The primary focus of the meeting was the application for a special permit on Oak Street, represented by architect Nancy Tuumi on behalf of homeowners Leslie and David McGisac. The proposal aimed to demolish an existing garage and construct a new two-car garage with additional living space, addressing a non-conforming structure’s side yard setback. Tuumi detailed the plans, which included a new garage positioned towards the front of the lot, an extended kitchen, and a more functional mudroom. The renovations would also add a second-floor bedroom and bathroom, maintaining the architectural style of the original 1934 Royal Barry Wills Cape house.

However, the project faced opposition from Kevin Mullins, a resident of the adjacent property on Oak Street. Mullins expressed that while he found the design visually appealing, the proposed extension would obstruct views from his kitchen window, causing a “boxed in” feeling. He suggested moving the garage back 10 feet to mitigate the impact on his view.

The board engaged with Mullins’ concerns, examining the spatial relationships and potential implications for both properties. A board member questioned whether Mullins was more concerned with the extension’s impact than its proximity to the property line, to which he confirmed the former. Despite these concerns, the board ultimately voted to grant the special permit, emphasizing the project’s design and neighborhood support, as evidenced by 33 letters of approval from local residents. Conditions were attached to the permit, requiring the submission of plans to the building inspector throughout construction to ensure compliance.

The meeting also addressed a special permit application for a property on Northwood Road, presented by builder Vicia Silva. Silva outlined plans for a two-part addition that complied with zoning regulations and had received conservation board approval. The proposal included a front garage extension and a second-floor addition, addressing existing non-conformities without exacerbating them. The board found the design compatible with neighborhood aesthetics and praised the plan for enhancing environmental compliance by removing part of the house encroaching on a wetlands buffer.

During the review of Silva’s application, the board discussed the necessity of a special permit rather than a variance, simplifying the process due to the lack of increased non-conformity. The board approved the permit with conditions for environmental and regulatory adherence, noting the urgency of completing the project before winter.

Organizational matters concluded the meeting, with discussions on leadership rotations and meeting schedules. Members considered changing meeting days to Mondays, although conflicts were noted, and a decision was deferred pending further review. The board also rotated leadership roles, appointing Chris Prior as chair and retaining Patrick as vice chair.