A significant portion of the meeting centered on James Gad’s application for a special permit to extend the current encroachment into the setbacks and a variance for excess coverage by structures and impervious surfaces on School Street. The proposal involved the construction of a two-family dwelling, with the designer stressing efforts to blend the structure into the neighborhood and provide modest living spaces. The board and residents grappled with concerns related to increased traffic, parking limitations, and potential safety hazards, including blind spots at nearby intersections.

Residents voiced their apprehensions with the project’s scale and the legality of building a two-family dwelling on a non-conforming lot. One resident, Tom Henderson, highlighted safety risks to pedestrians and drivers due to blind spots, while another suggested combining the living spaces and eliminating the garage to alleviate space and parking issues. The board critically examined the need for a variance, considering the hardship presented by the lot’s size and shape, and debated the merits of the proposed design’s footprint.

The discussion also extended to a separate application concerning the construction of a new single-family residence on Bennett Street, with the representative outlining challenges due to the lot’s narrowness and steepness. Here, the focus was on the requested relief for setbacks, lot coverage, and impervious surfaces, and the impact on neighboring properties. The board deliberated on the variance justification based on the lot’s topography, while aiming to preserve neighborhood character and safety.

In addition, the meeting addressed a request for relief from height and lot coverage requirements for another new construction. The debate touched on the historical significance of the existing house and the impact on the neighborhood’s character, as well as stormwater runoff and the implications of a proposed porch on neighboring trees. Public comments included concerns about privacy, noise levels, and the health of existing trees, leading to a decision to continue the application to allow applicants to adjust their plans.

A parking and zoning regulations discussion also unfolded, with a focus on the D2 and B districts. Participants debated the number of required parking spaces, the accessibility of parking spots, and the impact of a fence on visibility and traffic safety. The board considered conditions for relief related to parking requirements and the future status of properties should they fall out of common ownership. Concerns about short-term rentals and non-conforming use emerged, with the board pondering a condition to prohibit short-term rentals, though objections were raised based on the standards for special permits and variances.

The debate over parking issues and zoning regulations revealed differing perspectives on the interpretation and application of these regulations, as well as the potential impact of proposed developments on the community. Suggestions were made to address safety concerns, including lowering a fence to improve visibility and potentially removing panels. In the end, the board approved the application for a special permit to convert a single-family residence into a two-family residence, with conditions including fence adjustments and additional parking spaces.

The meeting also touched on administrative matters, including the expiration of terms for board members, potential resignations, and the search for new appointees. Scheduling adjustments for the next session due to a holiday were discussed, and a men’s club event was briefly mentioned before the motion to adjourn concluded the proceedings.