At least 40 neighbors showed up at Town Hall last night in opposition to the Berquists' (2048 Elm Street) petition for a zoning variance allowing a new house to be built at the intersection of Elm Street and Academy Hill Terrace -- an amazing turnout that speaks volumes about our collective commitment to preserving the architectural and historic character of our neighborhood.
One unforeseen turn of events: As the meeting was called to order, Board of Zoning Appeals Chairman Richard Fredette announced that because only four commissioners were in attendance, any petition that was voted on would need the affirmative votes of all four commissioners present (e.g., a unanimous vote) to pass. So he asked the assembled petitioners if they preferred to go forward at the April meeting (last night) or have their petitions continued to the May meeting.
Upon consultation with their attorney (whose identity was unknown to me), and seeing how many neighbors were present and prepared to testify against their petition, the Berquists elected to postpone until the BZA's May 3 meeting.
It is amazingly gratifying that so many turned out in support of our neighborhood. It is disappointing, however, that we will need to do it all over again in four weeks to keep the pressure on the commissioners. PLEASE -- if you cannot attend the May 3 meeting, please write a letter to the commissioners (names and addresses below) so your sentiments are officially entered into the public record.
I. Patrick T. Massey (R) 100 Bayview Blvd. Jan. 1, 2014
II. Richard F. Fredette (R) 1563 Stratford Ave. Jan. 1, 2014
III. Brian W. Dempsey (R) 318 Stonybrook Rd. Jan. 1, 2014
IV. Thomas E. McCabe (R) 520 Allyndale Dr. Jan. 1, 2012
V. James D. Shugrue (R) 25 Red Coach Dr. Jan. 1, 2012
Alternates - 3-Year Term of Office - Appointed by Council
Alexander Florek (U) 264 Victoria Lawn Jan. 1, 2013
Thomas A. Grega (R) 66 Chevvy St. Jan. 1, 2012
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