The proposed development of four duplexes on Ridge Road dominated the discussion and faced community opposition. Residents voiced concerns over the project’s impact on the neighborhood’s infrastructure, safety, and environment. The development plan involved consolidating four non-conforming lots into two larger lots while extending Ridge Road, currently a paper street, to accommodate emergency access. Michael Gordon, representing the development team, argued that the duplexes would fit within the neighborhood’s context, noting existing non-conforming structures.

However, the plan faced strong opposition during public comments. Residents like Aelina Adolphus from 197 Ridge Road expressed concerns about the steep terrain’s impact on foundation stability, especially due to potential rock blasting. She and others questioned the adequacy of Ridge Road for emergency services, noting challenges like snow removal and parking. Denise Senar echoed these concerns, highlighting the street’s narrowness and the problematic nature of tandem driveways.

Other residents cited past construction experiences that led to unresolved issues with retaining walls, raising fears that similar problems could arise with the new project. Dimitri DeOrio, a long-time resident, recalled how previous construction had necessitated further work on retaining walls, despite initial assurances from builders. He emphasized the need for scrutiny regarding construction practices, given the area’s challenging terrain.

The community’s apprehension extended to environmental concerns, with Maya, a resident, stressing the potential harm to green spaces and structural integrity due to previous construction activities. She urged the board to limit construction to two houses and prioritize emergency vehicle access. Chris Iella warned against the precedent of approving projects with undersized lots, while other residents highlighted drainage issues and the risk of foundation damage from road work.

Paul Agenzio, a ward councilor, opposed the project, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the neighborhood’s integrity. He noted residents’ previous objections to increased density, traffic, and loss of open space. Agenzio also pointed out the area’s existing water problems and the risk of the proposed gravel road washing out, affecting nearby properties.

The board heard multiple letters from residents opposing the project, including one from Ken Sakowski, who valued the privacy and safety provided by Ridge Road’s dead-end nature. Sakowski expressed concerns about increased traffic compromising the neighborhood’s tranquility and property integrity.

In light of these concerns, the board unanimously denied the variance request for the Ridge Road project. The decision aligned with residents’ views on maintaining safety, environmental integrity, and community character.

Another agenda item involved a variance application by Jamie Rano for constructing a large pergola on Carlton Street. The board scrutinized the legality and safety of the already constructed structure, which violated zoning restrictions on detached accessory structures. A resident, Babaran Poo, opposed the project, citing obstruction of sunlight and noise disturbances from gatherings at Rano’s property. A ward counselor reported discrepancies in Rano’s communications with neighbors, further complicating the application. Ultimately, the board denied the variance, citing non-compliance with zoning requirements.

In contrast, the board approved a special permit for Samuel Tika on Dun Road to expand a non-conforming single-family structure. Tika’s revised plans addressed previous concerns about vehicle access, leading to unanimous board support for the permit.