As seen below, I supported Bert & Mary s variance request in 2018 and strongly support their current request t split their lot.

(1)

From: Robin Lowell <[email protected]>

Sent: Monday, December 28, 2020 2:42 AM

To: Wendy Simmons <[email protected]>

Subject:Re: Support for Mary Webber & Bert Smith’s variance request Hello -

This comment is for Alex Jaegerman about the Jan 13 planning board meeting & the Smith/Webber request. I’m unable to attend the virtual meeting because I’ll be at work.

As seen below, I supported Bert & Mary’s variance request in 2018 and strongly support their current request t split their lot.

There are many older house lots on West Elm St smaller than the current 1 acre minimum. Their request is very much in character with existing homes here and not unusual at all. My lot is within 500 feet of their home and is smaller than the .77 lot they’d like to create.

Bert & Mary are great neighbors and have been an asset to our community. I’m guessing they’ve also been good neighbors to the high school considering the school is expanding close to their property.

Yarmouth values our community members and created YCAN in part to help residents age in place. This is one practical way to help our well-established neighbors remain a part of our community for years to come.

I was disappointed that their previous request didn’t go through and hope their current request is successful.

Sincerely, Robin Lowell 360 W Elm St

(2)

From: Paige Pingitore <[email protected]>

Sent: Saturday, December 26, 2020 12:39 PM

To: Alex Jaegerman <[email protected]>

Subject: Project st 332 West Elm

Mr. Jaegerman,

My husband and I received a notice today that there is another hearing on the lot split for this address. We have already addressed this before and it was denied. Why again is this issue being brought up again ?

Per the Town guidelines, this lot does not have enough acreage to build. My husband and I are very much against this building and again the exception being made. A house should not be built without the proper set back and lot acreage . A waiver should not be granted.

We will be on the virtual meeting but wanted to make our concern heard.

Thank you

(3)

From: Mo <[email protected]>

Sent: Saturday, January 2, 2021 11:41 AM

Subject: Bert Smith/Mary Webber

Wendy I just wanted to take a moment to jot you a quick note regarding the work that Bert and Mary are trying to accomplish at their W. Elm St. location. My family has been neighbors with Mary and Bert since I can remember and I can’t imagine going forward without them being there. They are great neighbors, great people, and they will do anything for you. These are the kind of people that I like to live by.

My mom lived at 339 West Elm St. Until 2012 when she passed away. They were so great to her as she got older - they would bring her flowers and vegetables from their garden. Bert will go over and snow plow her driveway in the winter. They would just visit with each other periodically and catch up on everything that was going on in their lives.

If there were some button that I could push that would allow Bert and Mary to build there dream retirement house I would do it in a minute. My fear is that if this does not happen they will leave the town of Yarmouth and that is not what we want. These are the type of people we want to keep in our town.

Thank you for listening and feel free to contact me at any point if I can answer any questions or provide additional information for you.

(4)

January 2, 2021

Mr. Alex Jaegerman

Planning Director

Town of Yarmouth

200 Main Street

Yarmouth, ME 04096

Dear Mr. Jaegerman,

Tate and I are writing to show our support of Bert Smith and Mary Webber in their request to build

a retirement home on their current property at 332 West Elm Street.

We purchased our home at 17 Flint Lane, near Bert and Mary, in January of 2014. As we have

gotten to know Bert and Mary over the years, we have heard the details of their intent to remain in

Yarmouth. We ask the Planning Board to consider their most recent request for a “Contract Zoning

Agreement” to split their current land and build a retirement home on the back half of their lot.

One of the things that makes Yarmouth unique is the effort to create a community that supports our

residents as they

“age in place.”

We have been thrilled to see homes being built and renovated

throughout the village to provide housing for seniors. We are confident the town will figure out a

way to ensure that Bert and Mary are still able to be part of our community and given the same

opportunity.

We understand that zoning regulations are in place to ensure development is considerate of the

town character, we feel this situation, and those similar, support the greater good of our community.

We need to figure out a way to keep people like Bert and Mary, who contribute so much through

their volunteer work, to be allowed to “age in place” in their current location.

Thank you for your time and please reach out if you have any questions.

Warmly,

Tate & Sara Pinto

17 Flint Lane

Yarmouth, ME 04096

802.245.4706 (Tate’s cell)

802.591.1649 (Sara’s cell)

(5)

Sarah and Jeff Norsworthy

348 West Elm Street

Yarmouth, Maine 04096

207-604-0460

[email protected]

January 3, 2021

Alex Jaegerman, Planning Director

℅ Wendy Simmons

[email protected]

Dear Mr. Jaegerman and Members of The Planning Board,

We regretfully must voice our request that the application made by Mary Webber

and Bertran Smith of 332 West Elm Street for a Contract Zone Agreement be

denied. This has been a difficult decision to come to, as we spoke in support of

their project two years ago. The modifications including size, orientation and

driveway placement render this version impossible for us to support.

The value and pleasure we have in our modest ranch at 348 West Elm will be

diminished by adding both a driveway by our bedroom windows, and a large

structure - of 2077 SF, immediately behind, our now private, backyard. Our house

is small, and much of its value is based upon its privacy and this project will have a

far reaching impact.

We sit on ledge, and water runoff from 332 West Elm is a problem that seems to be

growing as our backyard is more and more wet each year. We are very concerned

about the shifts that building a house and a driveway will create in our water table.

The problem that Mary and Bert face is one that the Town must deal with. Having

a diverse population of young families and retirees matters. Longtime residents are

increasingly unable to afford their increasing property taxes and most of the newly

assessed value goes to supporting infrastructure for the benefit of young families.

The appeal of getting creative with land plots, and subdividing existing properties

(6)

is not a real solution to this critical problem. Exemptions, and plot divisions are

not a solution open to most, and should not be the vehicle for redress.

We greatly regret having to voice our concerns. We reached out to Bert and Mary

to discuss, as their previous plan would have had a much more minimal impact on

our property, but have not heard from them at this time. It is our understanding

that this letter is due by 1/3/21, and therefore we must submit our concerns.

Respectfully,

(7)

From: Rick Olson <[email protected]>

Sent: Wednesday, January 6, 2021 3:17 PM

Subject: 332 West Elm St. - Contract Zone - Lot Split

1/6/2021

Alex Jaegerman,

My wife and I, Fredrick and Brenda Olson, both support Contract Zone - Lot Split request for 332 W. Elm St. We live across the street from Bert and Mary at 303 W. Elm St.

We see no problems with the proposal and we think it is in the best interest of the town to support proposals like this.

Thank you,

Fredrick (Rick) Olson Brend Olson

303 W. Elm St. Yarmouth, ME