2021-02-25-ZBA-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Xu stated his concern for the expansion on the south side and the number of windows being added. He stated concern for privacy. (Mr. Erickson stated the bay window is 61 feet away from property line. With the topographic lot the windows would not be seen. There currently are 17 windows existing and only 14 windows proposed). An audience member, John Caratchiolo at 7 Winthrop Road, read a part of the letter received from owners of 18 Winthrop Road. He stated they bought a house that is too small. He stated his opposition for increased height of the structure. Solar panels are a luxury item not a necessity. He stated his concern for the stream. He then stated he does not appreciate threats of tearing down the house and building a new larger house. An audience member, Susan Bennett of 64 Bloomfield Street, stated her support. The requested relief is a reasonable trade off. An audience member, Jill Melendez of 1556 Massachusetts Avenue, asked if the third floor has living space (Mr. Erickson Yes). She then questioned the increased gross floor area (Mr. Briggs stated they enclosed a screen porch underneath terrace which added to the gross floor area). She stated the structure looks massive and does not look like a historic home in the new variation. An audience member, Heather Baker Neilson of 16 Winthrop Road, stated they were not made aware of the plans before they were submitted to the Town. She then explained the previous variance on the property. She made a presentation showing houses and renovations in Town. A new construction home would not be more imposing. She then requested that a construction fence be installed and air handlers and mechanicals be located elsewhere. An audience member, Andrew Dixon of 80 Bloomfield Street, stated his support. An audience member, Huw Nash of 4 Washington Street, stated his support. An audience member, Deb Roark of Mariam Hill, stated her support. An audience member, Carrie Johnson of 1536 Massachusetts Avenue, stated her opposition. An audience member, Lindsay Hardy of 37 Winthrop Road, stated her opposition. There were no further questions or comments from the audience. Mr. Barnert questioned the location of the air handling units (Mr. Briggs stated they are not at that point in the design process. They will locate them appropriately and screen them). There were no further questions from the Board. Mr. Briggs stated they do believe the proposal is in keeping with the scale of the neighborhood. It is scaled appropriately to the property. Removing the addition that has an encroachment and side door area are beneficial to the property. Saving the historic residents is beneficial to the neighborhood. The Hearing was closed at 8:54 PM (a role call was taken: Ralph D. Clifford —Yes, Jeanne K. Krieger—Yes, Martha C. Wood —Yes, Norman P. Cohen —Yes, and Nyles N. Barnert—Yes).