SUSAN JOHNS
Jeff Spinney’s completed shoreland project. File photo
In a split vote March 30, Alna’s appeals board decided David Buczkowski – who voted in appeals involving Jeff Spinney’s shoreland project – was not “a full member of the board.” Then, the board split again: David Abbott sat out that one because he did not vote on those appeals, which project opponents filed. So Spinney’s request the board reconsider its March 4 decision favoring the appellants came down to members Mary Bowers and Alex Pugh.
Bowers voted to reconsider; Pugh, against. “So (the motion) fails. That means we don’t reconsider,” Pugh said.
SUSAN JOHNS
File photo
After Alna’s appeals board decided a series of appeals March 4 on resident Jeff Spinney’s shoreland project, members said the matter will go back to the planning board that approved Spinney’s request.
“Now that the majority of the appeals board feels the boat ramp is a structure, doesn’t it now get remanded to the planning board,” appeals board secretary Mary Bowers asked.
“It does,” appeals board chair Alex Pugh said. Bowers had dissented on the structure issue. She described the project off Golden Ridge Road as earthwork for soil stabilization and erosion control.
SUSAN JOHNS
Jeff Spinney’s completed project. File photo
If all the lawyers can make it, Alna’s appeals board plans to hear three appeals Feb. 11, all linked to Jeff Spinney’s recent shoreland project. Meeting over Zoom Wednesday night, Jan. 20, board members said two letters appeal the planning board’s Dec. 10 decision on the project at 126 Golden Ridge Road; a third letter appeals Code Enforcement Officer Tom McKenzie’s Dec. 17 decision, Chair Alex Pugh said.
The appellants are abutters and other project opponents. Spinney removed earthen material he said was unstable, and replaced it with washed stone to stabilize a boat ramp. Opponents have claimed the town’s shoreland zoning barred the project.