iefbr14

iefbr14 t1_j7cc8rr wrote

Probably TMI, but the state publishes a ZBA handbook with all the procedures that must be followed. It can be highly stylized and formal. Or see their FAQ. If you google videos of "zoning board of adjustment meetings" there are plenty of examples. (But probably boring, if not your town.) If you are an abutter, you get noticed by mail, and definitely be given a chance to speak. No, you can't ask the owner questions directly. You have to address your questions to the board chair, but you will get a response. Pro tip: find the minutes of the planning board hearing (or video if your town records meetings), to find out why they need a variance. -a local ZBA member

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iefbr14 t1_iyaby1x wrote

'Cause we've always done it like that, since the state's second constitution was adopted in 1784. (The position was called President until 1790.) Same reason there is an Executive Council: to limit the power of the Executive. Partially in response to having the longest serving Royal Governor for 25 years: Benning Wentworth. It would take a constitutional amendment to change it, making that unlikely. Vermont is the only other state with a two year governor term. And they only switched from one-year terms to two-years in 1870.

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