Attention Residents of Kensington

An Open Letter To The Residents of Kensington, NH:
It is We are writing to educate and inform you about Warrant Article #4 that will be on the ballot in March and, more importantly, to ask you to VOTE NO. The article proposes a zoning change for a lot on Old Amesbury Road from residential/agricultural to commercial. The lot is part of the estate of Arabella (Belle) Tuttle, who was a wonderful neighbor, and who dedicated much of her 96 years to the town of Kensington and to the Kensington Congregational Church.

It is important for all residents to
understand that last fall, a request for a zoning change on this lot was DENIED
by the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA). The real estate agent who is
selling the property asked the Board to grant the variance because she has a
potential buyer who owns a commercial construction business. During the
public hearing held by the ZBA, the buyer explained he builds and repairs
bridges, and wants to run his business from the property. He would store
equipment on the lot -- including diesel trucks up to 33,000 lbs, several large (8 feet tall)
storage containers, heavy cranes, and more. During the hearing, several
abutters expressed concerns about Old Amesbury Road not being able to handle
that type of heavy truck traffic, along with concerns about the noise, negative
impact on the environment and wetlands, and detrimental impact to property
values. After thoughtfully considering all the factors, the Zoning
Board DENIED the request for the variance based on the fact a change in
zoning will diminish property values to nearby residents due to increased
noise, vibration, excessive traffic, and changes to the residential
landscape.

This
was the proper process for requesting a change in zoning, and we want to
express our sincere appreciation to the members of the Zoning Board of
Adjustment who upheld their responsibility to residents of the town by honoring
the current zoning ordinances. Unfortunately, the real estate agent has
not accepted the ZBA’s decision. Instead, she is attempting to circumvent
the system by again requesting a change to the zoning of this lot – this time
via a Warrant Article that will appear on the town ballot in March.

It troubles us there is NO requirement in the State of NH for towns to notify abutters of Warrant Articles that pertain to zoning. Had we been notified, we certainly would have spoken out against the article during the deliberative session. Instead, the real estate agent is attempting to pull the wool over the eyes of Kensington residents by going around the proper procedure. Rather than respectfully accepting the Zoning Board’s decision, she is trying everything possible to get the answer she wants for the sole purpose of personal gain, with no thought about the impact the zoning change will have on the residents, the town, and the landscape.

If Warrant Article #5 passes, it will set a precedent
for other requests for zoning changes to be placed on future ballots in hopes
voters who don’t have all the information will approve those changes.
Zoning ordinances are in place for a reason. They are made thoughtfully,
as part of a master plan to balance the need to allow businesses to thrive
in Kensington, with the need to protect open spaces, wildlife, wetlands, and the
rural nature of the town where so many of us choose to make our home. The
members of the Zoning Board and Planning Board, which also opposes changing
the zoning of the Tuttle property on Old Amesbury Road, are elected to uphold
these ordinances. They do so thoughtfully, after carefully considering all
factors. A yes vote on this article is a threat to this thoughtful
decision making process. That is why we are appealing to ALL residents
of Kensington to please VOTE NO on WARRANT ARTICLE #5. Voting takes
place at the Kensington Town Hall on Tuesday, March 14, 8am – 7:30pm.

Sincerely,

Lisa Karakostas, Steve Nickologianes, Jay Baier
Old Amesbury Road, Kensington, NH