The most discussion centered around Lisa Williams Caffy’s property on Bristol Road. The application requested a use variance to continue operating the existing two-family home, which has been on the lot since a subdivision in 1960. The representative for the applicant provided extensive documentation, including reports from staff professionals, to support the request. A report by Mr. Chadwick, dated November 12, 2024, included photographic evidence affirming the structure’s status as a two-family home and recommended fire inspections to guarantee adherence to safety regulations. Another report from December 2, 2024, confirmed the dwelling’s continuous use as a two-family home since 1960, with a conforming lot and no objections to its present use.

Professional planner Allison Coffen contributed further justification for the variance, highlighting that the criteria for approval were met. She emphasized the dwelling’s long-standing function as a two-family home, complete with separate living quarters and parking accommodations. Coffen stated, “It is visually in character with the area,” ensuring that maintaining its current use would not disrupt the master plan or zoning ordinance. No public comments were made after the presentation, leading to a unanimous motion to approve the application.

Another prominent item involved the property on Avenue, where the applicant’s attorney sought certification of the existing two-family dwelling as a lawful pre-existing non-conforming use or, alternatively, requested a use variance. The attorney underscored the property’s status as a two-family residence since at least 1956, substantiated by tax records. The dwelling, described as a duplex with separate entrances and utilities for each unit, faced some concerns about unsightly wires, which the applicant agreed to address. The case was presented as straightforward, with evidence supporting the dwelling’s nearly century-long status as a two-family unit. After the board’s review, and with no public opposition, the application was approved unanimously.

Another matter was the approval of a modification application for New Singular Wireless AT&T on South 2 Street in the M1 Zone. Christopher Quinn, representing AT&T, outlined the nationwide project to replace antennas and equipment. The proposal involved swapping 12 existing antennas for nine new ones and updating equipment, with no expected ground disturbance or height increase. Quinn assured compliance with emission standards and structural integrity, and the board, familiar with similar applications, approved it unanimously after confirming these details. There were no public comments on this matter.

The board also handled an application for Wellspring Adult Care. Represented by attorney Tim Arch, the application involved finalizing a developer’s agreement, which included a condition to monitor accessible routes and drop-off logistics for a year. With no remaining inquiries from the board or comments from the public, the application was approved unanimously.

Another minor variance issue was addressed for Grand Homes Investment, where an already constructed home exceeded the permitted coverage. The attorney explained that the home was built according to approved plans but inadvertently surpassed the 20% coverage allowance by 2.7%. Citing previous similar approvals, the attorney characterized the oversight as an honest mistake. The applicant agreed to a developer’s agreement to prevent future issues, and the board unanimously approved the application.