The meeting room was packed at the Marion Town House on March 12 when the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals opened its meeting. And nearly all in attendance were there to show opposition to Mary Lou Hanlon’s special permit application for a dog kennel license at 11 Shady Lane.
Hanlon, who has previously held such a license in another town and whose training in the care and boarding of dogs is extensive, was surprised by the number of neighbors who feared that approval of her application would harm their way of life.
The ZBA received nine letters, all listing quality of life issues, increased traffic and noise, and use of residential property for business purposes as reasons why Hanlon’s request should be denied. They also received a petition with approximately 45 signatures from this beach enclave all opposing the application.
Karen Marotta of Wilson Road said, “I commend her on her background,” but continued to agree with others that such a license would somehow bring unwanted consequences to the neighborhood. Steve Whittaker of Dexter Road agreed with Marotta.
Hanlon was seeking permission to have two visiting (boarding) dogs on her property at a time.
“I’ll make sure the dogs get along with one another,” said Hanlon, to ensure harmony among the dogs on her property. She explained that each dog she might care for would be evaluated prior to accepting them and that at no time would there be more than three dogs in her care.
Citing the need to review the application in greater detail, the board moved to take it under advisement for the next 90 days.
Also coming before the ZBA was Bernard and Eileen Bowers of 14 Bayview Road with a request to modify an approved footprint by changing the dimensions of a proposed addition from 14 feet to 16 feet on the northeasterly side of the property.
This request also reflected a change in the proposed round stone patio to a rectangular wood deck that would have the same overall dimensions. Setbacks would not be affected by the change, as noted in the revised plans. Determination of this request is also pending as it was taken under 90 day advisement.
The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals will be scheduled and publically posted if there are hearings.
By Marilou Newell
