TOWN OF BENNINGTON
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
MINUTES

1 VETERANS MEMORIAL DRIVE, BENNINGTON, VT 05201
          SEPTEMBER 22, 1999 @ 7:30 P.M.

Present: Ron Alderman, Richard Owens, Jim Gulley, Bill Congdon, Bill Barney,
and Edith Prandini.

Excused: Kevin Goodhue, Jane Kaufmann, and Gale Wisher.

Also present: Zoning Administrator Daniel Monks, David Estes, Mike von Ouhl,
and Robyn Baker.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.

1_ Minutes of September 8, 1999.

Mr. Alderman moved to accept the minutes of September 8, 1999 as presented. Ms.
Prandini seconded the motion. The motion passed with five in favor. Mr. Barney
abstained.

2_ Reading of witness' oath.

Mr. Gulley explained that there is a witness sign up sheet that must be signed 
if
someone wishes to give testimony or submit evidence to the Board. He read the
oath: "I solemnly swear and affirm under the pains and penalties of perjury that 
the
statement I make, the testimony I give, and other evidence I submit to the 
Zoning
Board of Adjustment at the Board's public hearing held on this date shall be 
true
and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief."

3_ Roman Catholic Church, Convent Avenue, seeking conditional use approval for
recreational and sports field with parking for use by private school at the 
above
location. Sections of the Bylaw applicable: 3.4, 4.2, 8.5.

David Estes was representing the applicant. He explained that they wish to use 
the
field on the west side of Convent Avenue as a soccer field for the months of
September and October, and perhaps one additional month in the Spring. He
explained that they would like to place a post at each side of the entrance, 
with a
chain to prohibit entry instead of a fence or gate, which he feels would be 
unsightly.
He explained that busses would drop off and pick up children at the field, but 
would
park at the Parish Center. Some members of the Board expressed concerns about
sidewalks, and Mr. Estes felt that all of the children would be transported 
either by
bus or their parents. He explained that he would be providing the Planning
Commission with a more detailed parking plan at their next meeting, but has
already received preliminary approval from them. Mr. Gulley asked Mr. Monks to
express the Zoning Board of Adjustments concerns regarding parking and
sidewalks to the Planning Commission. There was also a brief discuss]on about 
toilet
facilities, and Mr. Estes explained that there would not be any facilities on 
site. He
explained that seating for spectators would be on the grass.

Ms. Prandini moved to grant the conditional use with the stipulation that the 
applicant
work with the town highway department to enforce no on sweet parking near the 
site.
Mr. Congdon seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

6. Other Business
+ Findings of fact and minutes were passed around and signed.

+ Mr. Monks explained that the warning for the next meeting was not yet
  available, as there are five Wednesdays in this month.

+ Ms. Prandini reported that she has received a complaint about the Apple Barn
  advertisement sign on the Chamber of Commerce fence, and Mr. Monks agreed
  to look into the matter.

As there was no further business, Ms. Prandini moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr.
Gullet seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimousIF. The meeting was
adjourned at 7:50 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Robyn C. Baker

Dated this 23rd day of September 1999.