The board approved eight variance applications in a routine session, clearing residential additions, a pool, and a security fence with little fanfare. Two new cases—a rear addition at 98 Ralph Avenue and a garage conversion with porch at 27 Rose Street—were deferred to July. The standout approval was a Buddhist temple conversion at 1 Sycamore Lane, which had been adjourned and involves multiple structures in a sensitive wetlands buffer zone.
Meeting outcomes
- 1 Sycamore Lane Buddhist temple conversion approved after revision; temple, artifacts building, and parking located in 100-foot wetlands buffer with temple 10 feet from wetlands boundary.
- 1 Oak Avenue front entry stairs reconstruction approved; stairs are legally existing and non-conforming.
- 20 Greenridge Avenue security fence approved at 6 feet high (2 feet above zoning limit).
- 5 Redwood Road in-ground pool approved with minor building coverage and accessory structure separation variances.
- 6 Lakeview Drive front and rear additions approved; property already non-conforming on setbacks.
- 15 Blackthorn Lane second-floor rear addition approved; side yard setback variances needed.
- 71 Smith Avenue second-story side addition approved with increased side yard non-conformities.
- 3 Stanley Road one-year extension granted for side yard addition construction variances.
- Westmoreland Avenue two-year extension granted for 6-story, 154-unit apartment building with retail.
- 98 Ralph Avenue two-story rear addition hearing deferred to July; extends existing side yard non-conformity.
- 27 Rose Street garage-to-habitable conversion and front porch hearing deferred to July; minimal front setback variance but garage use change needs review.
- 2 Seymour Place in-ground pool and fence hearing deferred to July; requires accessory structure separation and pool fencing variances.