Last year was quite busy for both Boards since the number of public hearings was higher than usual.

Among those actions taken by the Planning Board in 2003 were proposals for amendments to ordinances affecting definitions and zoning restrictions.

The Zoning and Planning Boards conducted joint hearings for special exceptions and site plan reviews for the addition of antennas to a cellular tower at 188 Laurel St.; a mobile food truck at 288 E. Main St.; and a Group Childcare Center for Mountain Corp. employees at 104 Main St. A joint hearing was also conducted for a variance and site plan review for a log home and log office building on Main St.

In a separate hearing, the Zoning Board of Adjustment granted the appeal of administrative decisions to add a home addition and replace a garage at 19 Bush St.

After site plan reviews, the Planning Board denied a request for room rentals at 257 E. Main St. and approved a retail sales business selling jewelry and candles at 157 Main St.; an owner's apartment and coffee shop at 144 Main St.; a warehouse and greenhouse owned by Dale Lacasse on Rt. 124; an antique sales shop at 138 Main St.; a warehouse addition on Knowlton St.; and a used-car sales business at 760 Monadnock Hwy.

The Planning Board also approved a subdivision for property owned by Carol Ann Hoffman on the west side of Jaffrey Rd.; Cia Devan at Tax Map 8, Lot 20; Alan Klotzbier on Rt. 101; and Cindy Athens and Stephanie Schierioth at 93 Laurel St.

The Planning Board also approved boundary line adjustments for Karl Robinson and Alan Klotzbier on Main St.; Helen Gordon of School St.; Pamela Parrish of 44 Monadnock Dr.; Albert & Wendy Sheehan on Tax Map 2, Lots 80A&B; and Ed & Helen Wilson at 45 McKinley Circle.

The Capital Improvement Plan was updated in November.

This past year, we bid farewell to long-term Planning Board member Bob Bennett. We miss Bob a great deal since he routinely provided invaluable historical information on town properties. We wish him well as he leads field trips for the Harris Center. Ben Rice replaced Bob and has proved to be a great asset to the Board.

Both Boards value the input and concerns of the public. To serve you, a Board representative will be available for consultation by appointment on Monday evenings from 7 pm to 9 pm. Advance appointments may be made through the Selectmen's office at Town Hall (876-3751) or the Town Clerk (876-4529).

Respectfully submitted,

Ken Kerber, Chairman Planning Board
Robert W. Heald, Chairman Zoning Board of Adjustment