Kay Hamilton Appointed to Zoning Board of Appeals

By Joan Bowen

Given the resignation of an Associate member of the Zoning Board Appeals (ZBA), the Selectmen interviewed two potential appointees at their meeting on March 3.  Kay Hamilton and Art Smith appeared before the Selectman to answer a series of questions about their interest in the position and their backgrounds.

Kay Hamilton told the Selectmen that, as a new Bedford resident, she wants to get involved in town affairs.  This position is relevant to her past professional experience as a property manager and business owner in area communities.  She has attended a meeting of the ZBA so has had an introduction to how the Board functions.

Art Smith is a long-term resident currently working in the design/build field.  He served on the Planning Board for 13 years and also previously served as an Associate member of the ZBA.  Smith told the Selectmen that he applied because he felt that his vocation and past Town board and committee experience qualified him as a good candidate,

Given that the appointment is to fulfill a term that ends in June, the Selectmen voted to appoint Kay Hamilton. She will be eligible for reappointment. In addition, they stated that they anticipated that another opening will develop shortly.  During the interview the Selectmen  encouraged the applicant who wasn’t appointed to apply for this second position.

The Zoning Board of Appeals holds public hearings to consider petitions for a variance or special permit as well as hearings on appeals brought to the Board by anyone objecting to a decision of the Zoning Enforcement Officer or the Building Inspector.  There are five full members and three associate members, appointed for three year staggered terms.  Associates have no vote unless filling in for a full member who is unable to participate in a hearing.