The primary focus of the meeting was the presentation by homeowner Antonio Aguilera and his architect, Robert Gray, regarding the need for a variance to expand the living space of a three-story home on an undersized lot measuring 50 by 70 feet. The request included reducing the front yard setback from 20 feet to 13 feet and increasing the maximum lot coverage from 35% to 49%. These changes were necessary to construct a second and third-story deck extension and to enclose a portion of the ground-level garage for better waterproofing.

The proposed changes aimed to enhance the livability of the home without altering its external appearance. Gray emphasized that the design would maintain the architectural style of the neighborhood, and efforts were made to ensure the extension would not obstruct the visibility of traffic on 26th Avenue.

The Board’s discussion centered on whether the extension would impact traffic visibility on First Street. After reviewing the evidence, members concluded that the expansion would not disrupt the line of sight for drivers. They acknowledged the lot’s undersized nature as a hardship and recognized the necessity of bringing the lot coverage up to code.