town of bennington
                 zoning board of adjustment
                          minutes
                              
      1 veterans memorial drive, bennington, vt 05201
                 JUly 26, 2000 @ 7:30 p.m.
                              
  Present: Ron Alderman, Gale Wisher, Richard Owens, Bill Congdon, John
  Redding, Melissa Perrott, and Bill Barney.
  
  Excused:  Kevin Goodhue and Edith Prandini.
  
  Also present: Zoning Administrator Daniel Monks, Roger Bouchard, Mike von
  Ouhl, and Robyn Baker.  
  
  Ms. Wisher called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
  
     1.     Minutes of July 12, 2000.
  
  Mr. Owens moved to accept the minutes of July 12, 2000 as presented. Ms. Perrott
  seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 
  
  2.  Reading of witness' oath.
  
  Ms. Wisher read the witness 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.     Roger Bouchard, 220 Washington Avenue, seeking variance of side and rear
     yard setback requirements to construct garage at the above location, a VR
     District. Sections of the Bylaw applicable are: 3.4, 4.3.
  
  Mr. Alderman noted that he is an abutting landowner and would abstain from the
  hearing to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest. 
  
  Mr. Bouchard presented the project to the Board. He explained that there is an
  existing foundation, and he would like to make the garage bigger. Mr. Barney
  asked, and the applicant noted that the two-car garage would be five feet from the
  property line. The foundation is a concrete slab, which crosses the property line.
  The garage roof would be two-sided and have asphalt shingles. The peak would be
  facing opposite from the house. The natural slope of the property goes to the back,
  and the water ends up in the neighbor's yard as the situation currently exists. Mr.
  Barney also asked how far it was between the house and the new garage, and
  wondered if it could be slid forward. Mr. Bouchard noted that it is already such a
  short lawn, and he would lose the lawn if it were moved forward.  
  
  Ms. Wisher asked if the neighbor was aware of Mr. Bouchard's plans, and he felt
  that he was. 
  
  Mr. Owens moved to grant the 5-foot side yard, and 20-foot rear variance as requested.
  Mr. Barney seconded. The five facts were read and voted on.
     1.     There were six in favor.
     2.     There were six in favor.
     3.     There were six in favor.
     4.     There were six in favor.
     5.     There were six in favor.
  
     6.     Other Business 
     ¨ Mr. Monks read the warning for August 9, 2000.
     ¨ Mr. Monks distributed information regarding the newly formed Development
     Review Board, and noted that all Board members are encouraged to apply. The
     transition will occur in the middle of October. Mr. Alderman noted that the
     state probably has a state handbook. Mr. Monks noted that he has obtained all
     of the information that he could from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.
     Ms. Wisher noted that they have a list of cities that have Development Review
     Boards, and read the list to the Board. She noted that they are doing very well
     with the Board.  
     
  As there was no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Alderman moved to
  adjourn. Mr. Owens seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:44 P.M.
  
  Respectfully submitted,
  
  
  
  Robyn C.  Baker
  
  Dated this 3rd day of August 2000.
  
  
  
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