The meeting commenced with the continuation of a hearing on Crystal Spring Avenue. Attorney Kevin Clower represented the owners, Tim and Kalin Dennison, who sought permission to raise and rebuild their non-conforming dwelling. The existing structure, a three-bedroom single-family home, was noted for not meeting the required front yard setback. Clower presented a revised plan that would improve compliance by adjusting the setback and making interior layout changes. These included reducing a full bath to a half bath, removing an unfinished storage room, and creating an open floor layout, which were based on prior feedback from the board. Clower emphasized that the proposal would not increase the number of bedrooms, thus posing no additional impact on wastewater or traffic.

Board members expressed gratitude for the revisions and acknowledged the constraints of the neighborhood. They discussed tree removal, which had been unintentional, and Clower assured compliance with mitigation steps post-construction. The engineering department’s recommendations on stormwater runoff and erosion control were also addressed, with the board agreeing to incorporate them into the conditions for approval.

The board concluded that the project met zoning bylaws and would not negatively affect the neighborhood, prompting a motion to close the hearing. They discussed potential conditions for approval, including maintaining the three-bedroom limitation and ensuring adherence to the tree warden and engineering department’s recommendations.

Another topic was the proposal for a property on Johnson Street, presented by Brian and Kathleen Dalton. The Daltons requested a special permit to expand their existing non-conforming dwelling and exceed the maximum lot coverage by structure. The current building, a four-bedroom single-family home, would see its footprint increase, pushing lot coverage by structure from 18.2% to 25%. Despite the property’s smaller-than-required size, the proposal aimed to enhance the dwelling without introducing new non-conformities.

The board examined the proposal’s implications for stormwater runoff and erosion control, as well as the water department’s request for increased water service. The proposal was noted for not attracting public comments or opposition, and Clower, representing the Daltons, clarified that the addition would not affect existing non-conformities. The board acknowledged the proposal’s thoroughness and alignment with neighborhood character, leading to a motion to approve the special permit.

Additionally, the board considered changes to the Felmouth Southerntherly project. David Calhoun and civil engineer Phil Corduro discussed modifications including a shift from a flat to a pitched roof to accommodate solar panels, raising the building’s height slightly. The board was informed of the decision to replace underground drainage structures with surface retention basins. Safety concerns about unfenced basins were addressed by explaining the design’s quick drainage and natural integration.

The meeting also touched on broader housing concerns, notably the impact of construction on affordable housing supply. The board discussed the use of affordable housing funds in a commercial operation within a residential district, emphasizing the need for further input from the affordable housing committee. Concerns about traffic, safety, and the appropriateness of commercial entities in residential areas were raised.