2023-03-09-ZBA-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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A Board Member, James Osten, questioned how many entries there are along the front of the house (There are two. Right now, the only access to the backyard is through the basement but in the proposal, they have a deck with stairs). Associate Member, David Williams, questioned if the homeowner has to walk from the driveway across the whole porch (They do, which is why they want to keep the porch somewhat accessible). Mr. Williams voiced his concern for the layout (The homeowners are happy to have another entry through the mudroom if they would like. It is more difficult to build to the right of the house). Mr. Williams stated he is not in favor of the long porch. An audience member, Susan Bennett of 64 Bloomfield St, stated the threat of demolition is not just theoretical, there was a petition for demolition filed and it was subject to demolition delay. The owner ended up selling the house. The neighborhood is delighted that they are seeking to preserve the house. The modest addition that will allow them to remain in the house seems like a very reasonable compromise. An audience member, Kathleen Lenihan of 60 Bloomfield St, stated at Town Meeting this year they are taking up a number of Zoning article changes that will address the housing crises and this is a great example of what they can do to help. A two-bedroom house is not a viable house for many people and if it can’t be modified it will be torn down. She urged the Board to approve the proposal. An audience member, Sharon Ladd of 40 Bloomfield St, stated she is the neighbor across the street and strongly supports the proposal. It is in keeping with the neighborhood and is modest. If this is not approved the house will be demolished. An audience member, John Sterman of 11 Bloomfield St, stated their support. It is a modest house and this proposal will make it possible for the current family and future families to live there. There were no further questions or comments from the audience. Alternate Member, Kathryn Roy, questioned what percent of the house will be retained and what percent will be new (They are adding about 1/3 new. They will have to move the interior wall for the addition and wide the living room). There were no further questions from the Board. The Hearing was closed at 7:29 pm (a roll call vote was taken: Nyles N. Barnert – Yes, James Osten – Yes, Martha C. Wood – Yes, Norman P. Cohen – Yes, and David Williams – Yes). There were no comments from the Board. The Board of appeals voted four (4) in favor, one (1) opposed, and zero (0) in abstention to grant a SPECIAL PERMIT in accordance with the Zoning By-Law (Chapter 135 of the Code of Lexington) 135-9.4, 135-8.4.2 to allow front yard setback of 22.7’ instead of required 30’ (a roll