The prominent agenda item involved Julian Overby’s request for a variance to renovate a historic family home that has been vacant for 15 years. Overby, an architect, aims to preserve the home as a single-story residence, resisting the area’s trend of replacing older homes with larger duplexes. The property had been neglected, becoming a dumping ground over the years, and the applicant’s renovation plans include maintaining the existing structure while adding a small three-bedroom, two-bath house, a living room, a kitchen, a back porch, and a detached garage. Overby emphasized the importance of creating affordable housing options for young adults in the area, including their own adult children.

The board discussed the implications of the variance, particularly focusing on the existing structure’s non-conformity as a hardship. It was agreed that the three-foot setback was reasonable and tied specifically to the existing structure. An amendment clarified that any future structures would need to adhere to the original five-foot setback requirement. The board unanimously approved the amended variance request, recognizing the positive impact the renovation would have on the neighborhood, particularly in addressing the longstanding issues of the vacant property.