The application for 24 Metzler Place sought a bulk variance primarily due to the unintentional excess in lot coverage following property improvements. The applicant’s attorney argued that after the reconstruction of the property, it was discovered that they exceeded the permitted lot coverage by approximately 630 square feet. The expansion included a driveway with a parking area and a turnaround, designed to avoid the necessity of street parking, which could potentially interfere with traffic and emergency vehicle access due to the narrowness of the street.

During the meeting, the importance of the turnaround space was emphasized as a safety feature to prevent the need to reverse down the long driveway. Photographs were submitted to illustrate the area in question. The applicant’s architect detailed the property’s layout, noting it is a two and a half-story dwelling, housing three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, with a crawlspace rather than a basement.

The board engaged in a discussion concerning the benefits and detriments of granting the variance. One of the meeting’s more technical moments came when the board’s engineer reviewed drainage patterns on the property, concluding that the improvements made had enhanced drainage overall. Public comment included an endorsement from Janice Colore, a member of the community, who supported the application by pointing out the difficulty of exiting a neighboring driveway.

In deliberating the variance request, the board members considered the applicant’s arguments under both C1 hardship and C2 flexible analysis. They acknowledged the minor increase in lot coverage but were persuaded by the benefits highlighted by the applicant, which included not only improved drainage but also safer vehicle operation on the property. The applicant agreed to several conditions as part of the variance approval, such as implementing landscaping and restoring any disturbance with topsoil, seed, and straw mulch.

The board ultimately voted in favor of the application, with the term “de minimis” used to describe the impact of the proposed changes on the existing lot coverage.

Aside from the Metzler Place application, other business conducted during the meeting included passing resolutions for two previous applications and the announcement that the Draon Ron LLC application would be carried to the next meeting without further notice. The board also discussed upcoming agenda items, including the need to review the annual report and a reminder about an upcoming training course for members. The meeting closed with a motion to adjourn, which was promptly seconded.