The Jaffrey Zoning Board of Adjustment stalemated over a proposed development that would have added four workforce housing units in town, but left the door open for developers to try again with a revised plan.
The development proposed to merge two lots on Forcier Way, with frontage also on Stratton Road and Squantum Road. The two lots currently have three residences between them, one with three houses and the other with two.
The proposal would have kept the existing houses, as well as adding an additional four homes, and putting all nine residences under a single, condominium ownership.
To move forward, the development required variances from both density and setback standards in Jaffrey’s Land Use Code.
The code only allows one residence per lot in the district, which makes both current lots already non-conforming. A non-conforming use also can’t be substantially expanded, under the code.
Johnatthew Holdings, the developer for the project, argued that Jaffrey’s Residence B district allows for higher density, and the development proposed would provide four additional units of workforce housing, within minutes from downtown.
“The inhabitants of the homes would be able to walk to the downtown location for dining, entertainment and business,” the application states.
The neighborhood is already characterized by closely-spaced homes, and the housing proposed would be similar to other properties in the area, at a similar density.
The ZBA began hearing the case on Tuesday, and deliberated Thursday, after a site walk on the property. However, voting members of the board were split 2-2 on the issue of allowing the additional four homes on the properties, and with a stalemate, the motion didn’t carry, according to ZBA Recording Secretary Becky Newton. However, the board did take up a second motion, which left some room for the potential for the developer to return with a reduced plan. The board voted 3-1 to allow the expansion of the non-conforming use on the property.
Functionally, Newton explained, that “leaves the door open” for other potential plans on a smaller scale than the one proposed by Johnatthew Holdings.
During its meeting Tuesday, the Zoning Board approved several other applications for variances or special exceptions.
■Sarah Write of Gilmore Pond Road was approved to replace and expand an existing porch within the property setback.
■Charles Turcotte of Fitch Road was approved to build a 12 foot by 15 foot accessory building within the 40-foot setback of the north side of his property. The area is not visible from the street – or without being on the property.
■Cafe 532 on Hadley Road received a variance to construct a roof over the existing patio, which is within the property setbacks. The patio abuts a wooded area and vacant lot and the cafe parking lot
All three applications were approved by the Zoning Board unanimously.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.