ZONING BOARD OF REVIEW
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APPLICANT (S): Pascoag Ladies Library Association
DATE: November 5, 2008
FILE NO: 2008-18
A RESOLUTION GRANTING
A VARIANCE AT L0T: 85
ASSESSOR’S MAP: 174
WHEREAS, a meeting of the Burrillville Zoning Board of Review was held on October 14, 2008, wherein the instant matter was considered .
WHEREAS, PASCOAG LADIES LIBRARY ASSOCIATION: Applicant(s), and Pascoag Ladies Library Association, Owner(s) of property on 57 Church Street, in the Village of Pascoag, Town of Burrillville, Assessor’s Map: 174 Lot: 85 in the R-12 Zoning District has/have filed an application for a variance to build an addition. Zoning Ordinance 30-111 Table of dimensional regulations.
WHEREAS, all members of the Burrillville Zoning Board of Review viewed the property on or before the public hearing;
WHEREAS, the Burrillville Zoning Board of Review held a public hearing on this application at its October 14, 2008 meeting after due and public notice as provided under the Burrillville Zoning Ordinance and Rhode Island General Laws;
WHEREAS, at said hearing all those whom desired to be heard were heard and their testimony recorded;
WHEREAS, the Burrillville Zoning Board of Review finds as a fact that:
- Norbert Therien – Professional Land Surveyor and Site Planner represented the applicants and entered Exhibit I – an aerial photo of the area surrounding the library, and Exhibit II – photos of the library. He noted that the addition would be over what is now impervious, paved surface.
- Mr. Therien stated that the applicant had received favorable review by the Planning Board on August 4, 2008 for this addition. He noted that the two handicapped parking spaces would be turned so no one would need to back out onto the street to exit the library parking lot.
- Mr. Therien testified that the applicants request 17.17 feet rear setback relief for a proposed 22 foot by 38 foot addition. He explained how the current building has significant wasted space due to the staircase to the lower level being situated in the center of the building. With the proposed addition, Mr. Therien stated that the staircase would be moved to a rear corner of the addition.
- Mr. Therien stated that the brick facade would be continued on both sides of the addition with wood shingles to the rear. He noted that this was the smallest size addition that would that would meet the needs of the Library Association.
- When questioned by Raymond Cloutier Zoning Board Chairman, Mr. Therien stated that a drywell would be installed so the rear handicapped ramp would not flood out and that parking would only be decreased by two spaces due to the addition. He noted that five or six parking spaces could be created along the left rear extension of the property if need be.
- Nancy St. Pierre of the Pascoag Ladies Library Association, came before the Zoning Board. When questioned by Raymond Cloutier, she testified that though there is a new library in Harrisville, her library receives a lot of local patrons who walk to the library, as well as children who bicycle to the library. She noted the Pascoag Library provides many programs for the community.
- There was no public comment from the audience.
- During discussion, George Keeling stated that he knows that children from the school on Church Street utilize this library. Sandra Cooney stated that this library must get a lot of foot traffic. Ken Johnson stated that there is a high volume of foot traffic in that area and that he was please that youth from the area were utilizing the local library.
WHEREAS, THE BURRILLVILLE ZONING BOARD OF REVIEW has determined, based on the testimony presented at the hearing, the observations of the Board Members in viewing the property, and the findings of fact as set forth above:
- That the granting of the requested variance will not alter the general character of the surrounding area or impair the intent or purpose of the Zoning Ordinance or the Comprehensive Plan upon which the Ordinance is based as the applicants wish to build an addition to an existing library so as to better serve their community.
- This variance will have no adverse impact on the development upon other land, including the type, intensity, design, and performance of activity as Mr. Therien testified to the minimal impact due to existing conditions as well as room for expansion if needed for parking.
- The hardship is not the result of any prior action of the Applicant or Owner and does not result primarily from the desire of the Applicant to realize greater financial gain. The building was constructed on the site in 1924 and has continued as a library to present.
- That the relief to be granted is the least relief necessary as the applicant has demonstrated that the proposed addition is the smallest addition that can be constructed to meet the needs of the applicant.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Burrillville Zoning Board of Review that the application as filed by the Applicant is GRANTED by a vote of 5 – 0 with one condition.
Ken Johnson made a motion to approve the application for a variance and grant relief of 17.17 feet rear setback relief to build an addition – Zoning Ordinance 30-111- Table of dimensional regulations with the one condition that any runoff created by the project will be controlled on the property. Michele Carboni 2nd the motion.
Ken Johnson , Ed Hochwarter Jr., Michele Carboni, George Keeling, and Raymond Cloutier all voted to pass the motion and grant the relief as requested with the one condition.
Ken Johnson stated his reasons for voting to pass the motion were based on testimony presented and the nature of the proposal. George Keeling stated his reason for voting to pass the motion were due to two schools in the area that utilize this library. Michele Carboni stated her reason for voting to pass the motion was due to the testimony presented. Ed Hochwarter, Jr. voted to pass the motion based on the testimony presented as well as granting this variance would improve the library for the local children. Raymond Cloutier voted to pass the motion stating that the applicants demonstrated a need for this addition.
The Zoning Board shall set down a record of findings of fact and shall make its decision in writing. No decision shall be final until it is filed in the Zoning Enforcement Office. All decisions shall be recorded in the land evidence records of the Town.
A variance or special use permit shall expire twelve (12) months from the date of approval by the Board, unless the applicant who has been granted relief obtains a building permit and is actively engaged in the project’s construction, or in case of “use variance” has actually put the subject property to said use.
BY ORDER OF THE BURRILLVILLE ZONING
BOARD OF REVIEW
_____________________________________________
Raymond Cloutier, Chairman
THIS DECISION WILL BE PUBLICLY POSTED IN
A VISIBLE LOCATION IN THE TOWN HALL FOR
A PERIOD OF TWENTY DAYS COMMENCING:
_______________________________________________
APPLICATION GRANTED
Vote 5 –0 with one condition
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