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Neighbors urge ZBA to uphold Plum Island overlay limits, warn of precedent
Summary
Several Plum Island residents told the Newbury Zoning Board that allowing expanded footprints or height would erode neighborhood character; commenters asked the board to deny relief or ensure strict adherence to the Plum Island Overlay District limits.
At the public comment portion of the Newbury Zoning Board hearing on July 16, multiple neighbors urged the board to deny or carefully scrutinize any relief that would increase footprint or height on Plum Island.
Richie Tulleri told the board the Plum Island Overlay District protections "recognize that many homes on Plum Island are preexisting nonconforming structures and allow reasonable improvements, but they specifically limit increases in footprint and height." Doug Everson and David Dempsey described prior cases and said the board has historically enforced bylaw limits and overhang and basement accounting consistently. Several residents said that granting the requested FAR and footprint relief would set a precedent and change the island's character.
Board members acknowledged the concerns and reiterated that each application must be decided on its merits; however, concern about consistency and precedent factored heavily into the board's request that the applicant submit revised calculations and documentation before the next hearing.
