2020-01-09-ZBA-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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An audience member, Nani Mcdonnell of 25 Forest Street, asked why they are going through this process (Mr. Clifford stated it is similar to older houses. The house when it was built could exclude the space in the basement because it was not considered a basement it was considered a crawl space. Then the ordinance changed and the house is now bigger than what is allowed because the basement now counts). Ms. Mcdonnell then asked the Boards role in the process (Mr. Clifford stated they are controlled by ordinances and state law. They have to balance the need for change and balance against harms that could occur in the neighborhood). The gross floor area was again discussed. An audience member, Susan Mcleish of 33 Forest Street, asked if they were to have submitted building plans with the basement height on all one level at higher level would the square footage of the house comply with zoning rules at that time (Mr. Clifford responded no, they would not have lowered the basement height if they didn't have to). Ms. Mcleish then stated if this was done initially somewhere else in the house would have been smaller. As an abutter there is an impact on the rest of the neighborhood. There is a bigger house that exists because this was not considered space initially. The letters in support were discussed. Ms. Chhabra stated her concern for the proposal. An audience member, Kevin Colburn of 49 Forest Street, stated his frustration and asked the Board to consider that this is one of multiple moves by the applicant. Ms. Rago stated it is time to follow the rules. Ms. Mcdonald stated her concerns for preserving Lexington. Mr. Salvati stated this is not a calculated event. This was a grueling process. Everything was done under the law. It would not create any substantial determent to the neighborhood as everything is inside. The Hearing was closed at 9:03 PM. Mr. Barnert stated it would have required a variance if it was done before construction. They had a year. A Board Member, William P. Kennedy, stated there is no compelling reason to vote for this. The house has enough space in it now. Mr. Krieger stated she can't support the proposal. This house already exceed gross floor area. Normally when the Board is asked to consider a modification of a non-conforming structure it is for an older house to accommodate a new family. There is no justification for this proposal. Mr. Clifford stated he agrees with what the Board has shared. Mr. Salvati requested a withdrawal without prejudice.