Resident alleges town allowed encroachment, plumbing added to garage; requests enforcement

Donna Richardson gave an extended public comment on June 9 alleging that her family’s property has been encroached upon and that the town failed to follow its own procedures in a Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) matter.

Richardson said she submitted a detailed file nearly two years ago documenting alleged failures: the town did not notify abutters; permits issued did not match what was constructed; a structure approved as a nonhabitable garage—without water or sewer—has since had plumbing added and living space finished upstairs. She cited ZBA minutes that she said included a 25-foot setback condition and referenced correspondence among the planner, ZBA and the applicant. Richardson said tax records now list the house and garage together despite separate lots and that prior approvals included conditions limiting occupancy and plumbing.

Richardson asked the board what a resident must do to get enforcement, noting delays in code enforcement and that it took roughly 18 months from her complaint to an inspector visit. She provided the board with a packet of documents and photos and said legal action had been suggested in prior paperwork if conditions were violated. The board did not provide an immediate resolution during the meeting; members acknowledged receipt of the complaint and said staff would follow up.

No board decision or enforcement outcome was recorded in the meeting transcript; Richardson sought clarity on next steps and expressed frustration at the pace of the town’s response.