The Deacon matter, which involved the presentation of several exhibits including historical commission memoranda and architectural plans, was addressed by the board with a focus on compliance with zoning regulations. The board scrutinized the proposed changes to the Deacon property, including the addition of two bedrooms and a bathroom, and the conversion of an existing garage attic. The central issue was whether the proposed changes would increase the square footage and if the finished attic space could be classified as a full story or half story.

In parallel, Chad Dion and his wife Lee sought a variance to improve their home’s floor plan to accommodate their growing family. The Dions aimed to create two additional bedrooms above their garage without increasing the ground space. They had already made adjustments to their plans after feedback from the historic commission. The board reviewed past resolutions related to the Dions’ property and debated their compliance with previous conditions, particularly the dimensions and layout of an existing deck.

Al Schiavetti, the architect representing the Dions, clarified that the garage had been approved in 1993, but there was no mention of increased square footage in the resolutions. The board engineer, Jordan Rizzo, presented waivers for ownership disclosure statements and outside agency approvals, which the board waived without objection. The board also ensured that the Dions had followed the necessary processes, including jurisdiction of mailings and compliance with required procedures.

The discussion then shifted to the technical aspects of the proposed addition to the Dion residence. The board reviewed the existing and proposed footprint, setbacks, and lot coverage, and debated the impact of the proposed changes on the existing non-conformities. The board also considered the feedback from the historic commission and the preservation of architectural elements. The Dions argued that the addition would not only improve the layout of their existing house but also enhance the neighborhood’s appearance.

A resident named Gregory Willis and his wife testified about their concerns regarding a proposed addition by their neighbors, which they feared would reduce sunlight entering their kitchen. The board and residents discussed possible solutions, including design adjustments to preserve the sunlight.

The board also discussed other pending applications and the importance of having a full complement of members present to vote on them. The need to keep track of approval deadlines and the scheduling of applications, including a potential special meeting, was emphasized to avoid procedural issues.