2006-09-14-ZBA-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 14, 2006 Minutes 5 DRAFT MINUTES of the Lexington Zoning Board of Appeals September 14, 2006 Present: Chairman — Judith J. Uhrig, Nyles Barnert, Maura Sheehan, Arthur Smith and John McWeeney Petition Address: 3 Paul Revere Road The relief sought is for a Variance in accordance to Section 135 -19E (3) to allow an accessory apartment and a Special Permit in accordance with 135 -19 to exceed maximum gross floor space. The Chairman opened the hearing at 8:18 PM by reading the legal notice and described information received from the petitioner relative to the petition. Prior to the hearing, the petition and supporting data were reviewed by the Building Commissioner, Conservation Administrator, Town Engineer, Health Director, Zoning Administrator, Planning Board, Selectmen's Office and The Design Advisory Committee. Planning Board wrote that applicants need a Special Permit for the accessory apartment and a Variance for excess floor area. Nicholas Alex, the Petitioner, said he was looking to move his folks from the other side of town to a new accessory apartment by building onto the garage at the rear of his property. He said he had reviewed the proposal with the former Zoning Enforcement Officer, Matt Hakala, and indicated that he was following Matt's suggested approach. The existing garage is 840 - square feet and the proposed apartment is 996- square feet. The proposed apartment deck is 140 - square feet Chairman Judy Uhrig stated the by -law seems to deal with using part of existing structure for the new apartment. In this case the apartment is planned as all new construction. The Chair asked for questions and comments in favor or opposition from audience. Abutter Ralph Hanson through his Attorney, Mr. McElaney spoke against the petition stating that the request doesn't meet a hardship requirement and goes beyond bylaw by not being compatible with adjoining lots. Mr. Hanson also spoke in opposition saying it would change the character of neighborhood and set a precedent. Glen Comeau from 2627 Massachusetts Avenue said the existing house and the new apartment /garage are equal in size. He is not opposed to the Special Permit just the size of