The case concerning Brentwood Rehabilitation and Health Care Center on Liberty Street emerged as the most newsworthy item. The representatives from Brentwood Properties LLC, including Nancy McCann, sought a variance under section 37 to replace an existing building-mounted sign. The establishment, a nursing home operational for over fifty years, had previously been granted zoning relief in 2014 for a freestanding sign and a wall-mounted sign. The existing wall-mounted sign, displaying “Brentwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center,” would be replaced by a sign of the same dimensions but featuring the updated name “Brentwood Rehabilitation and Health Care Center” along with a new leaf logo. The dimensions included letters 20 inches high for “Brentwood” and 8 inches for the remainder of the text.

A photograph of the current sign was reviewed, and McCann emphasized that the new sign would improve visibility by being positioned at the top of the building. The freestanding sign at the corner of Liberty and Elliot Streets would remain unchanged. A board member inquired about the illumination, confirming that the new sign’s letters would be individually illuminated, with the light directed inward to prevent any light dispersion beyond the premises. The sign would remain continuously lit, aligning with the nursing home’s operations, in contrast to the existing unlit sign that relied on ground lighting.

The discussion included the necessity of the variance, given the zoning bylaws that limit signs in residential districts to a maximum of 20 square feet, regardless of the commercial nature of the establishment. A board member questioned the process, noting differences between the original special permit and the current variance request. It was clarified that the signage variance governed this case separately from previous considerations related to parking and site plans. The facility’s administrator confirmed there had been no significant parking complaints recently, addressing past concerns.

As deliberations proceeded, board members voiced support for the proposal, recognizing the new sign’s potential to enhance visibility and improve the building’s facade with the leaf emblem. The unique status of the nursing home in a residential area was acknowledged, with members considering the proposed changes modest and reasonable. A motion to grant the variance was made, emphasizing that the sign would not detrimentally affect the public good or deviate from the zoning bylaw’s intent. The motion was seconded and received unanimous approval from the board.

The second case discussed involved a special permit request for an extended family living area on Lorine Road, a property zoned R2. The applicant, represented by John Parsons of Parson’s Contracting, sought approval to build an addition for the applicant’s extended family, including grandparents, a daughter, a son-in-law, and two children. The proposal included a kitchen in the new space to allow the family to live close without intruding on the existing household’s space. The project had commenced with the foundation poured in mid-September after a building permit was applied for earlier in the year.

The board examined whether the addition could proceed without the kitchen and discussed the shared space between the existing house and the new addition. Parsons clarified that while there would be a shared living area and a common closet, the two living spaces would have separate entrances. Board members discussed the existing structure’s compliance with zoning laws, with Brian Kelly explaining that although the lot was nonconforming, the existing house met the necessary setbacks.

Following a lack of public comments, the board deliberated further. A board member expressed support for the project, noting the issuance of the building permit in August and the modest nature of the proposal. The chairman, having clarified his initial confusion regarding the ongoing work, expressed intent to vote in favor. A motion to grant the special permit was made, reiterating the request’s details and emphasizing the exterior’s unchanged appearance, maintaining residential character and compatibility with adjacent properties.