At the forefront of the meeting was the proposal for a property on Decal Avenue, which sparked debate due to its proximity to Spear Cemetery. Community members expressed concern over the possibility of human remains on the site, a point of contention that fueled much of the public discourse. One resident adamantly argued against the development, citing the presence of gravestones and family members buried nearby, and questioned the absence of a proposed five-foot easement present in previous projects. In contrast, a local realtor and historical association founder supported the development, asserting that thorough investigations had confirmed no bodies were on the lot.

The development proposal sought several variances, including those related to the parking configuration, fence height, and front yard landscaping. The staff noted that half of the requested variances were intended to address neighbors’ privacy concerns. Technical documents provided by the applicant, including geotechnical studies, affirmed that no cultural resources or remains were identified on the property, addressing some community concerns. However, residents continued to express apprehension over emergency access and potential impediments posed by the proposed two-car parking area.

Despite the contentious nature of the discussion, the board ultimately voted to approve the application with a 5-1 majority, subject to specific conditions including an access agreement with the city for facade maintenance facing the cemetery. Commissioner Shadid recognized community involvement in maintaining the cemetery and expressed a personal appreciation for the design’s uniqueness.

Another topic was the approval of a variance request for a project on Summit Avenue. This proposal involved the construction of a new building on a flag lot, necessitating variances for front and rear yard setbacks due to its unusual shape. The applicant’s attorney, Rebecca Mayerello, explained the impracticality of complying with standard setback requirements given the lot’s configuration. The project, which includes three four-bedroom apartments, sought additional variances for street tree requirements and the roof deck setback.

The board also deliberated on a development project at 364.5 Fifth Street, which faced challenges due to the lot’s undersized dimensions and location within a flood zone. The applicant requested variances for rear yard setbacks and lot coverage, proposing a stormwater detention system and a green roof to manage environmental impacts. The board staff endorsed the application, citing satisfied positive and negative variance criteria, leading to a unanimous approval with conditions.

The board then addressed a proposal for a mixed-use development on SIP Avenue, which involved expanding an existing one-story commercial building into a three-story structure with ground-floor commercial space and five residential units. The applicant highlighted the site’s appropriateness for increased density, referencing nearby buildings with higher densities. Variances were requested for front and rear yard setbacks, lot coverage, and density, with the applicant asserting that the project would enhance the area’s historical mixed-use character. The board approved the application, emphasizing the project’s alignment with municipal land use goals and its potential to revitalize the neighborhood.