2005-04-14-ZBA-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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DRAFT MINUTES of the Lexington Zoning Board of Appeals — April 14, 2005 Present: Chairman Judith J. Uhrig, Arthur C. Smith, Nyles N. Barnert, John J. McWeeney and Maura L. Sheehan Petition Address: 79 Robbins Road The Chairman opened the hearing at 8:28 PM by reading the legal notice and described information received from the Petitioner, other Boards and Commissions relative to the Petition. . No comments were received from any other board or committee. Stephanie Blout, owner of the property, presented the petition along with her architect Mike Shirley. The relief sought is for a variance from side yard set backs from 135.35, table 2, Dimensional Controls to construct an addition. Petitioner is asking to eliminate garage and replace with addition keeping in scale of neighborhood homes as to have minimum impact on neighbors. Questions from the Board: John McWeeney: What is the size of the building now compared to what is will be? Answer: Not really sure, can figure it out for you if you would like. Arthur Smith: Where will you park? Answer: We will be maintaining the existing driveway. Maura Sheehan: Asked applicant to explain how topography of the lot impacts need /request for variance. John McWeeney: Why can't you put the addition to the back? Answer: Site falls away dramatically. John McWeeney: What we look for is do you have a case with the topography of the land. Answer: We have a large oak tree about 100 years old in the front yard. It would dramatically change the drainage if we were to take that out. Mike Shirley, Architect: Discussed the slope in the back and the concern that the building would appear quite high with a 3 -story facade to the back. Judy Uhrig: You already infringe on the setback. There really isn't anything wrong with the shape of the lot. Nyles Barnert: How much narrower could you make it? Really couldn't. The petitioner brought two letters in favor of the project from neighbors: Philip Sullivan, 77 Robins Road and Janice and Stephen Sarmanian of 1 Plymouth Road. Chairman, Judy Uhrig, read a letter in opposition from David and Julie Yen. David and Julie Yen also spoke in opposition at the meeting. Their concerns were regarding other alternatives to the location of the addition and drainage. Final comments from architect Mike Shirley: A lot of thought went into this addition. Putting the addition anywhere else adds to the footprint.