7,2015
TIME: 7:30 PM
PLACE: COHASSET TOWN HALL—Selectmen's Meeting Room
41 HIGHLAND AVENUE,COHASSET,MA 02025
Board Members Present: S. Woodworth Chittick, Chairman
Peter Goedecke,Vice Chairman
Charles Higginson (arrived at 8PM)
Benjamin Lacy
David McMorris
Assistant Clerk Present: Jennifer Oram, Assistant Clerk,ZBA
BOARD BUSINESS
The Board agreed that the next meeting of the Board would be January 12,2016.
CONTINUED HEARINGS
Member Charles Higginson not present at the opening of the meeting.
APPEAL—Filed by Eric S.Kupperstein of the Building Inspector's issuance of a Building Permit to build a
single family home at 31 Otis Avenue aka Lot 5 (landowners Charles D.Henry and Kathleen Fox). File
#15.08.25
Attorney Richard Henderson addressed the Board and reviewed the brief he submitted to the Board. Mr. Eric
Kupperstein was not present. After some discussion,the Board held the hearing open to see if Mr. Kupperstein
would attend the hearing.
APPEAL—Filed by John and Adrienne McCarthy of 85 Doane Street of the Building Inspector's Denial of
Enforcement at 90 Doane Street(landowners Andrew D. and Linda W.Ash). File#15.10.01.
Mr.David McMorris recused himself and left the room.
Ms.Adrienne McCarthy of 85 Doane Street addressed the Board and handed out an additional submission. She then
read a statement into the record. She said that she and her neighbors believe that 90 Doane Street is not being used
as a single family dwelling. It is their belief that an additional 5 people,in addition to the owner,Larry Ash,who
are non-family members, are also residing at 90 Doane Street. She reviewed the names of the individuals the
appellants believe to be residing 90 Doane street and also referred to the submission their Attorney prepared that
was filed on December 3,2015. In that submission there are several photos of people coming and going from the
residence in question. Short of hiring a private investigator, it is their belief that these are residents of 90 Doane
Street.
There was then an extensive discussion amongst the Board about the definition of a Lodging House. Chairman
Chittick then asked if anyone wished to speak.
Mrs. Roseanne McMorris of 89 Doane Street stated that if these people are guests,they would not be treating the
house as their primary residence and receiving their mail there and registering their vehicles at 90 Doane Street.
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Zoning Board of Appeals FINAL MINUTES 2 of 4
December 7,2015
Mr. Lawrence W. Ash, owner of 90 Doane Street, addressed the Board. He read a statement into the record. In it,
Mr. Ash said that he is helping his friends out who are dealing with a housing crisis. His friends are on a waiting
list for government housing. He stated that the photos submitted by the appellants is not evidence. Taking pictures
of his friends coming and going from his home does not prove anything. Mr. Peter Goedecke said that it the
Board's job to look at the evidence provided. Mr. Goedecke asked if Mr. Ash could provide a copy of the housing
waiting list his friends are on. Mr. Ash said the he is at a legal disadvantage and that he had not been provided any
of the documentation the appellants had filed with the Board. Chairman Chittick explained that Mr. Ash could
have reviewed the files at any time. Mr.Ash requested that the Board continue the hearing to allow him to seek
Counsel,to review the evidence submitted and to provide evidence to the Board.
Member Charles Higginson arrived at 8:OOPM. Chairman Chittick updated him on this hearing.
After some discussion, Chairman Chittick moved to continue the hearing to January 12,2015 to receive more
evidence. Mr.Benjamin Lacy seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.
APPEAL—Filed by Eric S.Kupperstein of the Building Inspector's issuance of a Building Permit to build a
single family home at 31 Otis Avenue aka Lot 5 (landowners Charles D.Henry and Kathleen Fox). File
#15.08.25
Attorney Henderson asked if the Board would consider closing the hearing where it was now 8:30PM and Mr.
Kupperstein had not arrived for the hearing. After a brief discussion, Mr. Goedecke moved to close the hearing.
Mr.McMorris seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. The Board agreed to deliberate this matter
later in the evening.
SPECIAL PERMIT —Filed by Attorney Richard Henderson on behalf of his clients, Peter S. and Susan W.
Murley,Trustees of 401 Jerusalem Realty Trust, seeks to reconstruct portions of the residential dwelling and
attach a garage at 401 Jerusalem Road. "8.7 & 9.7, File#15.10.08.
In attendance: Attorney Richard Henderson, John Cavanaro of Cavanaro Consulting and Architect Sally Weston.
Attorney Richard Henderson addressed the Board. Per the Board's request, Attorney Henderson submitted a letter
stating that the date of the principal structure/dwelling was built was between 1966 and 1967. Mr. John Cavanaro
addressed the Board. He stated that the only changes to the new site plan were the addition of the neighbor's
dwellings.
Ms. Sally Weston reviewed the amended architectural drawings she had submitted to the Board. She stated that the
average grade was 28.9' (figure provided by John Cavanaro) and that the height at the mid-point of the highest roof
is 26.2'. There was then a discussion trying to determine which was the highest roof, after this discussion, it was
agreed that the roof height was actually between 28 and 29'. The Board requested an exact height be submitted
before they draft the opinion. They then reviewed the eave that brings the house closer to the lot line. The
description on the plans state that it is a cantilevered eave; which indicates that it may be inhabitable. Ms. Weston
explained that this is not the case, the eve is not inhabitable and projects out only 5 inches. Chairman Chittick
asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak. There was no response. After further discussion, Mr. Goedecke
moved to continue. Mr.Lacy seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.
SPECIAL PERMIT - Filed by Gregory Morse, PE, on behalf of his client, Hancock Real Estate Investment,
LLC,seeks to raze and reconstruct a single family home at 348 B North Main Street. &8.7. File#15.10.09.
In attendance to represent agenda item: Attorney James Baldesini, Charles Ricciti of Hancock Real Estate
Investment.
Mr. James Baldesini, Representing Charles Ricciti of Hancock Real Estate Investment, addressed the Board. They
reviewed the updated plans they provided the Board in their packet. Mr. Baldesini explained that the house faces
the right of way. They then reviewed the plans and the proposed changes to the setbacks. The North side is now
located to 9.4' from the lot line and the side setback is 12.7' to the bulkhead. The other setback is at 18.5' (15'
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Zoning Board of Appeals FINAL MINUTES 3 of 4
December 7,2015
required). The Board discussed the setbacks and worked to determine what would be considered the front of the
house to calculate where the setbacks are. After an extensive conversation, they agreed that the house faces the
Right of Way and has for many years; for purposes of this project, they will consider this the frontage of the house
(though most likely the house does not have frontage per the definition of the Bylaws). Mr. Geodecke asked them
to move the deck back 10"and this would avoid it being considered a Variance.
They then reviewed the proposed elevations. The existing height is between 10'-12'. The proposed, measured
from the average grade is approximately 28' at the mid-point of the ridge. The proposal would double the volume
in the setback. The applicant stated that the proposed footprint would be less than the existing footprint of 909
square feet; the proposed is 768 square feet. They are also pulling the house back from the side setback. The
Board will need to discuss whether they find the increase of the volume within the setback substantially more
detrimental.
Chairman Chittick asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak. Mr. Charles F. Lindgren of 344 North Main
Street said that he had no complaints regarding the proposed. The existing house is in rough shape. After a brief
discussion, Chairman Chittick moved to continue the hearing. Mr. Lacy seconded the motion and the vote
was unanimous.
NEW HEARINGS
MODIFICATION OF A SPECIAL PERMIT—Filed by Attorney Jeffrey De Lisi,on behalf of his client,
Gerd A. Ordelheide,to modify existing SPECIAL PERMIT#00.01.04 to remove an existing condition form
the SPECIAL PERMIT. File#15.11.06
In attendance to represent agenda item: Attorney Jeffrey De Lisi.
This is a modification of existing Special Permit#00.01.04. Attorney De Lisi explained that they are not changing
anything in the existing permit,they are just requesting to remove condition#9 of the Special Permit. This will
allow the sale to occur.
Chairman Chittick asked if anyone wished to speak in the audience. Mr. Paul Adams, owner of the boat docks
located at the Salt House, asked questions about what will happen regarding the parking. He stated that the
building is actually condominiums and he owns a percentage of the parking. Attorney De Lisi stated he was not
aware of this. This modification is the first step in the purchasing of the property and everything will have to be
looked at a later date.
After review of the proposed decision drafted by Attorney De Lisi, edits were agreed upon. Chairman Chittick
move to close the hearing. Mr.McMorris seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. The decision
will be filed.
DELIBERATIONS
SPECIAL PERMIT—Filed by Pamela and David Maltz to construct a new detached garage that will replace
the existing non-conforming detached garage at 183 Jerusalem Road. 0.7. File#15.10.09.
Chairman Chittick recused himself and let the room. He asked Mr. Goedecke to Chair the deliberation. Mr. Lacy
recused himself and moved to a seat in the audience. Mr. Higginson reviewed his draft decision. The Board had an
extensive deliberation. Attorney Richard Henderson was in the audience and asked to be recognized by the Chair.
Attorney Henderson stated that where no decision had been officially rendered, may they request to withdraw the
application Without Prejudice. The Board agreed. Mr. Geodecke moved to approve the request from the
applicants to Withdraw Without Prejudice. Mr. Higginson seconded the motion and the vote was
unanimous.
Chairman Chittick and Mr. Lacy returned to their seats.
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Zoning Board of Appeals FINAL MINUTES 4 of 4
December 7,2015
APPEAL—Filed by Eric S.Kupperstein of the Building Inspector's issuance of a Building Permit to build a
single family home at 31 Otis Avenue aka Lot 5 (landowners Charles D.Henry and Kathleen Fox). File
#15.08.25
Chairman Chittick reviewed his draft decision for the Board. After a lengthy review, Chairman Chittick moved
to deny the Appeal. Mr.McMorris seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.
CONTINUED HEARINGS
APPEAL - Filed by Stephen W. Rider, Esquire, on behalf of his clients, David F. Crowley-Buck, Trustee of
the Crowley Family Qualified Residential Trust, and Janice Crowley of 392 Jerusalem Road. Appeal of the
Building Inspector's deemed denial of enforcement at 390 Jerusalem Road (landowner, Lisa Vanderweil
Trust,2004). File#15.08.13a.
Chairman Chittick moved to continue the hearing until January 2016. Mr. Higginson seconded the motion
and the vote was unanimous.
APPEAL - Filed by Stephen W. Rider, Esquire, on behalf of his clients, David F. Crowley-Buck, Trustee of
the Crowley Family Qualified Residential Trust, and Janice Crowley of 392 Jerusalem Road. Appeal of the
Building Inspector's deemed denial of enforcement at 396 Jerusalem Road (landowners, Jason and Caroline
Soules). File#15.08.13b.
Chairman Chittick moved to continue the hearing until January 2016. Mr. Higginson seconded the motion
and the vote was unanimous.
APPEAL - Filed by Stephen W. Rider, Esquire, on behalf of his client, David F. Crowley-Buck, Trustee of
the Crowley Family Oualified Residential Trust (Janice Crowley representing), of 392 Jerusalem Road, of
the Building Inspector's Notice of Cease and Desist dated June 15,2015. File#15.07.13.
Chairman Chittick moved to continue the hearing until January 2016. Mr. Higginson seconded the motion
and the vote was unanimous.
Chairman Chittick moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Goedecke seconded the motion and the vote was
unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 11:30AM.
Respectfully,
Jennifer Brennan Oram
Assistant Clerk,Zoning Board of Appeals
Documents:
Brief submitted by Attorney Richard Henderson, dated December 2, 2015 regarding 31 Otis Avenue (Lot 5).
Submission from Murphy,Hesse,Toomey&Lehane, LLP—Dated December 3, 2015 regarding 90 Doane Street.
Submission submitted by John and Adrienne McCarthy December 7, 2015, including a statement read into the
record by Adrienne McCarthy, driver's license information etc.
Statement form Mr. Lawrence W.Ash, dated December 7,2015
Letter from Adam Norman of 88 Doane Street regarding 90 Doane Street
Letter from Attorney Henderson dated December 2, 2015 confirming the date 401 Jerusalem Road was built.
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