For those who did not come to the meeting with Brattleboro’s Development Review board last Weds the 21st, you have another chance. The Retroactive Site Plan submitted by ZB Properties will not be reviewed until Feb 18th. It was postponed. I will post another announcement when the meeting gets closer.
I did learn that public comments and supporting documents can be entered into the record at that time. In other words THIS IS IT. If interested landowners or the public wants any input pertaining to the approval or rejection of what has been done to this property (282 and 486 Western Ave). This is your only opportunity to do so.
For those of you who have not yet seen it – check it out. It really is an “eyesore.” If this is now your view, what do you think just happened to your property value?
More information, please
I would like to drive by and see what has been done on this property, but I am not sure where it is located. The grand list has ZB Properties under names of owners, but it only says Western Ave, but gives no number. Under Locations, I have not found the property at all, but perhaps I missed it. 282/486 sounds like perhaps a mistaken number, as they are 200 numbers apart. A description of the location might help.
I found a copy of the project permit application on line:
http://www.brattleboro.org/vertical/sites/%7BFABA8FB3-EBD9-4E2C-91F9-C74DE6CECDFD%7D/uploads/2014-173_ZB_Properties_Application.pdf
The application does not seem to mention that the work has already been started, but rather it appears to be an application for work a yet to be done. I would love to hear more background on this. Does the ZBA know that the work has already been started? Has the ZBA or its members in any way indicated that they look favorably on after-the-fact applications?
Is there any history here which would be informative? What happens if the ZBA refuses to approve work that has already been begun?
Location
The subject property is the 1.7 acre lot that has been vacant and overgrown for decades, almost directly across from the intersection of Western Avenue and Brattle Street. It had a ‘for sale by owner’ sign on the pole for years. It was previously owned by Preston & Amelia Esancy Revocable Trust.
It is tax map parcel # 00300038.000 if you know how to use the MapsOnline site MapsOnline – Brattleboro Public – SimpliCITY Mapping by PeopleGIS to locate it.
Speaking for at least 1 member of the DRB (myself), there is no favorable view of applications submitted after the fact, especially by applicants that should be well versed in the rules.
EYESORE
It is on the next block past Vermont Deli as you head towards downtown. It is hard to miss. What a horrible impression it gives to those unfamiliar with the area. Often time travelers who are stopping for gas and food, want to explore the town further if it is appealing and seems interesting. That site would make most people want to hop back on the highway and keep on driving.