The meeting commenced with the board’s deliberation on the application for 2515 Ltock Properties on Johnson’s Lane, an agenda item that captured considerable attention. The application proposed a minor subdivision and sought a bifurcated use D1 variance along with bulk variances to facilitate the development of the site. The property, dormant for 7 to 8 years, was previously known for housing Buddy’s Tavern. The project plan includes demolishing the existing structure and creating two additional residential parcels, separating the existing single-family dwelling from commercial use.

Joseph Buch, a seasoned engineer and planner, presented the plan, emphasizing that the location is adjacent to a school and situated within a B1 zone, making the residential conversion suitable. The proposal aims to reestablish the original tract lines of the property, with the development complying with the required 10-foot side yard setbacks in the B1 zone and maintaining alignment with the nearby R5 and R10 residential zones. The proposed lots, measuring approximately 6,000 square feet each, exceed the R5 district’s 5,000 square foot requirement but fall short of the B1’s 10,000 square foot standard, necessitating the variances discussed.

During the meeting, the board members scrutinized the necessity for variances due to existing nonconformities, such as side yard setbacks and building coverage. Buch outlined how the project would address these issues, highlighting the need for a C1 hardship variance caused by the current side yard setback of 2.97 feet, with a proposal to increase it to 4.41 feet. The plan also included a right-of-way dedication to ensure consistency with adjacent properties and to clean up the right-of-way.

The discussion turned to the legal criteria for granting the requested variances, particularly the D1 use variance for non-permitted uses. The redevelopment offers community benefits by converting the dormant business site into residential lots, especially given its proximity to educational and recreational facilities. The negative criteria involved potential detriments to public interests or impairments to the master plan. However, it was argued that the existing B1 zone provided ample commercial opportunities, and the residential use would enhance the area rather than detract from it.

Attention was also given to the bulk standards and the need for a C1 hardship variance due to the dwelling’s proximity to property lines. The proposed subdivision aimed to establish a new track line while minimizing non-compliance. The board discussed the implications of applying R5 zoning standards as a condition of approval, facilitating future residential developments aligned with zoning regulations.

The meeting also addressed the installation of sidewalks along the frontages of the new lots. Although the application did not propose immediate construction on the new lots, compliance with R5 zoning regulations would be required for any future development. The board discussed setbacks, with a request to apply R5 bulk standards to the vacant lots to allow greater flexibility in architectural design. This included adjusting side yard setbacks from 10 feet to 8 feet.

In a related discussion, concerns about a vacant parking lot across the street were raised. The lot, associated with the now-closed restaurant, was not included in the current contract and remained under separate ownership. Any future use of the lot would require separate board approval.

Following the detailed deliberations and addressing all questions from board members and professionals, the public portion of the meeting was opened, but it yielded no comments. The board then summarized the conditions of approval, including specific side yard requirements and stipulations that the approval would adhere to R5 zoning standards, with necessary variances.