2016-08-11-ZBA-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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BOA Meeting August 11, 2016 7 to each other. The Nature and Justification he submitted is very detailed. They are looking for the variances and special permits as listed in the application. By the Board granting the variances and special permit, they are preserving current and affordable housing in Lexington. The new home will be similar in size to the other lots and homes in the neighborhood. Very few homes on Bridge Street meeting the RO district zoning requirements. By splitting the lot, they are preventing a smaller, more affordable home from being torn town. There are many letters from abutters in favor of this project which are included in the application. They are proposing to put a modular home on Lot 148. The Zoning Administrator, Mr. David George discussed proposing the variances with them as opposed to proposing an accessory apartment. The Planning Board’s comments didn’t state they were opposed to the petition, they only asked that if granted, it comply with Article 41 of the Zoning Bylaws. Mr. Fenn presented an additional document stating the proposed square footage of the house. They are under the size limits of Article 41. The abutters on Bridge Street support a smaller home being built. A Board Member, Ms. Wood, expressed concern with the side yard setback request (The lot area is 8,500 not 30,000 and the houses would be consistent with the neighborhood. This size lot is oversized compared to the neighborhood). The Chairwoman, Ms. Jeanne K. Krieger, stated that at Town Meeting they allowed for more discussion on accessory units (they did discuss an accessory unit but building another home was more expensive. The decided against the accessory apartment because it could only be 1000 sqft. They also would need the home to be separate). A Board Member, Mr. David G. Williams, stated that the houses they propose are not small houses. In addition, he wasn’t aware that lots could be un-merged. The Building Commissioner, Mr. Fred Lonardo, stated that the two (2) lot are merged. There is no cause that would allow the Board to un-merge the lots. Mr. Fenn stated that this is a grandfathered lot and they understand it’s merged. The Zoning Administrator, Mr. George had asked if they had to go before the Planning Board for what is not approved under the A&R but they don’t need an A&R because it already existed in the previous plan and it’s listed as two lots on the deed. Mr. Fenn presented the Board with a copy of the deed. The Building Commissioner, Mr. Lonardo, stated that once the lots are in common ownership, the internal lot line dissolves. They applicants could have gone the avenue of proposing an accessory apartment. Audience members, Mr. Jim Bertelli of 4 Payson Street, Ms. Jennifer Lisle of 24 Bridge Street, and Mr. Albert Saul of 29 Bridge Street spoke in support of the applicant’s petition. An audience member, Mr. Richard Dommings of 39 Valleyfield Street asked what year was the house built that is on 25 Bridge St (1926). Mr. Dommings asked the applicant if anybody has shown intent as to that being a buildable lot (Unknown. They are asking for variances to construct this lot. There is a separate sewer hookup but there