The application for a property on McCrae Lane, presented by attorney Luke Gravy on behalf of Flex Reno LLC, aimed to secure a certificate of pre-existing non-conforming use for the property, historically used as a duplex. Gravy introduced key exhibits, including property surveys, floor plans, and a series of legal documents, to establish that the duplex use predated zoning ordinances that had restricted such usage. The board had previously found insufficient evidence at an earlier meeting, prompting the current application to provide further documentation and witness testimony.

The board heard from Tony Zakardi, who recounted his family’s ownership of the property from 1944 to 1978, confirming its use as a duplex from 1960. He provided details about the property’s physical layout, emphasizing the presence of two separate units with distinct entrances and kitchens. Zakardi’s testimony outlined that the property functioned as a duplex even after his family sold it, with non-family tenants occupying the upstairs unit, a point critical in establishing the property’s long-standing duplex status.

Further support for the application came from Paul Austerling, who testified that his family purchased the property in 1978 as a duplex and maintained it as such. Austerling’s account, bolstered by exhibit A9, underscored the historical continuity of the duplex use, which aligned with the zoning board’s requirements for a certificate of pre-existing use. The testimonies of Zakardi and Austerling, combined with documentary evidence, provided a comprehensive timeline of the property’s use, ultimately satisfying the board’s criteria.

Throughout the proceedings, the board engaged in discussions about the property’s classification as a duplex, focusing on the architectural and functional separation of the units rather than the identity of its occupants. The board’s deliberations considered the historical context and legal framework governing duplex classifications and the significance of maintaining the property’s original use.

In addition to 105 McCrae Lane, the board reviewed other significant zoning applications, including a proposal by Francis Pertelli for a new 22×45 pole barn on East Mill Road. Pertelli’s application sought variance relief to replace an existing garage with the new structure, intended strictly for personal use. The board scrutinized the proposed garage’s specifications, its impact on the neighborhood, and compliance with zoning ordinances, ultimately approving the application.

The board also addressed a proposal for a new garage and privacy fence on West Woodlon Avenue. The applicant highlighted the need to improve the driveway layout, enhance sightlines, and comply with zoning regulations. Discussions centered on the garage’s height, setback requirements, and the potential impact on neighborhood aesthetics.

The approval of the 105 McCrae Lane application marked an outcome.