THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2011
VOL. 20 NO. 85
BERLIN, N.H.
Selectmen ask ZBA to revisit variance BY MELISSA GRIMA THE BERLIN DAILY SUN
GORHAM — The Gorham ZBA, last week, acted a motion from the selectmen that they revisit a recent decision to grant a variance. “Allowing a variance to construct on an unbuildable lot in these un-built paper subdivisions creates precedent for other property owners to seek similar relief which is evidenced by this application,” the selectmen wrote. “This will eventually result in demands for municipal services, e.g. new roads, for homes constructed on these paper subdivision lots.” The Zoning Board of Appeals had granted a variance on June 9 to Richard Briggs, who had requested a frontage variance in order to construct a garage on a 100-foot by 100-foot lot on Valley Road. Tax maps show Valley Road as a proposed road off of Spring Road in the area off Jimtown Road. According to the board, Briggs had been previously denied a variance for lot size to build a home on the parcel. Because of its zoning, the lot would have to be 1 acre or more for a house to be constructed on it without a variance. Required road frontage is 100feet on a public street, since Valley Road exists only on paper and is otherwise little more than a wood-
land path, the lot — along with dozens of others in the area — does not meet the frontage requirement. Although some members of the ZBA were disappointed no representative of the selectmen was present at their Aug. 4 meeting to make their argument for a rehearing, the group unanimously agreed to rehear the case on the merits of the argument in the letter from the town fathers. In the written motion, the selectmen pointed to a lack of evidence in support of the variance in the application or the minutes of the initial hearing. They also argued that the standards outlined in the RSA for granting a variance had not been addressed. In light of this, they asserted that the ZBA was in error when they granted approved the application. ZBA member PJ Cyr said that after reading the letter he realized the selectmen brought up some points he hadn’t considered when he cast his vote in favor of the variance. He told the rest of the board he would not be averse to rehearing the case. When asked what she believed the selectmen’s largest concern was with their decision, Michelle Lutz, Fiscal/Administrative Assistant, said that it was her opinion that the lack of conditions on the see VARIANCE page 6
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Al Morrisette of Berlin scaled Mount Adams on August 2, one day shy of his 71st birthday. That summit completed his quest to climb all 48 4,000-foot peaks in New Hampshire. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Berlin man scales 48 peaks BY MELISSA GRIMA THE BERLIN DAILY SUN
BERLIN — It took 10 years, but just one day shy of his 71st birthday, Al Morrissette summited his 48th 4,000 foot peak. While understandably proud of his accomplishment, Al — whose trail name is Yes-I-Can — credits the support of family and friends for his ability to undertake and complete the feat. “My thanks and gratitude to all who helped and encouraged me to accomplish this goal,” Al said. see SCALES page 6
Woman reportedly mugged on Main Street BY MELISSA GRIMA THE BERLIN DAILY SUN
Oversize load is a understatement! Granite Reliable Power wind farm turbines have been rolling through Berlin and Gorham this week. The 121 foot long and 25 foot high transport vehicles have been making quite an impressive sight. The 99-megawatt wind farm is being constructed in Phillips Brook and will contain a total of 33 wind turbines spread over some 14 miles. (RITA DUBE PHOTO)
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BERLIN — A local dog walker was reportedly mugged in broad daylight on Main Street last week. Peggy Wiggins, 53, of Berlin, told police she was sitting in Gill’s Park during the late morning hours on August 1, when a man snatched more than $100 from her hand. “I’m so flustrated with it,” she said. “It’s just a shame.”
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