The application presented by Michael Mortimer, acting for his mother as the beneficial owner, sought to reconfigure three properties at 444, 446, and West Perry Street. The proposal included adjustments to lot lines, which aimed to increase the size of two lots while reducing a third. This reconfiguration required a series of variances due to pre-existing non-conformities and the addition of new elements such as a front porch expansion. The application also necessitated a D2 variance for an attached dwelling unit not permitted in the zoning district.

A focal point of the meeting was the proposed changes to the lot lines and the resultant impact on parking. A cross easement was proposed to facilitate parking access for the properties involved, which would allow each property owner access to parking spaces. However, this aspect of the proposal was met with scrutiny from board members, who were concerned about ensuring compliance with parking requirements and the potential for increased traffic due to the new configuration.

The board debated the merits of voting on the application as a whole versus separating the vote for the variances and the subdivision. Ultimately, they agreed to proceed with a collective vote, requiring a majority of five out of seven votes due to the D2 variance.

In addition to the West Perry Street application, the board also reviewed a proposal for a property on Ocean Street. This application involved converting a four-unit multi-family dwelling into a single-family home, which required variances due to existing non-conformities related to lot size, setbacks, and coverage. Although no physical changes to the structure were planned, the change in use prompted a reassessment of parking requirements, reducing the demand from seven spaces to two. Despite this reduction, the board engaged in a discussion about the adequacy of the proposed parking arrangements.

The board’s deliberations also touched upon a separate application for a non-conforming duplex on Perry Street. The applicants sought to replace a shed and improve parking conditions, an endeavor that was seen as an expansion of the non-conforming use. The proposal aimed to create additional parking spaces while reducing impervious coverage, with an emphasis on safety improvements through the addition of a turnaround area. The introduction of environmentally friendly materials, such as grass pavers, was noted as a positive aspect of the application.

Concerns were raised about the potential transformation of yards into parking lots and the loss of open space, which some board members viewed as detrimental to the community’s character. The discussions revealed a tension between accommodating modern development needs and preserving the unique historical and visual appeal of the area.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the variances for the West Perry Street application, including conditions for site improvements and compliance with other regulatory requirements. The decision was indicative of a broader effort by the Zoning Board to balance competing priorities and ensure that developments align with the city’s zoning plan and historical preservation goals.