During the presentation, Luke and Fortune outlined the unique constraints of their property, which they argued justified the need for the variance. The couple highlighted that the layout of their home, along with the proximity of neighboring houses, limited their options for expansion. With one side of their property only three feet from the adjacent house and the septic system placements restricting potential construction areas, the front of the house emerged as the only feasible location for the addition.

The board’s deliberations included a detailed review of local zoning bylaws. The current requirements mandate a 30-foot setback from the front property line, while the proposed addition would reduce this distance to 20.2 feet. The property is already classified as a pre-existing nonconforming lot, possessing only 14,000 square feet instead of the required 40,000, further complicating the request. The board considered whether the applicants’ situation constituted a genuine hardship, a necessary criterion for granting variances.

Input from neighbors, or “abutters,” was sought to gauge community sentiment regarding the proposed addition. One abutter from 10 Park Drive submitted a comment via text, but the content was not detailed in the meeting. A neighbor whose property abuts a wetland area expressed support for the addition, indicating willingness to engage in the process, although they were not present at the meeting. The absence of dissent from abutters at the meeting was interpreted by the board as a lack of concerns, which was reassuring to the members.

The discussion also explored the broader implications of remote work and its impact on living spaces. A board member noted the modern workforce challenges, acknowledging that the applicants had owned their property before the pandemic-induced shift to remote work. Ultimately, the board concluded that the proposed addition was a reasonable solution given the constraints of the property.

Following a motion to grant the variance with a reduced front setback, the board agreed to reference the submitted plan rather than specify an exact measurement, allowing for slight adjustments. The variance was approved, with the understanding that the applicants would need conservation board approval due to the proximity of the addition to a 100-foot buffer zone.

In addition to the primary discussion on the variance, the meeting also touched on community engagement and local charitable efforts. Members discussed the upcoming Littleton Road Race and the recent success of a triathlon event, which raised significant funds for local charities. These events, supported by the Rotary Club, contribute to initiatives such as Eagle Scout projects and emergency assistance for nonprofits. The board members expressed pride in these community efforts, emphasizing the local impact of their fundraising activities.

The meeting also included acknowledgment of Boy Scouts in attendance, observing for their Citizenship in the Community badge. The scouts’ presence underscored the meeting’s educational aspect, as the chair provided an overview of the board’s authority and responsibilities, aimed at informing the scouts about the zoning process.