The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

When the August 19^th Zoning Board meeting began members of the of Board of Appeals believed that the Linda Covel was coming before them to request use variances for the sale of certain products associated with her water bottling business. Instead, Covel’s representative, Al Sweenor, indicated to the Board that he believes the products should be approved as under the accessory use provisions of the zoning law. As such, the matter could not be considered at the August meeting because the matter had not been so advertised. The matter will be included in the Board’s September agenda if a proper application is submitted. The products under consideration are coffee and related items.

Sweenor also indicated that Mrs. Covel will be requesting approval to sell products related to her Christmas tree business such as Christmas tree stands and metal frames for wreaths. Board Attorney Tom Murnane told Sweenor that he was not aware of any intention to challenge the Covel’s right to sell such products; nevertheless, Sweenor felt it was important to give Mrs. Covel peace of mind in light of the zoning issues facing her water bottling business. 

In other actions the Board:

• Tabled applications from Donald Thew and Henry Dashnaw. Both Thew and Dashnaw requested the tabling action. Board Member James Falvo voiced the opinion that it is unfair to have interested parties come to hearings to voice an opinion month after month only to have the matter tabled at the applicant’s request.  The Board appeared to indicate that it would impose a time limit on the tabling of applications in the future.  Both Thew and Dashnaw will be advised that their applications will be acted upon in September.
• Approved the application from Scott Weightman for a variance to place a hunting camp on the Mud Pond Road.  Weightman represented a thirty member hunting camp.
• Denied a variance for agriculture use from Michael Sullivan at 110 Jabez Allen Rd. Sullivan has been operating a duck farm at his residence for several months and said he was not aware that he needed zoning approval. He believed he was operating under an agricultural exemption.  In fact, Mr. Sullivan is located in a RL-1 Zone which requires a 100 set-back.  Board Chairman Walter Russell read a letter from Sullivan’s neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Drapeau detailing a long list of complaints including duck defecation on their lawn, foul odors and early morning noise.  Mr. Sullivan’s fence for the ducks is twelve feet from the Drapeau’s property line. The Board voted 6-0 to deny Mr. Sullivan’s variance request.  Mr. Sullivan indicated that he would be hiring an attorney and would be seeking an agricultural exemption from ag. and markets.