One of the meeting’s primary focuses was an application for a property on Washington Avenue. The project involved constructing an addition on a preexisting nonconforming lot, which was further complicated by the presence of a paper road classifying the property as a corner lot. This classification introduced complexities in defining the front and side yards, leading to a nuanced debate on the necessity of a variance. The board reviewed the zoning charts, examining setback requirements and ultimately determining that the proposed construction would exacerbate the nonconforming status of the lot. Despite these challenges, the board acknowledged that the coverage and height were within acceptable limits. With no public objections raised, the board was prepared to move forward with the deliberations concerning the approval process.

Another agenda item involved the application from 57 Beverly Road, LLC, which sought to raise an existing single-family dwelling and construct two new townhouses on a nonconforming lot. The project faced scrutiny over its topography, with the applicant noting that the lot slopes downward but assured the board that no significant grading would occur. An error in the application regarding stormwater management was identified and clarified during the meeting. A resident from a nearby property raised concerns about the construction’s potential impacts, particularly regarding the driveway and retaining walls. The applicant responded by detailing plans to maintain consistent grades to avoid adverse effects on neighboring properties. After addressing these issues, the board approved the project, concluding that it would not be more detrimental to the neighborhood than the existing structure.

The meeting also featured a discussion on an application for a property on Ferndale Road, where the board reviewed the dimensions of the lot, noting that the frontage and depth were short, yet other aspects like coverage and height met zoning requirements. The board voiced approval of the building plan, emphasizing that it would not impact the neighborhood negatively. With no public objections, the board unanimously approved the project.

Additionally, an application for a property on Ferndale Road was addressed, which proposed raising an existing single-family dwelling to construct another single-family home. The board reviewed a letter of support from a neighbor and discussed site-specific considerations such as stormwater management. The applicant confirmed plans to retain the existing grade, and after a routine deliberation, the board approved the project, echoing sentiments from previous discussions about adherence to zoning bylaws.

The absence of a representative for this item led to a decision to continue the hearing at a later date.