April 5 - Town of Falmouth

Why do you think we’re here? Why do you think we came here last Town
Meeting? We don’t ignore what the bylaw says.
Mr. DeWitt suggested that you can turn a garage into a
dwelling. No. If you looked at the bylaw and the recommendation, not
unless you can prove that it’s been a dwelling continuously used as a
dwelling prior to 1959.
Mr. DeWitt said the 1959 bylaw said, “We’re just making
explicit what had been implied.” Well, if that’s the case, if you read a little
bit further in the note from the Planning Board, it says, “And all uses prior
to this date will be protected and grand-fathered.”
Next, there is no benefit if you simply get a building permit or a
special permit. The Land Court retroactively said anything prior to 1926,
whether or not you got a special permit, whether or not you got a building
permit, is now illegal.
And lastly, I think the important part is that, even if you instead
of thinking back to when this appeal was, looking at the amendment right
now and we’ve said we’ve put in additional protections, anyone who falls
into this category must prove continued use since 1959. Thank you.
THE MODERATOR: Okay, Mr. Latimer.
MR. LATIMER: Thank you, Mr. Moderator. I’m Richard
Latimer of Precinct 2 and I’m speaking here as a Town Meeting Member
from precinct 2 and not on behalf of the Planning Board. I would like to
Tinkham Reporting
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