53:25The proposal for 28-30 Humbart Street, located in the R4B zone, was a focal point of the meeting. The applicants sought C1 and C2 variances for the construction of two driveways leading to detached garages for a new two-family house. The zoning regulations typically allow only one driveway per lot, raising concerns about potential zoning conflicts. However, the representatives argued that the additional driveway would not affect street parking, as parking was not permitted on the street side where the duplex was situated. Instead, the proposal aimed to enhance the property’s functionality by accommodating more off-street parking spaces, addressing the neighborhood’s parking challenges exacerbated by its proximity to downtown Princeton.

The proposed configuration included two driveways leading to garages at the rear, designed to provide a total of ten off-street parking spaces. This arrangement aimed to reduce reliance on the limited on-street parking, which is restricted to two-hour parking on one side of the street. Representatives emphasized that the design maintained substantial green space while ensuring functional access routes for residents.

01:16:09Concerns were raised regarding the practicality of the proposed driveway configuration, particularly the requirement for residents to back out a significant distance on a narrow driveway. Some board members questioned whether this design choice might lead residents to park closer to the street, potentially creating a cluttered appearance. In response, the representatives defended the design, stating it aligned with zoning goals and neighborhood character while optimizing backyard space usage and minimizing movement conflicts.

01:33:00The board’s discussion included consideration of the zoning code’s stipulation of one driveway per lot, with some members recalling neighborhood standards that emphasize garages being located at the rear of properties. However, the consensus among board members ultimately shifted toward supporting the variance, recognizing the proposal’s suitability for the lot’s size and compliance with impervious coverage limits.

45:52Public input was also a component of the meeting, with a neighbor living directly behind the proposed duplex expressing support for the application. This endorsement bolstered the arguments in favor of the second driveway.

17:35In addition to the Humbart Street proposal, the board considered several other applications. Trustees from Princeton University sought a one-year extension for a previously approved project at 58-60 William Street. The extension was requested due to the complexities of renovating an older house, which required extensive planning and compliance reviews. The board, understanding the necessity of the extension to prevent restarting the application process, approved the request unanimously.

25:11Another application involved a variance request for a property on Dodd Lane, where homeowners sought to convert a front-entry garage into a side-entry garage. The discussion centered on zoning compliance and neighborhood character, with the applicants arguing that the changes improved the property’s safety and aesthetics. The board considered public comments and deliberated on the application’s merits, ultimately moving toward approving the variance.

02:50The meeting also included the approval of several resolutions, with the board reviewing and unanimously passing resolutions related to properties on Madison Avenue, Prospect Avenue, and Great Road. These approvals followed standard procedures, with minimal discussion required.