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Neighbors object to ADU move at Sawyer Mansion, citing trash, driveway easement and visibility
Summary
Neighbors told the Whitingham ZBA they do not trust the applicant to clean up longstanding trash and raised concerns that the ADU would use a driveway easement across their land and be visible from their property; they asked for fencing and clearer ownership paperwork.
During the July 29 hearing about application W-12-26, neighbors from the Betit family said long-standing trash and campground trailers on the Sawyer Mansion lot have not been cleaned up since last fall and asked how the ADU would access the Betit easement. Darlene Betit said she had received notice of a proposed wastewater isolation zone and told the board she doubted Mr. Roberts would address cleanup: "She has no reason to believe that what Mr. Roberts says here tonight will be cleaned up." The neighbors asked whether a fence could be required and noted the proposed ADU’s rear would face the Betit property; the setback to the property line was reported as over 100 feet.
Board members and attorney Ron Ferrara discussed the configuration and suggested a site visit so the board could see how visible the ADU would be from nearby properties. The board did not take a vote on the ADU; the applicant withdrew and said he will resubmit with clarified ownership documents and additional photographs that the ZBA can inspect during a site visit.
