1:21:00The ADU application, presented by Alan Tremulac on behalf of Aaron Kle and Meg Manzel, proposed attaching the unit to an existing garage, which will be expanded to accommodate a third vehicle. This project aims to provide semi-independent living for Meg Manzel’s elderly parents, emphasizing accessibility features such as wheelchair access and adequate space for caregivers. The application sought variances for exceeding the ordinance’s height and size limits, with the ADU design requiring approximately 1,243 square feet—well over the 800 square feet cap—and a ridge height of 18 feet, exceeding the regulated 15 feet.

The board deliberated on the justification for these variances. The Historic Preservation Commission recommended preserving the existing structure’s height to safeguard its historical integrity, a point that both supported and complicated the variance request.

2:39:31Concerns about stormwater management, lighting, and the potential setting of precedents dominated the discussion. The proposed storm retention system, designed to mitigate flooding risks, was scrutinized for its feasibility given the site’s topographical challenges. Board members debated the implications of allowing such variances, particularly in light of recent ordinance adjustments intended to preserve neighborhood character while expanding housing options for older residents.

39:41The meeting also addressed the conversion of a non-conforming office space on Orange Road into a residential unit. This proposal involved variances for the use conversion and parking requirements, as the building currently lacks on-site parking. Proponents argued that the switch from office to residential use would decrease parking demand, aligning better with the area’s residential character. The board weighed the benefits of such conversions against the potential impact on parking and neighborhood aesthetics.

Additionally, the board reviewed an application for a new garage on Montclair Avenue, which proposed replacing a deteriorating structure with a larger two-car garage. The garage’s design included variances for a sideyard setback, sparking debate over its proximity to neighboring properties and potential drainage issues. The Historic Preservation Commission’s recommendations on lighting and corner board installations were incorporated as conditions for approval, reflective of the board’s efforts to balance new development with historical preservation.

3:00:29Concerns about setting a precedent for future applications were particularly pronounced, with some members cautioning against decisions that might encourage similar requests from other properties.