Two Zoning Board Members Resign Hours Apart

The Zoning Board of Review needs members - fast.

Two of its members, alternate Brian Kelly and longtime member Ken James, stepped down Thursday from the volunteer committee. 

Kelly, who had been an alternate member less two months, submitted a letter of resignation to the town clerk Thursday afternoon, said Zoning Board of Review Chairman Kevin Aguiar.

James, a Zoning Board of Review member for the past 12 years, said he was stepping down for personal reasons.

"I have some health issues," James said Thursday evening when asked why he was resigning.

James said he would submit his official letter of resignation to the Town Clerk's Office on Friday morning. He presided at his last Zoning Board meeting Thursday evening at Town Hall.

"He (James) will be missed," Aguiar said. "He's done a great job over the years."

As a result of the two resignations, the Zoning Board was unable to establish a quorum Thursday, accoring to its chairman. The board agreed to table a number of large petitions until their next meeting to be held Sept. 16.

Among the "larger" petitions tabled Thursday was a special events permit requested by Greenvale Vineyards.

The vineyard is petitioning to hold events, such as weddings, on the property. While the vineyard currently holds weddings and other events on the property, a recent change in town bylaws requires Greenvale to petition for a new special events permit.

Dozens attended the Zoning Board meeting to hear this request and speak on behalf of the vineyard.

"We are here to support Greenvale," said Burt Jagolinzer.

Lawyers for Greenvale Vineyards also attended the meeting.

"As (Douglas) MacArthur said, 'I shall return,' " said Bob Silva, attorney for Greenvale Vineyards, upon leaving the meeting.

Silva said Greenvale may continue to hold special events on the property despite the postponement. "We have the right to do that," he said.

Immediately following the Zoning Board's action to table Greenvale's petition, nearly the entire audience walked out of the room, leaving only a few behind for the remainder of the Zoning Board meeting. A few laughs were made by board members as they counted the handful of residents still sitting in the room. 

The task of filling the Zoning Board vacancies will now be left up to the Town Council, Aguiar said. The board hopes to fill those seats by Sept. 16 in order to establish a quorum. 

"It will be tough," Aguiar said. "Hopefully, it can be done."

For more information about the Zoning Board, click here.