Central to the meeting’s discussion was the request by Mark Strovski of Strobble Design Build on behalf of homeowner Patrick Defor to adjust the rear setback for the new construction. The property, located within a residential low medium zoning district, was previously home to a historic structure that allowed a 10-foot rear setback before its demolition. The proposed design seeks to replicate the original layout while addressing modern needs, such as flooding issues, by incorporating a master suite and a small office.

The applicant’s argument for the variance centered on the need to maintain the functionality of the living space, particularly with the addition of a home office. This was deemed necessary due to space constraints and the desire to preserve the existing layout, which included a great room and children’s bedrooms. The design also featured garage doors at the front for beach access, although they would not accommodate vehicles due to the lack of curb cuts. The contractor assured that the aesthetic quality of the property would be maintained through the use of vegetation and garden walls to obscure the garage doors.

Board members discussed the variance in light of the neighborhood’s evolving character, noting that two properties across the street were slated for demolition and a fire station was located nearby. While some board members favored the design for its alignment with the neighborhood’s aesthetic, others raised concerns about setting a precedent for future variance requests, especially those involving height restrictions.

The meeting also included updates on a separate project, with Senior Planner Kristin Coman providing a progress report on ongoing construction work. The board reviewed the status of open permits and expressed satisfaction with the advancements made, particularly in the installation of siding and upcoming roofing work. The general contractor anticipated completing the project within six weeks.

In addition, City Attorney Kristen Coman proposed enhancing the board’s understanding of zoning regulations through training workshops. This initiative aimed to clarify the complexities of zoning ordinances and their impact on community planning, particularly in light of recent rebuilding efforts following storms. Board members expressed interest in developing a clearer communication format to help residents understand zoning restrictions and their implications for construction projects.