The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals on August 27 approved a number of application requests, including an in-law apartment, a bed and breakfast, and a change of use for the former Jenney Garage on Point Road.
First, Donna Tobin was granted a special permit to construct a studio-style in-law apartment above the existing garage at 490 Point Road. Tobin told the board that the space would be used only a few times each year exclusively by her sister, who lives in another part of the country. The ZBA placed the condition on the special permit that the in-law apartment could only be used by family and guests of Tobin and could not be rented out to tenants.
Also during the meeting, the board granted the special permit requested by applicant Kathleen Marie Hill allowing her to conduct a bed and breakfast operation at her residence of 460 Front Street. Hill recently purchased the property and will be allowed a maximum of three guest bedrooms. Food service is strictly limited to breakfast only. At this time, Hill only plans to operate a two-bedroom bed and breakfast. The business is subject to approval by other town boards, such as the Board of Health.
In other matters, several concerned abutters of 828 Point Road appeared for the hearing for a change of use for the former Jenney Garage. Owners Dena Xifaras and Michael Papadakis, owners of Papa’s Fuels and Lawn Care based in Mattapoisett, plan to utilize the site to store and maintain their business vehicles. Abutters were concerned about other materials being stored at the location, as well as noise from the operation early in the morning and later at night. The board placed conditions on its approval, including, but not limited to, restricting storage to business vehicles only and no other materials, and hours of operation that shall not begin before 8:00 am. Abutters were satisfied with the conditions.
Also, the board continued the hearing for Christian Loranger of Sippican Preservation, LLC, who plans to withdraw his request for a parking variance after the parking matter was addressed in the board’s prior approval of a special permit for the site plan. The hearing was continued because Loranger failed to present a letter formally withdrawing his request for the variance, which the board required in order to proceed.
“We know that he is going to withdraw,” said ZBA Administrative Assistant Donna Hemphill in a follow-up interview. “They just didn’t bring in the letter.”
The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for September 24 at 7:30 pm at the Marion Town House.
By Jean Perry
