Jaffrey Zoning Board member Marc Tieger and Chair Lee Sawyer listen to feedback from residents. STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI—
Jaffrey resident Don MacIsaac reads from a statement while outlining his objections to a multifamily development in the Mountain Zone. STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI—
After hearing objections from neighbors, residents and representatives of surrounding towns, the Jaffrey Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously denied a request Tuesday for a variance to build a multifamily townhouse in the Mountain Zone.
The purpose of the Mountain Zone is to preserve, to the extent practical, the land around Mount Monadnock in its natural state and limit development to patterns consistent with the existing rural character. Uses in the zone are limited to rural residential and agricultural. Duplexes, multifamily homes, mobile home or manufactured home parks and apartments are forbidden under the code. Single-family detached homes are allowed.
LR3 Development LLC, a Peterborough-based development company, requested a variance to allow a multifamily residential use, specifically the construction of a five-unit townhouse on Dublin Road.
In a previous hearing on the application, the board ruled that the application had regional impact, as Jaffrey and surrounding towns have all designated an area around the base of Mount Monadnock with additional rules to protect against development.
The board received several letters, as well as in-person comment from neighbors, which were almost universally against the proposal, with a few choosing not to take a stance at this time.
Kenneth Campbell, a Mountain Road resident, wrote in a letter, read into the record by board Chair Lee Sawyer, that the proposal violated both the town’s regulations and the “spirit of the Mountain Zone,” saying it failed in “every way” to meet the stated goals of the ordinance.
Abutters John and Stephanie Minteer pointed out that the only multifamily units that have been allowed in the Mountain Zone were the conversion of the interior of an existing, historic building, or were built prior to the Mountain Zone being put into place. Tney said those “extenuating circumstances” don’t exist in this case, which would involve new construction.
Don MacIsaac, who lives across the road from the proposed development, said Mount Monadnock was an “integral part of what makes Jaffrey a place to live, to work and visit,” and said it was a “jewel” that had to be protected.
“Any growth should advance rural character,” MacIsaac said. “A five-unit multifamily building is out of character in the Mountain Zone.”
Tanya Short of Dublin Road said she feared that approving a multifamily dwelling would open a floodgate.
“We have a Mountain Zone for a reason,” agreed James Short.
The board ultimately agreed that a multifamily development was not appropriate for the zone, agreeing in a 5-0 vote to deny the application.
In a separate case, the Zoning Board granted a special exception to Doug and Chauntelle Carty to build an accessory dwelling unit on River Street. Doug Carty presented plans to build a garage attached to his current residence, with an apartment over the garage.
The board confirmed the proposed apartment fit within the set requirements for an accessory dwelling unit, and after no feedback from attending audience members, approved the application unanimously.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.
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