The applicants’ attorney, Rosemary Stone Dowy, explained the family’s rationale for the property’s purchase, emphasizing its design suited for multi-generational living, with features like a separate entrance and kitchen for an in-law suite. Despite these intentions, the board grappled with the potential for future misuse, particularly if the property were to be sold. The discussion included the possibility of imposing deed restrictions to ensure the property remains occupied by family members, although some members were skeptical about the effectiveness of such measures.

Board members expressed apprehension about the presence of a full kitchen in the mother-daughter suite, with suggestions to remove the stove to prevent the property from being perceived as a two-family home. The applicants agreed to the condition of removing the stove upon selling the house. The debate also touched on the side entrance, deemed unnecessary for the current occupants, leading to suggestions of its removal to further mitigate concerns.

While recognizing the family’s intentions, the board was cautious about setting precedents for future applications. Ultimately, the board reached a preliminary consensus to conditionally approve the application, contingent on the removal of the stove and a deed restriction upon sale to prevent rental use.

In a separate matter, a proposal for a T-Mobile telecommunications installation on Route 46 was presented, necessitated by the decommissioning of equipment at a nearby site due to development projects. The application included requests for variances related to height and zone restrictions, with concerns voiced about the proximity of antennas to residential areas. Representatives from T-Mobile emphasized the need to maintain service coverage for approximately 1,700 customers affected by the site changes.

The board scrutinized the proposed height of the antennas, which would extend nine feet above the building’s highest point, and the lack of a permanent lease for the site. A detailed RF justification report was presented, indicating compliance with federal and state exposure limits, yet concerns persisted about the visual impact on nearby residences. The discussion included the potential for aesthetic modifications to minimize visibility, though skepticism remained about the feasibility of such measures without exacerbating the structure’s bulk.

Public comments further highlighted local resistance, with residents expressing fears about the installation’s impact on their properties and the neighborhood’s character. The board requested additional information and design modifications, prompting T-Mobile to regroup for further consideration at a future meeting.

Other notable discussions included an application for converting office space into residential units on North Beverick Road. The proposal faced challenges regarding parking availability, with applicants arguing that residential use would generate less demand than commercial operations. The board debated the suitability of the site for residential units, given the lack of designated parking and the potential need for bulk variances for new window wells.