RCL ZBA Meeting Notes Jan. 8, 2014

PDF Version:  ZBAnotes010814revBfinal

NOTES OF JANUARY 8, 2014 RYE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING

Final Revision B – Provided by the Rye Civic League

Present from ZBA:  Chairman Frank Drake, Vice Chairman Ray Jarvis, Clerk Shawn Crapo, and Members Patty Weathersby and Burt Dibble.

Also present:  Kim Reed, Planning Administrator.

Present from the public:  Joe Cummins, Peter Crawford (left early), and person representing Charles Kelly (Shannon Alther, AIA)

Editor’s note:  This meeting was video recorded and is available at www.town.rye.nh.us by clicking on “Town Hall Streaming†at the bottom left of the screen.  Follow the link for “Town Hall Live Streaming,†then find the meeting by date under “Previous.â€Â  The times indicated are for ease in locating particular segments.  They should match fairly closely the times appearing in the black bar at the top of the screen.

Announcements and Approval of Minutes (7:07 p.m.)

The meeting commences with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.  It was announced that the Webster at Rye case has been cancelled leaving only one applicant’s business.  From 7:08 until 7:11 various grammatical mistakes and numerical typos from the previous meeting were discussed.

At 7:11 it was announced by the Chairman that the rules of procedure business will

be handled out of order.

Charles Kelly, 33 Wentworth Rd. (7:12 p.m.)

At 7:12 the Chairman opens with the case of Charles Kelly, 33 Wentworth Road map 26 lot 10 for expanding bulk, continuing to exceed the 15% rule of Article 3, 203.3(E), and Article 3, 301.8(B)(7), construction in the tidal buffer.

At 7:13 Ray Jarvis introduced a 7 minute discussion on driveways and lot coverage in the Single and General Residence districts.

At 7:20 Patty Weathersby references a questionable Building Inspector determination relating to driveways. Until 7:27 all members engaged in discussions about ordinance language.

At 7:27 Shawn Crapo references the Building Inspector’s denial letter.

At 7:28 Shannon Alther, AIA, introduces the project as 33 Wentworth Rd., opposite the

Wentworth-by-the-Sea Country Club (“WBTSCCâ€).  He asserts that the massing volume is in keeping with existing conditions, and that there is a reduction from 4 to 3 bedrooms.  The need for a soil protection permit and a revised septic system are mentioned.

At 7:42 the public session is closed by the chair, after cautioning visitors that he only wants comments from persons with standing.

Burt Dibble asks where the hardship is.

Mention is made of Bill Binnie being an abutter, and that he does not oppose the project.  Kim Reed stated that he had a representative come to the Town Hall to look at plans.

At 7:44 questions arise on whether neighborhood values must go up, or not down.

From 7:47 to 7:48 Shannon recaps project.

From 7:52 to 7:53 unanimous voting takes place approving the project, on each of five points.

Rules changes (7:55 p.m.)

At 7:55 it is mentioned that the Planning Board is busy with warrants.

From 7:56 to 8:04 there is discussion of various rule change considerations.

At 8:05 there is discussion on the requirement that ZBA members be residents. There is a lengthy discussion regarding who is a resident.

At 8:06 there is discussion of the role of alternate members on the ZBA.

At 8:16 Ray Jarvis’s motion to encourage alternate members to attend meetings passes

4-1 with Burt Dibble opposing, after first abstaining.

There is then further discussion of various changes to rules.

At 8:40 all supported, and none opposed, a motion to adopt the rules of procedure as presented for amendment that evening.

At 8:43 Burt Dibble is elected Clerk, after Shawn Crapo resigns with recognition of the great job he has done.