Zoning Board of Appeals

Approved: 9/22/22 ZBA Meeting By City Clerk at 8:10 am, Sep 23, 2022 ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, July 21, 2022 (Posted in accordance with the provisions of MGL Ch. 39, Sec. 23A, as amended) City Hall – 7:00 p.m. 62 Friend St. Amesbury, MA 01913 Attendance: Sharon McDermot (Chair), Donna Collins, David Haraske, and Michael McCarthy Also in attendance: Local Inspector, Jim Wilson; Recording Admin., Donna Lickteig _______________________________________________________ AGENDA 1. MEETING MINUTES APPROVAL: June 23, 2022 2. CONTINUED: An appeal filed by Gary Wright, owner of 46R Birchmeadow Rd., in regard to property owned by Tracy Harris, abutting owner at 49 Birchmeadow Rd. Request for zoning enforcement. 3. Amesbury Sports Ventures filed a Variance seeking relief due to a denial of a building permit for a permanent air supported structure (bubble) to cover a soccer field on 12 South Hunt Road in Amesbury. Per the Table of Dimensional Regulations, properties designated within the Industrial Zoned area cannot have structures exceeding 40’ in height and they are proposing a height not to exceed 68’ Chair McDermot called the meeting to order at 7:01pm and read the agenda items and asked if there were any changes to the meeting minutes. No changes. Chair McDermot motioned to approve the meeting minutes from June 23, 2022, seconded by Donna Collins. All in favor. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 46R & 49 Birchmeadow Rd. – Wright/Harris An hour before the meeting communication from Attorney Beede was filed stating that the Wright’s chose to withdraw their appeal. The letter was read by Chairman McDermott and the Appeal case has been closed. Amesbury Sports Ventures – 12 So. Hunt Rd. Atty. Paul Gagliardi took the floor to explain in detail the need for the air supported structure. Due to the topography of the land, poor soil conditions, proximity to wetlands, the soccer field needed to be moved. In addition, the Applicant wanted the soccer fields to be open year-round. The soccer field is a regulation sized soccer field (225’ x 331’) and the air supported structure to cover the field and safely allow for snow load removal must exceed the zoning restricted height of 40’ and instead a height of 68’ is required to fully support the structure. Atty. Gagliardi also brought paperwork from City personnel expressing their support for the structure. Christopher McCann, structural engineer for the company manufacturing the structure, explained in detail the design/pitch requirements/snow load/heating in depth. David Haraske asked if the air structure was built in a climate without snow, would the height be lowered. Christopher explained that it would not because the design calculations are standard according to the IBC and this is a universal height that must be met to fully house the size of the soccer field. Carl Pearson explained that due to financial hardship, the structure is required to be able to have the soccer field open year-round instead of only six months per year. Chair McDermot expressed that having the structure open year-round is a great opportunity for the residents of Amesbury. The Board had no more questions. There was no public comment. Sharon McDermott and David Haraske make a motion to discuss. Chair McDermot read the Summary of Findings. There is no detriment to the area should the Variance be granted. Chair McDermot motioned to approve a Variance. Donna Collins seconded that motion. The Board unanimously voted to grant the Variance to waive the height restriction of 40’ to 68’ to allow the air supported structure covering the soccer field. Motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:25pm. Motion passed unanimously. NEXT MEETING – August 25, 2022