Zoning appeals for two Shaker Road properties continued; board accepts evidence and sets deadlines

The Enfield Zoning Board of Appeals on June 22 heard extended testimony and argument in appeals concerning two properties on Shaker Road and set follow‑up deadlines, while recording partial withdrawals of some alleged violations.

Attorney George Schober, representing owner Joseph Rashi, said the house at 174 Shaker Road was built and permitted as a single‑family dwelling and that the town’s appraisal vendor (Vision) later changed the assessment label to "single family with in‑law" after noting extra plumbing on a 2011 field card. "They were assessing it for an extra kitchen," Schober said, noting the building was constructed to approved plans and signed off by the building official.

Under subpoena, town assessor Vicki Rose reviewed historical assessment cards from 2003, 2006/07, 2011, 2016/17 and 2021 and confirmed that Vision’s 2011 data collection card showed a code change (101 → 107) and the notation "extra kitchen," despite a visit log entry of "no entry." Rose testified she could not find notes explaining why Vision changed the classification.

Zoning enforcement officer Mr. Rochelle told the board the town issued its first notice of violation in February 2022 and that the cease‑and‑desist covered multiple alleged issues, including storage containers, a mulch/wood‑processing pile and land use questions. Rochelle said staff issued the enforcement action based on information available at the time and that the board must decide whether the cease‑and‑desist was valid when issued.

Counsel for the owner said the storage containers were removed and that the mulch pile would be addressed by July 7 under a Wetlands Commission extension; nearby resident Theresa offered to text a photo confirming the containers’ removal. Schober formally withdrew the appeal as to the storage containers and the board noted that withdrawal.

After discussion the board accepted the owner’s written offer to extend the appeal for 174 Shaker Road and voted to continue that matter to the Sept. 28, 2026 meeting; the roll call was recorded with one member dissenting. For the 130 Shaker Road matter — which counsel said has been used for timber processing for decades — the board agreed to a final extension to July 27, 2026 for the owner to show progress (site plan submission and an application narrative) toward a special‑use permit or other remediation.

Owner Joseph Rashi characterized the 130 site as a long‑standing operation and said the family bought the neighboring property in part because of the historical use; "It's been used like that for 50 years," Rashi said. Town staff told the board that if credible progress is shown, enforcement action could be paused to allow the planning and zoning process to proceed, but staff retained authority to pursue citations if violations continue.

The board also approved a correction to the meeting minutes (changing a reference from 130 to 174 in one passage) and adjourned the meeting later in the evening.

Next steps: the board will receive written evidence of progress (site plan or survey work) and staff updates before the continuation dates, after which the board will vote on remaining appeal items or proceed as the record requires.