A major topic of the meeting was the proposal by Peter Khan and Karen House to convert an existing carriage house into a modern ADU. Their plan involved expanding the structure to create a two-level living space, intended for their son Jason and his family. The application sought variances due to the existing non-compliant setbacks and impervious coverage on the property. The proposed changes would increase the building’s height by six feet while maintaining the architectural style of the original structure.

The board examined both the technical aspects and community impact of the proposal. The conversion aimed to modernize the existing garage apartment, which had been used by a caretaker for thirty years. The design retained the character of the stone carriage house while updating it for modern living. The board members deliberated on the proposed setback of 26.75 feet, which was less than the required distance, discussing how this would affect the neighborhood’s aesthetic and functionality.

Public concerns focused on the ecological impact, particularly regarding nearby trees. One neighbor, Vijay Ki, expressed apprehensions about the safety and health of the trees on the property, emphasizing the need for an arborist’s assessment. The board agreed to include a condition in the approval requiring such an evaluation to ensure the trees’ integrity and address safety concerns.

The discussion also highlighted the balance between maintaining the neighborhood’s character and accommodating the growing needs of families. The architect noted that the ADU’s design focused on maximizing privacy and functionality while adhering to zoning laws. The board ultimately approved the application, acknowledging the careful consideration given to both community concerns and the applicants’ needs.

Another application involved the construction of a new home on Kingston Road, which required variances for lot area and front yard setback. The applicants proposed demolishing an existing non-compliant single-family home to build a larger residence, retaining parts of the existing foundation. The project aimed to address non-compliance by adjusting the garage’s placement and utilizing pervious materials to manage stormwater impacts.

The board heard expert testimony from engineer David Schmidt, who outlined the project’s technical details. Despite the lot being undersized, the proposed design intended to enhance the neighborhood’s character, with careful consideration of the unique street layout and prevailing setbacks. The plan included removing ten trees and planting twenty new ones to meet local ordinances.

Board members raised questions about the necessity of the variances and the impact on adjacent properties. Schmidt explained the challenges posed by the existing lot configuration and the efforts to purchase additional land, which were unsuccessful. The applicant’s team articulated intentions to honor the existing home location while complying with setback regulations.