The application for the property located on River Road, submitted by the Hickeys, sought variance approval for multiple renovations, including expanding an existing garage, adding a small office nook, creating two ensuite bathrooms, and enlarging an open patio. The proposed addition totaled 183 square feet and required variances for front yard setback and floor area ratio. The board deliberated on whether the proposed changes, especially the addition of bathrooms, were necessary, given the existing number of bedrooms.

Concerns were raised about the necessity of the additional bathrooms and the extension of the patio into the setback area. The architect emphasized that the proposed open-air porch was integral to the existing design and that alternatives were limited due to the house’s irregular shape. The board members weighed the applicants’ desires against the potential impact on zoning regulations and neighborhood character, stressing the importance of not setting unwarranted precedents.

Simultaneously, the meeting addressed a proposal for a new single-family home on Gillespie Avenue. The planned construction involved demolishing an existing structure to make way for a new home on a large riverfront lot. Variances were needed due to non-conformities in the existing property, including issues with height and garage setbacks. The board scrutinized the proposed design, which intended to reduce building height and floor area in compliance with zoning, yet raised concerns about its encroachment into side yard setbacks.

The board examined the implications of the proposed structure’s proximity to neighboring properties and the potential crowding of the woodland area. Despite the applicants’ willingness to adjust plans, the board members expressed a need for careful consideration of alternative designs that would minimize impact while adhering to zoning regulations.

In both cases, the board emphasized the necessity of balancing homeowner desires for improvement with the community’s zoning standards.

The meeting also touched upon broader zoning concerns, such as impervious coverage limits and stormwater management, particularly for the Gillespie Avenue project. The proposed development exceeded the maximum allowable impervious coverage, prompting discussions about stormwater management solutions, including the use of dry wells and the exploration of alternative methods.