The most prominent topic involved the application for a special permit on East A, where the property owner sought approval to demolish and rebuild a home on the same footprint. Represented by Dick Rockwood from Rockwood Design, the applicant proposed to maintain the existing dimensions of the house, including a deck addition. The existing structure did not conform to several Kingston bylaws, notably sections 4.2.8.4, A 10.4B, and 3.4, due to its encroachment on the setback by two to three feet on one side.

Rockwood detailed the rationale behind the decision to rebuild, citing concerns about the stability of the foundation, which prompted a shift from renovating the second floor to reconstructing the entire structure. The board engaged in a discussion about the proposed four-bedroom configuration, particularly the implications for sewer capacity. Concerns were raised about whether the sewer department would approve the additional flow necessary for the expanded bedroom count. The board underscored the importance of securing proper sewer flow permits to prevent complications post-approval.

Parking availability was another focal point, with Rockwood confirming that the property could accommodate four vehicles in its outdoor space, despite the absence of a garage. The board members also examined whether the proposed changes would exacerbate the non-conforming nature of the property. Rockwood assured that the new construction would not increase the existing non-conformance, as it would retain the established encroachment.

Visual impacts of the proposed addition were discussed, referencing a previously removed structure on a neighboring plot. The board concluded that the new project would not worsen non-conformance beyond the current state. However, they requested more documentation regarding the sewer flow requirements to ensure compliance with town regulations.

Attention then shifted to a proposal for renovation on Green Street, involving the deconstruction of the existing structure down to the first-floor deck and the development of a new addition with higher ceilings. Similar to the East A property, this site was in a non-conforming state, being 13 feet from the property line instead of the required 15 feet. The board deliberated on the necessity of a conservation department letter, which had already been submitted, to confirm the project’s environmental compliance.

Public commentary was introduced by Pine Dubis from the Jones River Watershed Association, who provided input on the increasing risks of flooding due to rising sea levels. Dubis recommended the installation of sump pumps to mitigate potential basement flooding and urged the board to consider the long-term impacts of climate change in their planning decisions. The board acknowledged the concerns, recognizing them as significant for future projects.

The board proceeded to approve the proposal on Green Street, with conditions contingent upon sewer department verification for potential additional bedroom capacity and the inclusion of the conservation letter in the project file. The approval carried the standard 21-day appeal period, with discussions about whether the applicant could start demolition before its conclusion, given precedents set in prior cases.