15 Crosby Street Cynthia Rhodes Zoning Letter 4.11.25 Cynthia Rhodes
22 Verdon Street
Salem, MA 01970
TEL 978-744-0569
Email: crhodes001@aol.com
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To: Zoning Board of Appeals
Regards: 15 Crosby Street Application ID ZBA-25-8
I am writing this letter in response to a Notice of Hearing that I received from Zoning Board. I have lived at 22 Verdon Street for
almost sixty years and I have a couple of questions and concerns that I would appreciate having addressed.
1. It is my understanding that there is an easement that runs along the side of my property and 15 Crosby Street. When I
look at the Plot Plan, it appears that the proposed house is right against the easement. Is it within the Zoning Board's regulations
to be so close to the easement? Can an access easement be granted on land that is already an easement?
2. If you drive down Verdon Street, go up Crosby Street onto Orleans Avenue and back to Marlborough Road, most of the
homes are either ranch-style or two-story homes. The owner is proposing to build a three-story house that will be completely
out-of-place in this neighborhood.
3. Zoning-R1 on the Plot Plan shows under "Required" that no more than a 2.5 story house can be built and that the house
he is proposing to build is 2.5 stories. Yet when I look at the east and west elevations, it very clearly lists that there is a third
floor which is not allowed. Also, from the back side of the house adds another 9 feet making the house close to 40 feet tall in a
neighborhood of single or two-story homes.
4. While looking at the Plot Plan, it appears that architect did some very creative dividing of the lot in order to obtain a
buildable lot. The 11 foot frontage is not even close to the required 100 foot frontage. The owner is a real estate agent and I am
sure he was very familiar with the zoning laws when he bought the house.
5. Both the previous and current owner have brought in many truck loads of fill to level the yard. Is there a limit as to
how much fill can be added to the easement and is it currently above the allowable height/grade.
6. My biggest concern is the fact that the proposed house is overlooking my backyard. I have an in-ground swimming
pool and I will lose all the privacy that I currently enjoy.
I feel that if he is granted permission to build a house on the subdivided lot that it will greatly devalue my property. Thanking
you in advance for your understanding in this matter. I trust that the Zoning Board will make a fair and impartial decision.
Cynthia Rhodes
22 Verdon Street