Molly Powell: Castle doesn't meet the conditions for a special exception

To The Daily Sun,

Castle in the Clouds is seeking a permanent special exception from the town’s zoning ordinances. The Castle seeks to host commercial events that are not in keeping with its charter to preserve Lucknow.

The Castle has participated in three public hearings with Moultonborough’s Zoning Board already; a fourth is set for Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 7 p.m., at the Moultonborough Town Hall.

Board members questioned Castle representatives, including Dari Sassan of Brown Engineering, at the July 15 meeting. The Castle property is within the Residential/Agricultural zone, but the Castle seeks a permanent special exception for “recreational use outdoor — high impact” use. This type of use is defined in the zoning ordinance as that which "can be expected to produce increased levels of traffic, parking, noise, lighting, runoff, and other impacts on abutters and natural resources." The exception, if granted, is tied to the property itself and not the current owner.

Sassan angrily snapped that the board shouldn’t be discussing “minutiae.” The other Castle representatives asked him to compose himself. It was shocking to witness his behavior at a public meeting.

A special exception requires that “the Board shall determine that all general provisions and regulations of this ordinance are met.” In other words, the Board must get into the minutiae, such as: “The use shall be compatible with the character of the neighboring land uses.” The Castle and the Lakes Region Conservation Trust land surrounding it — with all its trails, waterfalls, wildlife, and forests — are a big part of what makes the area unique, beloved by residents and attractive to visitors. A high-impact use is not in character.

I appreciated the thoughtfulness of the board members at the last meeting, and I hope they will conclude that the Castle doesn’t meet the conditions for a special exception.

Molly Powell

Center Tuftonboro