The board approved one residential addition unanimously after the applicant reduced the scope. Three cases were adjourned: a parking expansion faced strong safety concerns from neighbors about sight lines and pedestrian traffic; a two-family conversion needs comparable property research; and one case saw no action. A fence variance and garage relocation both moved forward with board support.
Meeting outcomes
- 12 Elmridge Drive addition approved 5-0 for FAR and floor-area variance; applicant cut the proposal by 500 sq ft to 493 sq ft over the limit (11% variance), and comparable properties in the neighborhood already exceed the allowed FAR.
- 21 Circuit Road parking expansion adjourned to June 2; applicant needs legible site plans, lighting plan showing 1.5 foot-candle minimum, and clarity on sight lines and pedestrian safety in the narrow shared driveway; neighbors expressed serious concerns about visibility from parking spaces backing into traffic, children walking to a new bus stop, and winter snow impacts.
- 106 Pershing Avenue garage approved 4-1; applicant removing nonconforming detached garage from rear and replacing with 18×20 ft attached side garage to create usable backyard; combined side-yard setback variance 11.5 ft proposed vs. 20 ft required; Fernando Arias dissented citing the 42% variance.
- 109 Fourth Street church conversion approved 5-0 for zero parking variance; Portuguese social club becoming church with building occupying entire lot and no feasible parking expansion; board applied balancing test and found no neighborhood character change despite 16 spaces required.
- 12 Elmridge Drive addition approved 5-0; already listed above.
- 132 Sickles Avenue two-family conversion adjourned to June 2026; applicant seeking variances for lot area per unit (167 sq ft short) and FAR (0.46 vs. 0.4 required); needs to submit research on comparable undersized two-family properties and revised parking plan addressing Planning Board concerns.
- 40 Earle Place fence approved 5-0; wood fence 5-6 ft high (exceeding 4-ft front limit) follows natural slope; board found safety and security benefit for children and dog containment outweighs detriment; Historic Landmarks Review Board approval still required before final legalization.
- 40 Green Place parking approved 5-0; legalized conversion of garage to accessible bedroom for ill husband with off-street parking space in front yard (2-ft and 1-ft setbacks vs. 30-ft and 6-ft required); board found no undesirable neighborhood impact and emphasized human circumstances.