Development Review Board           APPROVED 3.16.10

                                        Town of Stowe - March 9, 2010

The regular meeting of the Development Review Board was held Tuesday, March 9, 2010 in the Banquet Room in the Akeley Memorial Building starting at 5:00 P.M.

Members present: Lynn Altadonna, Doug White, Brian Leven, Michael Diender and Peter Collotta. Absent: Charles Lusk.

Also present: Rich Baker, Zoning Administrator and Steve Sisler for Dan Maynard.

Mr. Leven, Vice Chair chaired the meeting in the absence of Chairman Lusk.

Project #:        4154

Owner(s):       Talasko, Alex & Moeller, Paul

Location:        End of Hoadley Brook Road

Project:           Establish clearing limits for Lot # 9 of the Bassin Subdivison

Zone:              UMR

Mr. Baker stated the applicant has requested by e-mail to postpone to May 18, 2010 as there are legal issues of access to the property. Alan Thorndike, Attorney is representing the applicant and Al Coppock is representing the abutting property owner, Betty Teffner, and were not present. Mr.Altadonna moved to POSTPONE to MAY 18, 2010, seconded by Mr. Diender. All members in favor. Mr. Lusk not present.

Project #:        4126

Owner:            Maynard, Dan

Tax Parcel #:   7-163.010

Location:         Off Taber Hill Road on shared driveway with 458 & 360 Taber Hill Road.

Project:            Construct a single- family dwelling in the RHOD   

Zone:               RR2/RHOD

Present for the owner was Steve Sisler who stated Lot # 1 is being purchased by Mr. Maynard. Presently there is a house on Lot # 2. Septic was suppose to be on Lot # 2 but that may not be possible and is being studied by Mr. Grenier. The building will be a single family residence approximately 40’ x 60’ with a lower level garage. Mr. Sisler stated the house will be visible through the trees from Taber Hill Road. Mr. Baker stated he did a site visit and agreed it will be visible from Taber Hill through the trees. Mr. Diender asked why the clear clutting is being done. Mr. Sisler said a 70’ border will be maintained along Taber Hill Road and the clearing is being done somewhat for a view enhancement and the septic field may have to be on this lot Lot # 1 as opposed to Lot # 2. Mr. Sisler said it is possible one will be able to see towards Nebraska Notch as well as Mt. Mansfield. The house will not be visible from Rte 100. House will be a dark brown with a dark green standing seam roof. Mr. Sisler stated sections of the different roofs extend out which will help to shield the view to Nebraska Notch. Mr. Collotta asked for more details of the building, accurate exterior/interior lighting plan and specifications of the glass, especially on the second floor. Mr. Collotta said he would like the responsibility to be put on the applicant (and not the town) re: view shed and asked that the applicant show the Board there will be no visible impact, with specific details submitted. Mr. Baker suggested pictures of the view and Mr. Sisler suggested panoramic shots. Mr. Sisler stated there will be no landscaping lighting. Mr. White said there is a lot of contour lines which need to be taken into consideration. Mr. Sisler stated where the clearing is being proposed is mostly scrub growth. After discussion about a site visit, Mr. Altadonna moved to RECESS the hearing to MARCH 16, 2010, seconded by Mr. White with all in favor. The Board then left to do a SITE VISIT at 5:30.

Mr. Baker stated Stowe Cablevision is asking to construct a 60’ monopole in Sylvan Park and will be flying a balloon on March 10^th. Members were asked, if possible, to view the balloon. Meeting will be March 16, 2010. 

Minutes of February 16, 2010 will be reviewed/approved March 16, 2010.

There being no further business to come before the members at this time, the meeting adjourned at 5:35 P.M. and members left for the site walk.

                                     Development Review Board           APPROVED 4.6.10

                                             Town of Stowe

The regular meeting of the Town of Stowe Development Review Board was held Tuesday, March 16, 2010 in the Banquet Room in the Akeley Memorial Building starting at 5:00 P.M.

Members present: Brian Leven, Peter Collotta, Michael Diender, Doug White and Lynn Altadonna. Absent: Drew Clymer. Charles Lusk came at 5:45 P.M. Also present: Rich Baker, Zoning Administrator; Gunner McCain; Kevin Collins, Rick Rothammer, Paul Newman and Bob Rohr.

Project #:        4061 (Requesting to RECESS to 4/6/10)

Owner(s):       TN Associates

Location:        4000 Mountain Road

Project:           Appeal of Notice of Violation for Topnotch Event Tent behind indoor Tennis Courts.

              Discussed/took action at the end of meeting

Project #:        4096 (Requesting to RECESS to 4/6/10)

Owner(s):       TN Associates

 Tax Parcel #: 11-138.000

Location:         4000 Mountain Road

Project:           Confirmation and Approval of Event Areas within Topnotch Resort

Zones:             UMR/PUD/MOD/RHOD/FHD

Project #:         4162 (RECESSED from 5/9/10)

Owner:             Maynard, Dan

Tax Parcel #:   7-163.010

Location:         Off Taber Hill Road on shared driveway with 458 & 460 Taber Hill Road

Project:            Construct a single-family dwelling in the RHOD

Zones:              RR2/RHOD

Mr. Maynard was present. A site visit was held March 9, 2010 with all members attending except for Mr. Lusk who did not attend the meeting and then was RECESSED this date. Mr. Maynard stated the proposed house will n ot be seen from any public road. There is a deeded r.o.w. on the neighboring property for the septic system. Mr. Maynard stated he has no intentions of tree cutting on the lower portion of the lot but the three (3) large pines will have to be eliminated. The roadside trees will remain as an 80’ buffer. Mr. Altadonna suggested the house be moved towards the south in order to pick up solar and Mr. Maynard stated he is looking to capture any energy efficiency through the use of conservation. From the road to the new area to be cleared (where big pines are) is 210’ + with 80’ buffer to remain along Taber Hill Road. Mr. Maynard stated the basement would not be finished at this time. The garage will be detached from the house above ground with an area above for a shop area and an underground tunnel with a walkway on top. Mr. Maynard stated he is not using sliders but French doors with sidelights on the house and garage. All lighting (which was explained) will be an indirect type, with walkway lights. Plans are for a standing seam roof, forest green and the siding will have the appearance of cedar shakes with trim to match roof color. Aluminum cladding for casement windows (no grills) to be a cranberry color. Mr. Maynard said any window would not exceed 3’ in width (although they will in height). Mr. Diender asked about the house being seen form Taber Hill and Mr. Baker stated the most visible portion of the house will be when one is driving down Taber Hill Road, where the house will be seen from above. Sec. 9.5 considered to be significant. Board reviewed criteria. Vantage point from above Taber Hill Road; no streams involved; clearing proposed found to meet the standards; driveway access exists; building design adequate where the applicant addressed the windows and doors to be used. Mr. Altadonna moved to instruct the Zoning Administrator to draft Findings of Fact and Conclusion of Law re: Project # 4161 classifying as significant with the following CONDITIONS:

   (1) The application is deemed significant pursuant to the standards established by Sec. 9 of the Stowe Zoning Regulations.

   (2) The project shall be completed according to the plans hereby approved. Any change to the plans or the proposed use of the property shall be brought to the Zoning Administrator’s attention, prior to its enactment, for a determination if an amendment shall be required. 

Mr. White seconded the motion with Mr. Altadonna, Diender, Leven, Collotta and White voting in favor. No one voted against. Mr. Clymer and Lusk were not present for the hearing.

Mr. Lusk arrived at 5:45 and took over as Chair.

Project #:         4164

Owner:             Mink, Graham

Tax Parcel #:   2-162.000

Location:         Single lot between 500 & 782 Ayers Farm Road

Project:            Construct a single-family dwelling in RHOD

Zones:              RR3/RHOD

Gunner McCain representing Mr. Mink was present. Lot is 1.7 acres located on Ayers Farm Road. Proposed house to be 900 s.f. plus a garage and deck. Drilled well on site as well as the septic. Proposed driveway to be off Ayers Farm Road with tree cutting to be done for the drive as well as to take advantage of the view to Mt. Mansfield. (most of the trees in the area be cleared, but in the lower section a few trees will be left) below the house site tape 1 side 2 A long discussion took place re: the different areas the house will be seen/views from different angles). Mr. McCain stated the trees on the other side of Ayers Farm Road (off site) will help screen the house and the backdrop to the house is treed. Kevin Collins, abutter located above this lot was present. The house will not be visible from Dewey Hill Road. but Mr. Baker said the house will be highly visible from Ayers Farm Road and will be able to see Trapp’s quite well. Mr. Altadonna asked that where the trees are going to be cut be indicated on the site plan, which he felt would help another person looking at the plans. Mr. Collotta asked if there would be any glare to the Collins property from the many solar panels being used and Mr. McCain felt there would not be. Mr. Lusk felt the Board could require trees if they felt there would be a glare. Mr. Baker stated this is an old subdivision, which has no clearing limits. Members reviewed Sec. 9.5 and determined the project to be significant. There is a significant vantage point along Ayers Farm Road. Mr.Leven asked why all the trees between the road and the house in the RHOD have to be cut for the construction and Mr. McCain said not only would they be clearing for the driveway and construction but for the view as well. It was agreed Mr. Collins house will become more visible from Ayers Farm Road with the clearing and Mr. Diender suggested leaving clumps of trees to help break up the opening. Mr. Lusk agreed saying this house is in the RHOD and members should keep in mind the guideline/standards. Mr. Collotta suggested possibly requiring landscaping closer to the house because of the large windows being used. Mr. Diender stated one will drive up Ayers Farm Road seeing several houses along the way and suddenly, there will be a house with no landscaping/trees around it in the RHOD. Mr. White referred to Sec. 9.5(3) (B) and referred to the guidelines re: driveway/road-front/screening/planting around the house and suggested different things be put on the plans, i.e. screening/landscaping etc. to help in discussion. Mr. Collotta said the driveway would be 15% in some areas. (guidelines state average shall not be more than 12%). Lighting submittals required; need colors of materials. Members were encouraged to do individual site visits prior to the next hearing. (4-6-10). Mr. Altadonna moved to RECESS to APRIL 6, 2010, seconded by Mr.White with all members in favor. Mr. Clymer not present.      

Project #:        4157

Owners:          Rolan LLC

Location:         172 Thomas Lane

Project:            Install two (2) Satellite Antennas and a 60’ Monopole

Present were Paula Newman, Attorney representing Stowe Cable and Robert Rohr. tape 2 side 1 Ms. Neumann stated plans are to install a 60’ blue/grey monopole behind the building, which is 28’ high with two (2) satellite dishes, which will be completely concealed by the trees from the road, stated Ms. Neumann. (A balloon had been flown which did not materialize well because of the wind) They will be partially visible from Thomas Lane. Mr. Lusk was concerned that the site plan indicates the pole will be on a knoll in the rear. Mr. Lusk asked if members agreed with the SHPC so review was not necessary for the historic district. Mr.Baker stated they looked at it in a general sense

feeling the area, even though in the historic district has no historic significance. (no historic structures). Mr. Lusk suggested the PC take into account this is an industrial area and should not be in the historic section. Mr. Rohn stated the ledge, which is in the rear has a 6’ buffer and goes directly up. Conditional Use Review: there are no plans for any lighting; no site grading required; no noise will take place; color (Ms. Neumann stated whatever color chosen will blend with the area) and it was agreed to incorporate the SHPC letter dated 3/9/10 in the Findings. Character of the area not affected. Will not have an adverse affect on the natural beauty of the area. No traffic issue. Storm water management not affected, no screening planned; no site grading; installation to take place this year. Mr. Leven moved to instruct the Zoning Administrator to draft Findings of Fact and Conclusion of Law in approving project # 4157 with the following CONDITIONS:

   (1) The project shall be completed according to the plans hereby approved. Any change to the plans or the proposed use of the property shall be brought to the attention of the Zoning Administrator, prior to its enactment, for a determination if an amendment shall be required. 

   (2) The existing trees shown on the site plan (lower portion of the parcel) shall remain per SHPC letter.

   (3) The letter from the Stowe Historic Preservation Commission dated March 9, 2010 recommending approval is incorporated into the conditions. 

Mr. Diender seconded the motion with all members in favor. Mr. Clymer n ot present.

Mr. Collotta moved to RECESS both hearings to MAY 4, 2010 for a limited time (which will be determined at a later meeting) and when it is anticipated all 7 members will be present, seconded by Mr. Lusk with all members in favor. Mr. Clymer not present.

MINUTES of February 16, 2010: Mr. Altadonna moved to APPROVE as amended, seconded by Mr. Collotta with all in favor except Mr. Lusk who abstained from voting and Mr. Clymer not present.

MINUTES of March 9, 2010: Mr. Altadonna moved to APPROVE as written, seconded by Mr. Diender with all members in favor except Mr. Lusk who abstained from voting and Mr. Clymer was not present. 

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 7:25 P.M.