Page 342 - BOXFORD

Paula Lia Fitzsimmons, Chair
Barbara Jessel, Vice Chair
David Peterson, Clerk
Steve Merriam, Alternate
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

In 2015 the Zoning Board of Appeals saw a sixty-four percent (64%) increase in case filings over
2014. Eighteen new cases were filed in 2015, sixteen (16) special permits and two (2)
variances.

Of the 16 special permit applications, seven were for additional garage space. Boxford Zoning
By-law requires a property owner who wishes to have garage space for more than three vehicles
to apply for and be granted a special permit.

The Zoning Board also heard and granted 4 special permits for accessory in-law apartments.
Subject to the grant of a special permit, the Zoning By-law allows for attached accessory in-law
apartments, not to exceed 1000 square feet in size or 25% of the gross square footage of the
home in size, whichever is less, in single family residence districts.

The Board received the resignation of long-time ZBA member Kathleen O’Sullivan-Fortin as she
and her family relocated to another town. Kathleen served the ZBA as a full-time member and
alternate member for almost years. Her intelligence, quick wit and willingness to dig into
decision will be missed.

With Kathleen’s departure, Barbara Jessel was elected to serve as vice-chair and David Peterson,
who was the Board’s alternate, was appointed by the Board of Selectman to serve as a full-time
member. David served as clerk in 2015.

There are three (3) unfilled alternate vacancies

Under the Zoning By-law the Planning Board provides a recommendation on each appeal,
application or petition before the Zoning Board. The Board is pleased that Pat Canonica
continues to serve as the Planning Board liaison to the Zoning Board. Robyn Holt continues as
the Board’s secretary.

The Board meets at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month. In addition to regular
meetings, site walks were conducted this year at 72 Porter Road and 38 Pinehurst Road. In
addition, the Board conducted a site walk and balloon test viewing for the application of Varsity
Wireless, LLC to site a cell tower at 12 Moritmer Road.

The Board had one case disposed of this year and one new case filed in U. S. District Court,
Massachusetts District.

Nissenbaum v. Town of Boxford (II)
Essex Superior Court, C.A. No. 08-541-B

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