Zoning Board of Appeals

MINUTES CITY OF TAUNTON ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS January 10, 2019 at 6:00 pm. (held at Maxham School, 141 Oak St, Taunton, Ma.) Members Present: Dennis Ackerman, Steven Vieira, Wayne Berube, Michael Staples, George Moniz, Sara Arbour and Bill Egan. Meeting opens a 6: 00 pm. Wayne made motion to accept minutes of December 13, 2018, seconded by George. All in favor. Election of Officers: George nominated Dennis Ackerman for Chairman and Steve Vieira for Clerk. seconded by Wayne. 5 members in favor, Dennis & Steve abstain from voting. Dennis Ackerman was elected Chairman and Steve Vieira was elected Clerk Chairman Ackerman explains the ZBA process. A presentation is made by the Petitioner then they hear from opposed/ and in favor. Then the petitioner is allowed to answer questions and the Board votes. We do not go back and forth. You need 4 votes to pass. Case # 3483 Adams 60 Checkerberry Lane A Special Permit from Section 440-710 of the Zoning Ordinance for the Renewal of an 1,248 sq. ft. Accessory Dwelling Unit (over 850 sq. ft. max. allowed) For the Petitioner: John Adams, 60 Checkerberry Lane, Taunton, Ma. Opposition: None In Favor: None John stated he’s here for a renewal of the accessory dwelling unit and nothing has changed. Chairman Ackerman read letters from the Conservation Commission, City Planner, and B.O.H. into the record. No one in favor or in opposition. Motion to Grant as Presented by the Petitioner Vieira, Arbour, Berube, Moniz, Ackerman.......Yes Petition Granted 1 Case # 3484 Smith & Charney 1075 Rocky Woods St. A Special Permit from Section 440-710 of the Zoning Ordinance for the Renewal of an Accessory Dwelling Unit. For the Petitioner: Denise Smith, 1075 Rocky Wood St., Taunton, Ma. Opposition: None In Favor: None Denise stated she’s here for a renewal of the accessory dwelling unit. Chairman Ackerman asked if any has changed and she answers no. Chairman Ackerman read letters from the Conservation Commission, City Planner, and B.O.H. into the record. No one in favor or in opposition. Motion to Grant as Presented by the Petitioner Vieira, Arbour, Berube, Moniz, Ackerman.......Yes Petition Granted Case # 3482 Fit Factory Taunton LLC 82 Taunton Depot Dr. A Special Permit from Section 440- attachment #2 of the Zoning Ordinance to allow a 34,782 sq. ft. Fitness Center in an Industrial District. For the Petitioner: Atty. David Giangrasso, Giangrasso Law, 60 Walnut St., Ste. 301, Wellesley, Ma. Ian Newland, Fit Factory, 859 Willard St., Quincy, Ma. Opposition: None In Favor: None Ian states the owner of Fit Factory is expanding in Massachusetts and within the next 18 months wishes to open 5 fitness centers. They are proposing to go in to the vacant old Linen N Things space, next to Target & Kohls. They will provide gym members ranging from $10, $20, and $30 month fees. The $30.00 monthly rate allows open gym, gym equipment, yoga, spinn, barr and babysitting and towel service. They are supports of St .Jude’s Children and work closely with people with disabilities trying to find employment. They will be spending about ½ million in equipment and they said their biggest customers are woman between 25 yrs. -45 years old. They will provide daycare with activities while the mothers workout. Chairman Ackerman asked if they would be providing sauna or steam room? They said they would be providing 3-4 handicapped showers and will most likely have a steam room (10-12 people) Wayne stated his daughter is taking a spinning class and she pays a separate fee for that. Ian stated the $10 membership gets you the main gym (cardio equipment) $20 month membership gets you main gym, towel service and babysitting. $30 month membership gets you main gym, towel service, babysitting, and classes (spinning, barr, yoga, crossfit.) The Board agreed 2 it’s affordable. Wayne asked when do they expect to open? Ian answers probably before the holiday season, 2019. It was asked what are the hours of operation? Ian stated it varies in North Attleboro they are open from 5 AM – 10 PM Monday – Friday, 7 AM – 9 PM sat, 8AM – 5 PM Sunday. George askes how many employees and Ian answers 1 person at the desk during operating hours, clean crew and back up for front desk. He said typically they are busy before the holiday season and after the new year. He stated this location is good because they will be busy when the retailers aren’t. The Board decided it would be good to not restrict the hours of operation to give them the flexibility. George asked if anyone could go in and pay cash to workout. Ian said yes but they do require a one year contract with the $10 month membership. Chairman Ackerman read letters from the Conservation Commission, City Planner, and B.O.H. into the record. No one in favor or in opposition. Motion to Grant as Presented by the Petitioner Vieira, Arbour, Berube, Moniz, Ackerman.......Yes Petition Granted Meeting adjourned at 6:20 PM 3 4