Bolton ZBA delays decision on 15-foot side-yard variance for West Street garage

The Bolton Zoning Board of Appeals postponed a decision March 12 on a 15-foot side-yard variance requested by Alex O’Neil to build an addition onto the south side of the existing garage at 366 West St.

O’Neil told the board the addition is needed because of the lot’s topography, its configuration, the location of the well and septic system and existing structures. He said Landmark Surveys prepared the site plan. Board members learned the proposed garage would have a single 14-foot door, be about 10 feet taller than the existing structure and be used to store an RV.

Neighbor Carol Drown said she believes an easement exists between her property and the O’Neils’ and expressed concern that the addition would reduce the footage she needs to develop her property and to create road access. The board encouraged Drown to check variance requirements with the town engineer and asked her to provide any documentation at the next meeting.

Several neighbors told the board they had no objection to the proposal: Joseph Jazwicz (7 Lucks Way) and Joe Sandberg (370 West St.) both stated they did not oppose the variance. Robert Cindric said the hardships described by the applicant were preexisting and inherited.

Members asked technical questions about alternate siting, access for emergency vehicles and construction details. William Pike suggested delaying a decision when an abutting neighbor raises questions, and Mary Terhune said she wanted the neighbor time to gather information. Jonathan Treat recommended the applicant or staff get a letter from the utility company because of a pole located near the proposed addition. Chairman Morris Silverstein closed the public hearing and postponed the decision to the board’s April meeting.

Separately, the board approved minutes from Dec. 12, 2023. Mary Terhune moved and Tom Lyon seconded the motion; the vote was unanimous, 5–0–0. The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m. after a motion by Jonathan Treat, seconded by Mary Terhune, which also passed 5–0–0.

Next steps: the board requested that Carol Drown provide any easement documentation before the April meeting and suggested obtaining a utility-company letter about the nearby pole; the variance will be revisited at the April meeting.