The most debated item on the agenda was the proposed renovation on Hillcrest Avenue. Homeowners Jessica Roy and Anthony Amechian presented plans to construct an attached garage and mudroom, alongside a tennis court to utilize an otherwise unusable area of their property. A point of discussion was the court’s compliance with zoning ordinances, particularly regarding its dimensions and the height of proposed fencing. The applicants sought to address safety concerns for their children, who currently play in the driveway, by enhancing their property with these additions.

The proposed tennis court raised questions about its visual impact on neighboring properties, given its position three to six feet below existing grade. To address potential concerns about tennis balls entering adjacent yards, discussions included the potential installation of netting or higher fencing around the court. The board debated allowing increased fence height, which would necessitate a variance, or opting for netting up to 12 feet high, similar to solutions employed for batting cages. The board expressed a need for a comprehensive landscaping plan to frame the court and maintain neighborhood aesthetics.

The board also considered drainage solutions for the property, which included a stormwater management system to prevent runoff issues. Concerns about tree removal for the tennis court were discussed, with an emphasis on maintaining the neighborhood’s tree canopy. The homeowners agreed to provide a landscape plan based on recommendations from the Environmental Commission, addressing both environmental concerns and the visual impact of the court.

In another discussion, the board reviewed a proposal for 32 Montrose, focusing on modest home renovations to accommodate the homeowners’ needs. The project included adding bedrooms and updating bathrooms, with an accompanying request for a variance to increase parking capacity due to the narrow lot. The board addressed concerns about the driveway’s size and configuration, noting it did not meet RSIS standards for a four-bedroom home.

The board scrutinized the proposed driveway’s impact on the property’s visual appeal, debating whether its design was too extensive for the neighborhood. Suggestions included reducing the driveway’s size or incorporating landscaping to soften its appearance. The applicants argued the necessity of a wider driveway to alleviate current parking difficulties. The board ultimately acknowledged the commonality of similar driveways in the area but emphasized the importance of maintaining the neighborhood’s character through design.

The meeting concluded with the board voting to approve the application for a property on Hillcrest Avenue, contingent upon adherence to specified conditions, including landscaping and screening plans. The board also approved several other applications for properties at different locations. Future meetings were scheduled to address ongoing and unresolved matters, with an emphasis on ensuring all board members’ participation in decisions.