The issue of the Chatham Dog Club’s expansion to include overnight boarding for up to 26 dogs dominated the meeting. While several residents and customers of the club voiced their support, citing positive experiences and a lack of noise issues, one neighbor expressed strong objections. The resident living across the street from the club detailed disturbances from barking dogs and raised questions regarding the club’s adherence to noise regulations. This resident also presented police reports of noise complaints and pointed to gunfire sounds from a nearby area, intensifying worries about the club’s potential impact on the tranquility of the neighborhood.

The club countered the noise concerns with evidence of proactive measures, such as on-site staff and surveillance, to ensure proper animal management throughout the night. Discussions delved into the club’s operational history, the structural soundness of the facility, and adherence to town noise bylaws. The debate touched on the club’s impact on the local community, with some board members questioning whether a single staff member could effectively manage overnight care. Ultimately, the board voted to approve the permit, with members expressing varying levels of confidence in the club’s ability to mitigate noise and manage the dogs responsibly.

In another development, the board reviewed several construction proposals throughout the town. A notable case involved a property owner’s application to demolish an existing two-bedroom dwelling and construct a new two-bedroom dwelling on a challenging lot. The replacement structure would be closer to the street than allowed by zoning regulations, and the proposed building coverage exceeded the maximum permitted for the lot. Despite these issues, the board was swayed by letters of support from immediate abutters and the applicant’s attorney’s assurances that the new structure would not overwhelm the streetscape.

The board also deliberated on a proposal to demolish an existing dwelling and construct a new four-bedroom house connected to the municipal sewer. The design sparked discussions over square footage discrepancies attributed to the inclusion of a basement and garage space in the new design. Members weighed the visual impact on the neighborhood against the need to address concerns about the building’s increased size. While some members lamented the loss of the original garage, the board ultimately approved the project, considering it an improvement for the area.

A request on Barnhill Lane to construct a new house brought forth issues regarding the proposed location and aesthetic congruence with the neighborhood. Concerns were voiced about safety and the proximity of the house to the street. The board engaged in a balancing act between the desire for new construction and addressing the raised issues, including the potential relocation of a shed and the amount of fill required for the build.

For 107 Highland Avenue, the board considered an application by George Riley to alter a non-conforming dwelling and lot. Riley’s presentation touched on raising the foundation to accommodate a garage and ensuring compliance with various regulations. The health agent confirmed that the new plan would not increase sewer flow beyond what was already approved for a three-bedroom main house and a two-bedroom guest house. Despite a demolition delay from the Chatham Historical Commission, the board ultimately approved the proposal, noting an overall improvement from the current situation.

Additionally, the board handled a request from a property owner on Morris Island Road, represented by Donnie Dunham, to extend the deadline for exterior construction due to structural and historic preservation challenges. Neighbors vouched for the extension, and the board, after deliberation, agreed to modify the permit, extending the construction deadline to June 28th, 2024.