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Certified Mail: 7014 2120 0003 3809 8631
NOTICE OF DECISION
Site Plan Approval for Hingham Congregational Church
Applicant: Hingham Congregational Church
366 Main Street

Project Site: 366 and 378 Main Street

PROCEEDINGS
On March 31, 2016, the Hingham Congregational Church (“Applicant”) filed an application (“Application”) for Site Plan Review under Sections I-I and III-B.8.ii of the Hingham Zoning By-Law, subject to and with the benefit of the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 40A, Section 3 commonly known as the “Dover Amendment.”
The proposed project included an addition to the existing church building to install an elevator, installing a new ramp at the main entrance to the church, construction of a new addition to the existing church office building, reconfiguration of the existing parking area to bring parking spaces into compliance, and landscaping/hardscaping improvements.
A formal public hearing of the Planning Board was duly noticed, opened and closed on May 2, 2016. The Applicant was represented by: John Cavanaro, Cavanaro Consulting, Mike Sardine, Hingham Congregational Church, and Gene Raymond, Architect. The Planning Board hearings were conducted by Judy Sneath, Gary Tondorf-Dick, Sarah Corey and Jennifer Gay Smith. Hingham Police Chief Glenn Olsson also attended the hearing. Ms. Corey disclosed that Mr. Raymond is her neighbor, but she does not feel that that will influence her decision in any way.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
This project is a structural and site improvement as part of the protected religious use, and as such the Planning Board took into account the standards of review set forth under the Dover Amendment. Namely, that land or structures may be subject to reasonable regulations concerning the bulk and height of structures and determining yard sizes, lot area, setbacks, open space, parking and building coverage requirements.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The Project site is developed and used by the Hingham Congregational Church property zoned Residence A. It consists of the main church building, associated parking, and the parish office building. The improvements proposed include a new ramp in the front of the building, an addition to the rear of the church for the new elevator and handicapped accessible entrance, code compliant parking spaces (both dimensionally and grades), an addition to the parish office building, landscape and hardscape improvements, additional bollards in the parking lot, relocated and upgraded catch basin, and upgraded septic system.
The Applicant explained that with the exception of additional bollards in the parking lot there were no proposed changes to the lighting. The Applicant also explained that the lighting would not spill over the property lines. As such, the Applicant requested a waiver from the requirement to provide a photometric plan. The Applicant also requested a waiver from the requirement to submit a traffic analysis because the use is not changing or intensifying as a result of this project.
FINDINGS
Upon closing of the public hearing, the Planning Board made the following findings:
A. The Application involves the use of land and structures at 366 and 378 Main Street for religious use.
B. The project complies with all requirements of the Hingham Zoning By-law and satisfies site plan criteria, except that the parish office addition will provide setbacks of 9’ on the north
VOTE AND CONDITIONS
The Board moved, seconded and So Voted to waive the requirement to submit a lighting plan because the lighting will not change except for the installation of bollards in the parking lot, and, the light will not spill over the property line. The Board voted to waive the requirement to submit a traffic analysis because the use is not changing or intensifying as a result of this project.
It was moved, seconded and So Voted, pursuant to the applicable provisions of Massachusetts law and the Hingham Zoning By-Law, including the specific requirements of the Dover Amendment under Massachusetts General Laws 40A, Section 3, to Approve Site Plan Review for the Project at 366 and 378 Main Street shown on plans entitled “Site Plan Hingham Congregational Church 378 and 366 Main Street Hingham, MA 02043”, prepared by Cavanaro Consulting, dated March 21, 2016, revised to March 30, 2016 subject to the following conditions:
1. Site Plan Revisions/Corrections: The Applicant shall provide a revised plan calling out the setback distances for the proposed addition to the parish office, as discussed.


_____________________________
Sarah H. Corey
Chairman, Hingham Planning Board

EXECUTED this ____ day of May, 2016


COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Plymouth, ss May _____, 2016
Then personally appeared Sarah H. Corey, Chairman of the Hingham Planning Board, and acknowledged the foregoing to be the free act and deed of said Board.

___________________________
Dolores A. DeLisle, Notary Public My Commission Expires: __________________