Greenfield Zoning Board of Adjustment
Meeting Minutes
September 2, 2009
The Board meets at 8:00 pm with Kevin, John, Dan, Roger, Craig, and Loren present. The board goes over minutes from August 19, 2009. The board corrects the minutes and Craig motions to accept the minutes as corrected, seconded by Roger and the motion carries.
John reopens the deliberative session of the case 09-1 at 8:17 and reviews the case. John states Gene Mitchell has photos of the site for the board to see, and since Gene mentioned them during the hearing, he thought he’d ask the board if they’d like to view them. John further stated that he talked to Mr. Wilkins about the photos and Mr. Wilkins stated he reserves judgment, but has no objection, but since Gene is not present the board cannot consider the request.
Dan states he remembered telling Gene after the hearing ended that he couldn’t include the photos as the hearing was closed.
Mr. Wilkins states that he’d like to see the photos, but would like to quantify the coverage map of a lower tower height if the board does vote to allow new evidence.
John suggests the board first address the special exception.
The board then discusses the special exception, what it’s intent is. Roger talks of the residential area. The board discusses the character of the area, the lot sizes, and value of the surrounding properties.
Dan asks if the appraisal report is valid since it was not done in Greenfield, and asks if the board should get a town specific report. Dan states he feels he is not qualified to make that kind of judgment with regards to diminished property values.
John and Loren state they feel one isn’t necessary.
The board continues talking of “Character and natural features” language in the ordinance and what it means, and of views and view-shed.
John then goes over the criteria for the special exception, and the board discusses the issues of impact to property values and character of the area, Dan states an abutter is concerned with the impact to their property. Dan also states he feels there are too many issues to get through tonight.
Craig makes a motion to grant the special exception to place the facility in a residential zone. Roger seconds, the board discusses the motion and votes to grant the special exception with Kevin and Dan casting dissenting votes.
The Board then talks of the request for a variance from Section V2f9 for the design of the antenna. The Board discusses the matter and finds the applicant meets the requirement and that the variance is not required.
The Board then discusses the request for variance from Section V2eid.
John states that this request is for an area variance and the board will use the area hardship questions.
Kevin discusses the ordinance, and how it is clearly derived from Greenfield’s Master plan, and that it’s intent is to keep tower heights within 20’ of the average canopy height within the area of the tower. However in this case since the area of the tower is a field, the height restriction can’t be enforced or the tower would only be about 20’ off the ground. But, that does not mean that allowing the tower to violate the requirement allows them to go as high as they want. There is still the spirit of the ordinance and the intent of the Master plan to contend with.
The Board talks of the Hutchins RF report its content on reduced tower heights, and that the report states a reduced height would only adversely affect a third co-locator.
John asks the Board if they feel a site walk is needed, the board’s consensus is one is not. Kevin asks Mrs. Mitchell if she’d mind is he took a walk on the subdivision property, and replied she had no problem it.
At 10:30, a motion to adjourn the meeting and to continue the deliberation next week. September 9, at 8:00 pm is made by Craig and seconded by Roger. The Board discusses the motion and motion carries.
Meeting closes at 10:35
| 
