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Zoning Board of Adjustment Agenda for the August 5, 2026 Meeting (minutes)

The Newton Zoning Board of Adjustment granted a retroactive variance extension for James Ryan (2 Laura Lane) from March 7, 2026, to March 7, 2027. Mrs. White moved and Mr. Gibbs seconded; the vote carried 4-1 (Hamel opposed). Jonathan Colon’s driveway variance request was denied as the Board determined he must apply for an amended site plan from the Planning Board. James Richards’ pool variance was incomplete due to missing septic and boundary details; the Board advised him on required items. A preliminary hearing for SEC Associates regarding a dwelling addition and barn at 9 Highland Street was held with Tom Schomburg. The Board voted unanimously to delay acceptance of July 1, 2026 minutes until the September 2, 2026 meeting. Alternate assignments were made: Ms. Riordan for Mr. Silvia, and an unnamed alternate for Mrs. White. The meeting adjourned at 8:08 PM. Source: https://www.newton-nh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08052026-228

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Newton, NH Zoning Board of Adjustment 
2 Town Hall Road 
Newton, NH 03858 
(603) 382-4405 X315 
 
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES 
August 5, 2026 
 
Meeting was called to order at 6:35 PM 
Members in attendance: Chair Kozec, Roger Hamel, Frank Gibbs, Mary Riordan, 
Alternates Barbara White and James Doggett.  Trisha McCarthy and Land Use 
Administrator were seated at the Admin table. 
Pledge of Allegiance was recited.   
Named as an alternate for Mrs. White was named Aternate for Ms. McCarthy, and Ms. 
Riordan was named Alternate for Mr. Silvia.  
 
1. James Ryan, 2 Laura Lane, Newton NH 03858; has requested an extension of a 
24’ x 24’ garage addition on his property (Map 5 Block 5 Lot 2-1).  
 
After a short discussion regarding the earlier variance application that expired 
March 7, 2026, the board discussed the retroactive extension and procedural 
concerns.  Consultations were made with Circuit Rider Planner Jennifer Rowden 
discussing is the extension would be granted.  The Board agreed to move 
forward with the application.   Mrs. White made a motion to grant a retroactive  
extension of the variance to the owner of 2 Laura Lane from March 7, 2026, to 
March 7, 2027, as all conditions are the same and the outcome has not changed.  
Mr. Gibbs seconded the motion and a vote was called: 
White:  Yes 
 
Hamel:  No  
Gibbs:  Yes 
Riordan:  Yes 
Kozec:  Yes 
The motion carried with 1 Nay, and 4 Yeas and the extension was granted. 
 
2. Jonathan Colon, 34 Smith Corner Road, requests a variance for a driveway on his 
Property. (Map 8 Block 3 Lot 9-1). 
 

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Mr. Colon received a denial for the location of his driveway from Road Agent 
Mike Pivero.  Mr. Colon discussed his concerns and questions regarding the 
process of being approved for a change in the location of the Approved Plan from 
the Planning Board.  Due to issues with the application and questions of 
jurisdiction, the board states that the proper procedure would be for Mr. Colon to 
Apply for an amended site Plan from the Planning board as the Zoning Board 
lacks the authority to approve any change. 
 
3. James Richards, 141 South Main Street, seeks a variance for the construction of 
a Swimming Pool. (Map 13 Block 3 Lot 13)  
 
Mr. Richards applied for a variance to construct a swimming pool within his 
property.  Due to the proposed location the Zoning Board had questions regarding 
location of the septic system and boundaries of the neighbors lot.  Additionally, 
lacking a complete application package the board was unable to completely review 
the application.  Board members advised Mr. Richards of the items required to 
complete the application. 
4. Preliminary hearing for S.E.C Associates requesting a Variance for a dwelling 
addition and Detached Barn at 9 Highland Street (MAP 11, Block 10, Lot 9-1). 
 
Tom Schomburg of SEC, Inc. explained the project to add an extension and  barn 
to the property at 9 Highland Street.  Questions were opened to the board.  Mr. 
Schomburg departs. 
5. Board Business  
a. Acceptance of Minutes from Earlier Board Meetings. The board 
agrees to delay and accept the minutes of the 7/1/26 meeting.   Mr. Hamel 
made a motion to delay acceptance until the September 2nd meeting; Mr. Gibbs 
seconded the motion.  A vote was called: 
White:  Yes 
 
Hamel:  Yes  
Gibbs:  Yes 
Riordan:  Yes 
Kozec:  Yes 
 
The motion carried unanimously to delay the approval of minutes until the 
September 2nd, 2026, meeting. 
c. Other Business  
 
Discussion of updates to Board Rules, Documents, and Procedures. 

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Chairman Kozec adjourned the meeting at 8:08 PM. 
 
 
Respectfully Submitted 
 
 
 
 
William Kiechle 
Newton Land Use Administrator