INTEGRITY OF ZONING BOARD MEMBERS

At the May 17th 2023 meeting of the Epping Zoning Board of Adjustment, there was something that occurred which produced some concerning issues with how our Zoning Board conducts its meetings under the direction of Chairman Brian Reed. Once again Zoning Board of Adjustment alternate member Don MacLaren filled-in for member Cassandra Hojaboom who had recused herself from the Board for the discussion and vote regarding the Martin Road project (she relocated to a seat in the audience),  but on the following agenda item regarding a requested variance from Epping resident Paul Gatchell, representing Polka Dot Housing LLC (POLKA DOT HOUSING, LLC 'PETITIONER/OWNER' – for a Variance under Article 6 Section 6.10.2.d to permit three habitable stories where only two are permitted. The parcel is located at 232 Main Street in the Rural Residential Zone. Tax Map 022, Lot 058.) Ms. Hojaboom rejoined the Board in her capacity as a board member, while Mr. MacLaren, who remained at the same head table(s), in front of the audience was allowed to continue participating in discussions regarding agenda items and so forth...but was not permitted to vote since ZBA member Ms. Hojaboom had returned.  

One would think that Mr. MacLaren would have relocated himself to the audience upon Ms. Hojaboom's return to the head table(s) but it appeared the Chairman, Brian Reed believed it was acceptable to turn a 5-member board into a 6-member board, as Mr. MacLaren openly offered his opinions, which may or may not have influenced other members of the "voting" board members.  Interesting to say the least...but it doesn't end there.  

Recently "appointed" Zoning Board of Adjustment member, John Scully who at the 17 May meeting offered any ZBA member the opportunity to recuse themselves due to any "conflict of interest" from discussing and or voting regarding a requested variance on behalf of Mr. Gatchell, representing Polka Dot Housing LLC (at about 1 hour and 55 minutes in to the meeting, view it here: https://epping.vod.castus.tv/vod/?video=bfd4c867-6dda-4f25-ba53-2b98e72d4b34) but no ZBA member did so. Zoning Board of Adjustment members, Vice-Chairman Kevin Martin, Cassandra Hojaboom, and possibly John Horne should have most likely recused themselves from any discussion and/or voting regarding the proposed variance on behalf of Polka Dot Housing LLC, as it's alleged Mr. Gatchell, over the past years, has paid for, procured, and was responsible for placing and retrieving the "illegal" campaign signs (as well as, on occasion campaign literature) around Town on behalf of those three members.  The signs, according to State law, along with any printed material both as literature and websites are required to identify who has paid for them.  Here is the weblink to the New Hampshire Dept of Justice that details New Hampshire RSA 664:14: 

https://www.doj.nh.gov/news/2022/20221018-political-advertising-signs.htm

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The question that should be asked and answered is, has Mr. Gatchell been purposely "planting" members on to the Epping Zoning Board of Adjustment for his own benefit and if so, what is and should be done about it?  Who within our Town Government is responsible for getting to the truth or is it a matter better handled by the NH State Attorney General's Office?