Corey Melchior and his husband, Travis, sought to expand their three-bedroom ranch-style home on Kennedy Drive to accommodate their growing family. The proposed construction included a full second story, additional bedrooms, and bathrooms, as well as a single-car garage. The existing structure, positioned towards the front of the property, already failed to adhere to the borough’s zoning setback requirements. As such, the couple needed variances for the proposed side and front setbacks.

Jenny Schmidt, the architect representing the Melchiors, presented the plans, highlighting the challenges posed by the property’s dimensions. The lot, narrower than the standard requirement, necessitated variances to allow the proposed garage to encroach on the side yard setback, reducing it from 10 feet to 5 feet. The front yard setback would also be reduced from 30 feet to 24 feet due to the planned addition of a covered porch. Schmidt argued that these variances were essential for the family’s needs and aligned with the borough’s master plan, which supports the maintenance and rehabilitation of single-family homes.

Council members acknowledged the complexities of the application, given the existing nonconformity and the significant encroachment the garage addition represented. While recognizing the family’s need for expansion, the council expressed concerns about how the variances might alter the neighborhood’s character. Despite these concerns, the application received unanimous approval, contingent upon a formal written resolution and a 45-day objection period following its publication.

During the public comment session, a resident of Kennedy Drive, Arlene Remington, voiced her concerns about the visual continuity of the street. Remington emphasized that the proposed addition would disrupt the established line of homes set back 50 feet from the curb. Her apprehension was rooted in personal experience with variances and the potential for the new structure to appear out of place.

The discussion also touched upon the absence of sidewalks and curbs on the street, raising safety concerns and complicating the interpretation of property lines and setbacks. This aspect of the conversation highlighted the broader implications of infrastructure development and zoning compliance in the community.

In addition to the Kennedy Drive property, another residential expansion proposal was discussed. This involved extending a house by 12 feet towards the backyard and 28 feet to the side, adding 288 square feet without increasing the structure’s height. Council members deemed this application straightforward and unanimously supported the extension, noting that it maintained compliance with existing setbacks.

The meeting transitioned to old business, with council members expressing gratitude towards Joyce, a long-serving member who had contributed to the board’s work over nearly three decades. Her professionalism and calming presence were fondly acknowledged.

New business discussions included changes in legal requirements for newspaper advertising, set to take effect in 2026, which would allow for electronic publication of resolutions. Concerns were raised about how these changes might affect public notification and engagement, particularly for community members not reached by electronic means.