0:04The primary focus of the meeting was the approval of a variance for a property on Patriot Parkway. Joseph CIO, representing Ibrahim AA, sought variances for building coverage and parking requirements on a lot partially occupied by pavement used for adjacent parking. The proposal involved constructing a single-family dwelling on a 4,750 square foot vacant lot. An encroachment issue required a strip of land to be subdivided to maintain parking for the adjacent family-owned lot. Despite the absence of verbal support during the public hearing, CIO presented an email opposing the proposal from resident Maria Ardagna and noted canvassing efforts that garnered neighborhood signatures in favor. A board member praised the applicant for addressing parking concerns, and the variance was approved unanimously with standard conditions, including the need for further planning board approval for the subdivision plan.

Another item was the application by Madison Real Estate Group LLC to subdivide a lot on Whitney Street. Attorney Robert Peterson Jr. and Kevin Charles, representing the group, proposed dividing a 6,993 square foot lot into two: Lot A retaining an existing two-family dwelling and Lot B for a new single-family home. The lot’s irregular shape and corner location presented challenges in meeting zoning bylaws for setbacks and frontage. Peterson highlighted that many nearby lots also did not meet the 8,000 square foot requirement, arguing that their proposed subdivision aimed to align better with local zoning without negatively impacting the public good. Public support was vocal, with David Sullivan and D. Ventell emphasizing the positive impact on neighborhood congestion and parking. The board approved the variance, conditional on the variance rights being exercised within one year, proper recording, and site plan review approval before any building permits.

11:04Discussion also included a variance request for a project on Atwood Street. David DeAngeles and a local counselor, identified as Gino, supported the proposal, citing the applicant’s reputation and the project’s potential benefits. Despite an email objection from a nearby resident, the board approved the variance with conditions similar to the Whitney Street project.

The meeting also addressed a special permit application by Samuel Tika for a property on Dun Road, intending to expand a non-conforming single-family structure with a rear addition. While Tika confirmed the availability of four parking spaces, the board identified a setback issue, advising Tika to revise plans and ensure compliance before the next meeting. The board emphasized the necessity of site plan review approval and a corrected plan to avoid legal complications, continuing the hearing to March 26th.

0:04The board revisited Jamie Rano’s variance application for a pergola on Carlton Street. The board required formal communication from an opposing neighbor regarding a change in stance. Without this documentation, the hearing was continued to March 26th. The chairman reminded Rano of the need for building department adherence to setback regulations and possibly securing structural engineering approval due to prior work without a permit.