ZBA tables discussion on possible zoning violation

Date: 8/13/2015

EAST LONGMEADOW – The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) tabled a discussion about an appeal of a possible zoning violation regarding a commercial vehicle.

John Turner, the petitioner of the appeal, stated during the Aug. 10 meeting that there is a commercial vehicle parked at 159 Maple St., which is in a residential zone.

Planning Director Robyn MacDonald, prior to the meeting, told Reminder Publications the zoning bylaw does not allow commercial vehicles to be parked outside in a residential area.

Turner said he submitted a written appeal to the Board of Selectmen and Building Inspector Daniel Hellyer regarding the issue in the fall of 2014, about which he received no response.

Hellyer was not present during the meeting.

ZBA Chair Mark Beglane said Selectman Angela Thorpe requested that the ZBA table the issue because the selectmen did not know whether they had asked Hellyer to examine Turner’s complaint and needed to review meeting minutes.

“If [the selectmen authorized Hellyer to take action], then Mr. Turner’s appeal may be procedurally rightfully enforced,” he added. “If they did not, then we really don’t have anything to hear.”

The board decided to table this issue until its Sept. 21 meeting.

ZBA?member Michael Carabetta said he would like to see the entire Board of Selectmen present on Sept. 21.

Town officials have heard from Turner in the past regarding alleged violations he believed were not adequately addressed.

In June 2014 Turner met before the Board of Selectmen alleging that Hellyer did not act upon reported zoning violations. Turner cited more than 30 complaints regarding properties, which Hellyer agreed to re-inspect. On June 30, 2014 Hellyer reported a total of six ticketed violations and two additional infractions.

“I don’t blame Mr. Hellyer,” Turner told Reminder Publications after the meeting. “I have nothing against Mr. Hellyer. My gripe is that he’s not doing his job enforcing town laws.”