Planning Board Meeting – October 21st, 2024

The board discuss the winter indoor Tewksbury Community Market and a Family Special Permit application.

Chair Stephen Johnson called the board to order, on Monday night, October 21st. All board members, with the exception of Mr. Duffy, were present.

A motion was made by Nick Lizotte to approve meeting minutes from the October 7th meeting. There were no Committee Reports.

In her Town Planner’s report, Community/Economic Development Planner Alexandra Lowder noted there were no new public hearing applications scheduled for Monday, November 4th, the next scheduled meeting. She suggested they cancel the meeting, unless the board had anything specific to discuss. The following meeting, November 18th, already has several applications.

She also highlighted the indoor Tewksbury Community Market at the Senior Center this winter. This will be held November 14, December 12, January, 9 and February 13. These dates are the second Thursday of those four months. It will start the same time as the summer market, 7pm, and will feature many of the same vendors.

Stephen Johnson made a motion to cancel the next scheduled hearing, November 4th. It was passed unanimously. Additionally, with Mr. Duffy being absent, he suggested they postpone the 2025 meeting calendar until the next meeting. Lowder made note she will be absent Monday, January 27th. The motion carried unanimously.

24 Sheridan Lane: Family Special Permit

Robert and Maria Smith presented their case to the board. One year ago, they bought a house that was classified as a legal family suite, but after refinancing, they found out it was not compliant. Additionally, the home was struck by lightning a year ago. Although they are not currently residing on the property, they are undertaking renovations, including rewiring and installing new smoke detectors. They aim to move back in and also accommodate their mother-in-law by the end of the month. They seek to solidify their Family Special Permit.

Vinny Fratalia stated, “I love the idea of you bringing in the your in-law and so forth, and helping them, as far as having a place to stay and having some people take care of them as well.”

Lizotte confirmed the square footage was 665.5 square feet. He offered his sympathies for their trouble being hit by lightning.

Johnson noted, “I appreciate you taking the opportunity to come into compliance with the town and the current family suite regulations.” A motion was made to carry the family special permit and it was passed unanimously.

Correspondence

Fratalia commended Lowder for her efforts for the Fall-O-Ween event that was held this last weekend, which he attended with his grandkids. He enjoyed the Dunkin Donuts spin wheels and the the Police Department Spooky House.

Chairman Johnson made a motion to adjourn. The next meeting will be held November 18th.