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The Zoning Board of Appeals is the permit granting authority within the Town of Belmont and derives its jurisdiction from the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40A. The Board meets on the first Monday of each month and more frequently when needed. Residents or businesses seeking relief in the form of a Special Permit or a Variance initiate virtually all matters that come before the Board. Staff support is provided by the Office of Community Development.
There are five regular members appointed to the Board. During 2007 they were William D. Chin, Chairman, Anthony L. Leccese, Rebecca Vose, Arthur P. Kreiger, and Eric A. Smith.
There are three associate members appointed to the Board. During 2007 they were Martin L. Cohen, Nicholas A. Ianuzzi who was appointed August 9, 2007 to replace William D. Lovallo who had resigned to accept appointment to The Permanent Building Committee, and Patrick D. Dignan. The Board thanks Bill Lovallo for his faithful attendance and conscientious participation.
The Board continued its policy to allow associate members to participate in hearings and deliberate, but not vote except in the absence of a regular member.
In January and February of 2007, after meeting monthly throughout 2006, the Board (i) held eight public hearings to review the testimony, the submitted documents, the reports of the applicant's consultants, and the opinions of the Board's peer review consultants; (ii) deliberated and made findings of fact; (iii) adopted conditions; and (iv) granted a Comprehensive Permit for the so called Belmont Uplands Chapter 40B affordable housing project.
The demand by residents for more living and/or recreational space continued throughout 2007.
On November 5, 2007 the Board and the Planning Board held a joint hearing on the application of the redeveloper of the former Belmont Center Fire House. The joint hearing was continued to November 28th for the applicant: a) to complete previously submitted plans; b) to address issues raised by the Board, the Planning Board, the Belmont Historic District Commission, the Belmont Center Planning Group, and neighbors; and c) to eliminate inconsistencies in the previously submitted plans. On November 28th the hearing was further continued to December 19th for applicant to complete compliance with the previous requests. The December 19th joint hearing was continued, without taking any testimony, due to applicant's failure to submit the previously requested documentation in order to proceed. On January 9, 2008 applicant did not appear. The
continued hearing is next scheduled for February 4, 2008 before the Board.
As in prior years, the Board was aided by, and appreciates, the valuable and extensive help provided by the Town's Community Development Office and, in particular, Jeffrey Wheeler, the Town's Planning Coordinator; Jay Szklut, the Town's Planning and Economic Development Manager; Pauline Daniels, Administrative Assistant; and Jeannine Rogan (a former Administrative Assistant). The Board also thanks the other Town departments and boards that provide guidance and leadership on various occasions.
Respectfully submitted,
William D. Chin, Chairman
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