Hearing continued for proposed pastor residence; board seeks wetland delineation

David Wolniewicz told the Zoning Board the church is seeking to add a single-family residence for a pastor on church property at 1759 Route 7 and that affordable housing for clergy motivated the request. Zoning Administrator Katie Hill told the board the parcel lies in the IND-2 district, where residences are not typically permitted, but said the proposal could be considered as an accessory use if the residence is incidental and subordinate to the church’s primary use. The file includes prior Act 250 permits and a wastewater permit the transcript describes as sized for "200-300 people."

Board members focused on siting and wetlands. Dave Mentzer said a formal application needs a precise site plan showing where the building would be sited relative to wetlands and the board discussed whether a wetland delineation is required before filing a completed application. Conservation Commission member Craig Heindel noted that, since wetlands are not delineated on the file, a wetland delineator will likely be needed and that process could take up to six months. The board voted to continue the public hearing until the applicant files a complete application, but not more than six months. The motion was made by Dave Mentzer, seconded by Mike Delaney, and the board voted unanimously to continue the hearing; the public hearing was continued at 7:31 p.m.