April 1, 2011- PAJU SPECIAL EXCEPTION
TOWN OF SULLIVAN
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ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
April 1, 2011
Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m.
Attendance: ZBA members: Steve Hamilton, Laura Lewandowski, Roger Sweet
Absent members: Rick Hotchkiss and Ron Hull
Also present were William Paju, Marlo Paju and Ann Sweet.
First order of business was to elect a chairperson due to the absence of Rick Hotchkiss.
Steve Hamilton was elected unanimously.
Chair recognizes Marlo&William Paju for their special exception concerning the property on 108 Centre Street in Sullivan, NH.
Marlo Paju speaks of their wishes to open a small country giftshop in the downstairs of their home. They plan on selling such items as antiques, yarns,, roving and hand made items. They want to include seasonal items such as Christmas trees, locally grown, wreaths and garlands and in such seasons maple syrup, honey, garden vegetables and perennials. Consignments are being considered for sale also.
She stated that the door into the giftshop faces the drive into the parking area. There will be enough parking for six vehicles.
Roger Sweet asked the approximate size of the shop and she estimated there to be two rooms at 16’x16’ plus a hallway.
Roger also the stated the concern on the danger to the entrance of the driveway which is on a corner of Centre Street. Steve Hamilton presented a letter from the State DOT
And the site review which showed they met the 400’ sight frontage. Presently, there is a school bus sign on Centre St. and the state would put up a warning sign if wanted. The letter did recommend that the owners review the foliage in the spring when the leaves are on the trees and cut all foliage to the south of the existing drive to obtain maximum sight distance.
It was brought up that a mirror across the road would be helpful and that the State had already cleared some of the trees on Centre Street that opened up the site to the driveway.
Marlo stated that the parking lot was large enough so any cars leaving the property would be able to drive out, not back out, onto Centre Street. They also realize the potential danger of their driveway and will do whatever they can to keep it safe. They will be putting up a flagpole and flag and will have season parking lights in the yard, when needed. No neon lights or large lights on the building that might take away from the quaintness of the shop will be used.
Chairperson Steve Hamilton then read the list of concerns from the application and asked if the board felt they had been discussed or met.
He then asked if there were any other concerns or questions.
Ann Sweet spoke and suggested a sign from the State be considered, a mirror across the street be placed and was concerned about the outside lighting not to be excessive and to be aimed appropriately.
Steve Hamilton was concerned about health and safety of the public and the of the land owners in which they should carry commercial liability insurance on the property. This would cover the public as well as the owners.
The meeting was temporarily adjourned at 7:31 and the board retired to the Town Clerk’s for discussion and vote.
At 7:34 the meeting was called back to order and Chairperson Steve Hamilton read the results.
The Zoning Board approved the Special Exception for the Paju business of a small giftshop on the property at 108 Centre Street in Sullivan with the following conditions:
- A convex mirror will be installed across the road (Centre St.) from your driveway so that exiting traffic can see oncoming traffic.
- A sign will be placed on Centre St. warning traffic of the driveway entrance.
- You will provide the Town of Sullivan with proof of General Liability Insurance regarding the operation of the Gift Shop.
Chairperson Steve Hamilton then said that an approval letter from the Zoning Board of Adjustment would be sent to them and that their next step was to go to the Sullivan Planning Board to see if they are acting within the Town Ordinances.
Meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Mary Hull
Sullivan Zoning Board of Adjustment Clerk