Chatham Zoning Board Approves Multiple Property Developments Amidst Debate
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Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
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Meeting Date:
06/27/2024
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Recording Published:
06/27/2024
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Duration:
113 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Barnstable County
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Towns:
Chatham
- Meeting Overview:
The Chatham Zoning Board approved several property development applications during its recent meeting, including the extension of a variance for a new Wastewater Pump Station and the expansion of a number of residential properties, despite various concerns raised by board members and the public.
The meeting commenced with the approval of a variance extension for the construction of a new Wastewater Pump Station. The Director of Public Works, Rob Phy, cited the necessity of the extension, attributing the delay to pending details with utilities. After public comments and board deliberations, the application received unanimous approval.
A contentious point in the meeting involved the proposed enlargement, extension, or change of a non-conforming dwelling and lot by the Douglas Ross Kemly Revocable Trust. Attorney Andrew Elsinger represented the trust, presenting revised plans which included the addition of a third garage bay and a deck. The revisions were a response to previously raised concerns regarding the floor layout and the building’s mass. Despite debate among board members and opposition from one member over the building layout, the application was ultimately approved, following a review by the Conservation Commission within the coastal area.
Another notable discussion surrounded the modernization of a historically significant single-family house, owned by the family since 1964. The applicant, Doug Cly, intended to update the property without demolishing it. Neighbors, including Tim Tobin, voiced concerns about potential impacts on traffic congestion and neighborhood character. In response, Cly assured that the addition would not function as a rental unit and discussed the neighborhood’s evolutionary changes. Specific details such as access points and the inclusion of a kiln in the dwelling were debated, with the board scrutinizing building coverage and square footage before closing the hearing.
The expansion of a house led to further debate over the massing of the structure and its dominance in the neighborhood. Board members grappled with the proposal, which some felt would subordinate the original house. The legal standard of “substantially more detrimental” was considered in relation to the proposed changes. The architect offered insights into design constraints, especially in meeting building codes. A straw vote revealed a split board, with some members supportive and others undecided.
At 70 Med View Road South, the board reviewed a proposal to alter and expand a non-conforming dwelling and a conforming lot, involving additions and a deck near a coastal Conservancy District. Attorney Bill Lichfield assured that the proposed additions conformed to all other requirements. The Conservation Commission and Board of Health had reviewed the project, with no concerns reported. Deliberations touched upon coverage numbers and bedroom design, ultimately leading to approval, as the board found the proposal compliant and consistent with the neighborhood.
The construction of a new dwelling on a non-conforming lot was also discussed, with the board expressing support for the project’s design and the lot’s capacity for proposed increases. The board approved the application with conditions, including restrictions on construction during summer months to minimize disruption.
Another application for a conforming dwelling and a non-conforming lot through the demolition of existing non-conforming structures was presented by Mr. Lichfield. The proposed new dwelling would comply with all zoning requirements. The historical significance of the property and the upcoming Conservation Commission review were considered. No public opposition emerged, and the board inquired about the inclusion of AC units, generators, and kayak storage before approving the application.
The board addressed a property with a Board of Health-imposed restriction on short-term rentals. The applicant accepted this condition to secure approval for an additional bedroom. The board’s deliberations led to approval with construction-related conditions.
Lastly, the proposal for a second-floor addition on Monomoyick Way was presented by attorney James M. Norcross. The addition aimed to increase the living area with minimal impact on building coverage. The health agent and residents supported the project, and the board approved the application with conditions after noting its architectural consistency with the neighborhood.
Jill R. Goldsmith
Zoning Board Officials:
Randi Potash, Paul Semple, Virginia Fenwick, David S Nixon, David Veach, Leigh Hovey, Edward Acton, Steve DeBoer, Jeffrey S Dykens (Select Board Liaison), Sarah Clark (Staff Liaison)
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Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
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Meeting Date:
06/27/2024
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Recording Published:
06/27/2024
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Duration:
113 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Barnstable County
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Towns:
Chatham
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