Town of Kensington
Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
June 5, 2007 Public Hearing/Meeting
Approved August 7, 2007
Roll call: Vice Chair Joan Skewes, John Andreasse, and alternate, Michael Schwotzer.
Meeting was called to order at 7:40 pm. Since there were only three members, which is a quorum, the applicants were offered the opportunity to postpone for a full board. They declined stating they preferred to proceed.
Application of Karen Fowler, 5 Juniper Lane, Kensington, NH, for a Special Exception for Home Occupation for child care in accordance with Chapter 2, Art. 8.4C. Property owner, Kenneth Emmons, Jr. and applicant Karen Fowler presented the case. Joan Skewes read from the application; “Planned use of space will be for a NH licensed in-home child care, with a maximum registration of six children at any one given time. The planned hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.” Mr. Emmons explained they want to apply for licensed child care with the State, which will allow them to have up to six children including Ms. Fowler’s child. Board members reviewed the application and agreed with the following: parking appeared adequate, square footage met the requirements; the applicants said they would not do any signage, and understood they would need to follow up with a Site Plan Review before the Planning Board if the Special Exception was granted.
Joan Skewes opened the meeting to the public. Numerous abutters expressed concerns with increased traffic and asked if Article 8.4A applied as well. The Board replied that all Special Exceptions are subject to this Article. The abutters were in agreement that number 3; “the use is offensive to the public because of excessive traffic” would apply in this case. Wendy Larson, a 25 year resident, explained that it was a quiet neighborhood with children and pets and felt the increased traffic would be a concern. She also questioned that if the applicants could have six children at a time, could they do six in the morning and six in the afternoon? The applicants replied they were not sure what the schedules would be. Tony Reynolds said he wasn’t sure that vehicles dropping off children could drive up the driveway and turn around; thus they would have to back down. The applicants did not dispute this.
Joan Skewes closed the public portion for Board discussion. John Andreasse said he was concerned with the impact of traffic. Joan read Article 8.4A with members agreeing that excessive traffic appeared to apply. The applicants met the criteria for Art. 8.4C with the exception of d. for John Andreasse who said he could not be certain there were adequate provisions for off street parking.
John Andreasse moved to deny the application of Karen Fowler, 5 Juniper Lane, for failure to meet the requirements of Article 8.4A.3, seconded by M. Schwotzer. Following brief discussion, John Andreasse moved to amend his motion to include Article 8.4.C.1.d, seconded by M. Schwotzer. All members voted in favor.
Approval of March 6, 2007 minutes – M. Schwotzer moved to accept the public minutes of March 6, 2007 as presented, seconded by John Andreasse with all in favor.
Adjournment – Joan Skewes moved to adjourn at 8:35 pm, seconded by M. Schwotzer with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant