Final member of Zoning Board resigns

With the resignation of the lone holdout on the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Board of Selectmen is canceling a hearing focused on removing the chairman.

Philippe Chevalier submitted his resignation Tuesday, completing the resignation of the entire board, a request made by selectmen last month.

Selectmen sought to solve ongoing issues with the board's operations and internal disputes by starting fresh.

The long-standing issues have kept the ZBA in turmoil for several years.

In his letter, Chevalier said, “I am very disappointed with the Board of Selectmen, and your decision to disband the current Zoning Board of Appeals to cure a problem that clearly does not involve most members of the board.”

Chevalier said he had intended to remain on the board and fight for his position “and for the return of the integrity and the good reputation that the Zoning Board once had. I no longer feel that this fight would be productive, or in the best interest of the town.”

He submitted his resignation effective Nov. 9.

Other members of the board had also resigned effective Nov. 9, a date the selectmen had requested in order to keep a functioning ZBA in place for town business including a previously scheduled hearing.

Members Linda Isgro, Barbara Deschenes, Charles Witkis abd alternative member Stephen Hart had previously submitted their resignations as requested. Hart's was effective immediately while the others are effective Nov. 9.

Selectmen will start the process of interviewing potential new appointees; existing members could apply for reappointment.

The board cancelled the planned Nov. 14 hearing set “for the purpose of hearing charges against a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and to determine whether cause exists to remove the individual from the office.”

Chevalier said in his letter he would meet with the board secretary to finalize outstanding invoices, sign payroll sheets and make sure all meeting minutes are submitted to the town clerk.