Zoning Board of Appeals

MINUTES ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS February 24, 2022 at 6:00 PM at 15 Summer St- City Hall Members Present: Dennis Ackerman, Wayne Berube, Craig Faria, Seth Turner, George Moniz Meeting opens at 6:00 PM George made motion to accept minutes of January 27, 2022 seconded by Seth. All in favor. Case # 3599 – Cabral - Requesting a 6-month extension – 11 Powers Ave & Prop .I. D. 38-221 & 38-220 George made motion to grant 6-month extension, seconded by Wayne. Vote: Berube, Moniz,Faria, Turner, Ackerman…..Yes 6-month extension granted. Case # 3644 Anslow 198 Fremont A Variance from Section 440-602 and Section 440 Attachment #3 of the Zoning Ordinance for the division of one lot into 3 lots, Lot A having a side setback of 20 feet (instead of 25’) Lot B having 55 feet of lot width (instead of 100 feet) Lot C having 67 feet of lot width (instead of 100 feet) and Lot B & C each having 54 feet of frontage (instead of 150 feet) Letter from Atty. Brianna Correira requesting to withdraw petition without prejudice. George made motto to grant request and allow petition to be withdrawn without prejudice. Seconded by Seth. Vote: Faria, Moniz, Turner, Ackerman, Berube……Yes Petition withdrawn without prejudice. Case # 3660 Leite 58 Cohannet St. For: A Variance from Section 440 attachment #3 of the Zoning Ordinance to allow 8 residential efficiency units on the 2nd & 3rd floors (instead of the allowed density of one unit) on a lot having 0.0415 acres resulting in a mixed use building (proposed hair salon on first floor) and a Special Permit from Section 440-503 of the Zoning Ordinance to allow the increase in height to the existing non-confirming building on premises situated at 58 Cohannet St., Taunton, Ma. For the Petitioner: John DeSousa, NorthCounty Group, 4 Court St., Taunton, Ma. Atty. John Zajac, 490 Winthrop St. Taunton, Ma. Kevin Leite, 130 Broadway, Taunton, Ma. In favor: None Opposed: None 1 John stated last hearing the continued to see if the petitioner could secure some parking for the project. The petitioner has reached out to try and secure 14 parking spaces John stated the petitioner is removing one floor so it would be for 4 units now with commercial on first floor. George asked if they received any response about parking. John answers no. Wayne would like a definitive answer relative to securing parking before a vote is taken. He thinks 8 units is too much and 4 units is better but still a lot in that tine spot with NO parking. John stated his office is downtown and there is always meter parking available. Wayne stated he’s presenting a mixed use with NO parking. John stated the type of residential housing they are proposing will not require any parking. The type of people living here most likely will not have a vehicle. Mr. Leite stated he has spoken to Dermody Cleaners and the liquor store but they have not gotten back to them. Atty. Zajac stated they reached out but have not heard back from anyone. Chairman Ackerman stated they could approve 2 units and they can come back for more if they have additional parking. John stated if the Council adopted an ordinance relative to any developments downtown needing to contribute monies towards a parking fund to provide parking. They could do that. George asked if they would consider putting residential on first floor and no hair salon? Mr. Leite is open to it. He is an electrician and he would be put security cameras in and he just wants to provide affordable housing to people who can’t afford big rents. Seth said he would like to see something go in there but thinks there might be issues with parking. Mr. Leite said he wants to do what CCBC did with government funded housing on Winthrop Street. George asked how big the first floor was and it was answered 1,300 sq. ft. John stated the minimum allowed habitable area is 200 square feet. They are proposing 4 units with 300 sq. ft. each. Wayne stated he’s hesitant to even consider 2 units with the bad curve and no commitment for parking. He stated the petitioner’s purpose to provide affordable housing is noble but you have to be careful when you mix commercial and residential. John D. stated they are open to 3 units. Public Input: no one in favor or opposed tonight. It was suggested granting something with some parking spaces being required. It was suggested requiring a certain number of parking spaces within a distance prior to occupancy so if they can’t secure parking the project cannot be done. John stated the ordinance says within 500 feet. George made and seconded by Seth to Grant the petition as presented with the following condition: 1. Project is approved contingent on securing 6 parking spaces within 500 feet of the premises prior to Certificate of Occupancy. 2. Building shall be 2 stories in height as presented at hearing. 3. No more than 3 residential units on the 2nd floor and an allowed commercial use on the first floor. Vote: Ackerman, Faria, Turner, Moniz ……Yes Berube, ………………….…..…No Petition Granted Meeting adjourned at 6:21 PM 2 3