Good evening everyone. Um this is a meeting of the zoning board of appeals on December 11th, 2025. It's the first of three um hearings that we will have today tonight. Um the first one being 123 Valentine Road. And joining me this
evening are two other members of the board of appeals, Chris Hart and um Nick Gray. And I see that in attendance we have the first applicant, Mike Crowell, and his council, Marian Mcketric. Um,
>> evening. >> The properties are located at 123 Valentine Road. And, uh, in the file, we have a denial letter dated August 19th, 2025. We have a letter from Ms. McTrich um,
dated October 28th, 2025. We have a plan of the property um, dated in July 2025. um a progress set of prints from Rockwood Design dated June 17th,
2025. We have a copy of the deed to Mr. Cra dated April 5th, 2024. A plan of the property as originally laid out in 1948. Uh the assessor's map, the property re record card, and uh letters of support
from three of the neighbors. Um and uh the relief requested is variance from the sideyard setback requirements and from the front yard requirements and sections 275
uh section 10.2D and 10.3C. And so that's the outline of what we are um addressing this this evening. Um uh Marian, did you want to introduce your client or >> Yes. >> I'm Marian Mcketric. I'm I'm here to
represent Mike Crow Crowell or Croll. I'm not sure right pronunciation is since as usual we only meet online but um but we have been in touch in communication for a number of months about this application done some tweaking and Mike has um worked with his
architect on his plans. Um but pretty much from the beginning it was pretty clear that some kind of zoning relief would be needed. Um because what he is trying to do is to create a a reasonably large-sized garage in order to
accommodate some of his cars um off the street and inside a garage. But also he wanted to have an area where he could have a workspace. Um, and the whole thing the he has been trying to work with his architect to design a garage that would be attractive looking and
that would reflect the architecture of the house because his proposal is to to place this garage along the side of the lot which is fairly close to Blue Hill AB. It's too close um by our zoning bylaws and too close to the front. the
required setbacks quite substantial for a front for the front for an accessory structure. Um so you know this this design that you're looking at tonight is the final product um the best that he could come up with after working with um
the building department. Um so I'd like to go ahead and and give you some background explain what the property is like um and why this uh garage is situated where it is. First of all, um I live about three blocks away, so I'm
very familiar with this location. Um he is at the corner, this house, um the applicant's house is at the corner of Valentine Road and Blue Hill Avenue. So, you're probably all familiar with Blue Hill Avenue. It's an extremely busy commuter route. There's a load of
traffic all of the time, but especially during commuter hour hours, which are extensive. Um, and so even now there's a stockade fence along the Blue Hill side of this property just to provide shield the the uh yard a little bit. Um, as you
know, corner lots have a little bit more setback requirements than an ordinary lot. Um, an ordinary and I would be we would be more concerned about that if this were a corner lot in the middle of a residential neighborhood. But one side of this lot is Blue Hill Lab. the other
side at the front is Valentine Road and the rest of the um yard for this property which has some nice trees in it and it's very attractive. He's done some improvements to the house um faces Valentine Road and the neighbors on Valentine Road. So, the location has
been chosen for a number of reasons, but one is that the garage will shield the residential property from Blue Hill A and from some of the traffic and noise and fumes and everything from Blue Hill A, but also by locating the garage on this side, um the applicant is not
destroying any of his yard space, his attractive yard space. He's not sort of, you know, destroying the appearance of the property for his neighbors. So, while ordinarily this is a pretty large garage, because of where it's situated along Blue Hill AB, it will have less
impact on um the surrounding the neighbors on Blue Hill on Valentine Road. And he has talked to his neighbors, explained his plans, and he did obtain um support letters from 117 Valentine, 120 Valentine, and also from
385 Blue Hill Avenue. So, the neighbors don't have not expressed objections um to these plans. Uh so I think um the there's a number of benefits to doing this in addition to
shielding the property from Blue Hill Avenue. Um the garage is large enough to provide parking for two or all three of the applicants cars if he doesn't choose to you know have be using his work sort of workshop space that he wants to have.
And that means that they'll be the cars can be off the street um and that they can be garageed a lot of the time. So there there's not as much car view to be looking at all the time. Um and that's a benefit to the neighborhood. It's also
very important uh or very nice to keep cars off the street. So this is all designed to be a benefit to the um basically the Valentine Road neighborhood. There are some people who park on Blue Hill A, but it's the traffic is so bad there that you don't see a lot of parking along Blue Hill A.
But certainly this also prevents or or makes it less likely that the applicant would have to park there. >> Um so what we're talking about here, we have two variance applications or or the application is for two forms of relief.
Um the the garage uh as an accessory structure will be located 9.5 ft from Blue Hill Avenue. Um normally this is a corner lot. It should be located 25 ft. Um and then it will be located 10.8 ft
from Valentine Road. The required setback for an accessory structure is 40 ft. I'm not even sure you could go 40t back and and have a garage structure. But in any case, um the garage needs to be closer to the front because the
driveway is on Valentine Road and the plan is to have cars go in and turn into the garage to the left and be out of the way of the house and not obstructing the house. Um the if you look at the design um that's been provided by the
architect, you will see that the garage is designed with windows um on all sides except the sides side where the doors are. And the garage also has a roof peak. It has architectural features that are residential type features. Um and
they also are similar to some of the features in the architecture of the house. That's intentional. Um, again, that's to make this look um, you know, less like a, you know, just a square um, unattractive accessory structure. It's
supposed to look like it could be part of the house. Um, it's not going to be attached, but it will not be detrimental in terms of the type of view that you will have from Blue Hill A or even from Valentine Road.
Um, so I don't know if um that's my quick summary of what the application's all about. Um, I if uh the applicant wants to add more detail or expl explain, I mean, I I'm sure the board would be willing to listen to that.
>> Yeah. Uh, I I think you've you've already summarized everything quite well, but I'll I'll just in my own words, um, the location serves two primary goals. first to block the Blue Hill traffic noise and to keep the building as far away from my budding neighbors as I as I possibly can. Um,
you know, one other slight benefit is is uh as Marian said, I've it's a it's a halfacre lot. Um, I actually have 17 trees on my halfacre lot and I like my 17 trees. I'll in the end I this this plan um of of the major full grown trees, I only have to take down two of
them. um which is a benefit of this particular particular location. Um and I work, as as uh Marian said, I work closely with uh Phil Baker of Rockwood Design. Um it's important for me to make the building look like it belongs next
to the house that's a part of that, you know, almost as if they were built concurrent built at the same time. Um it it steals several architectural details from the house and and uh at this point my my biggest concern is uh you know can we can we find the similar sighting.
>> Um Chris or or Nick, do you have any questions? >> No, I don't think Oh, sorry. Go ahead. >> Go ahead. No, no, Nick. Go ahead. >> Or not. >> No, go ahead. >> I don't think I have any questions. I mean, I I would I would just note I
mean, it's a pretty big um we're we're granting relief that's um large for the for the setbacks. You know what I'm saying? It's it's it's a higher I'm trying to get the words out. A higher percentage of intrusion or whatever the phrase is than normal.
>> But this is more of a statement than a question. But I think that given >> given the unique pers um location of this lot on this, >> you know, insanely busy road and the
unique qualities that you've got in your lot with the with the placement of the trees. I think I remember this from at some other point in reading it with the you would have to if you moved it to the another part of your lot. I guess this is a question. If you moved to say to the other side of the house, is that
going to take out some of the trees? >> It would it would take out Yeah, it would absolutely take out different trees. >> Yeah. >> Um Yeah. Regardless. >> Yeah. I mean, all kinds of other different issues come out. Were I to move it, um other trees would have to be
taken down. Um this when when I consider the trees um >> you if I moved it if facing the house if you moved it immediately to the other side of the house like the best tree would have to go which I don't want to do. >> Yeah I um I don't have any more
questions. I I I think I understand what what what you're trying to do and what Marian's arguments are. Thank you. >> I I do I do have one question. Am I right? There's there's fencing um around the house. Anything fa Yeah. Anything facing the
road is is um I think Marian you said stockade fencing. Um and and then uh on the abuing the neighbors it's uh uh coded chain link. >> Okay. And um and I'm sorry if I missed
this um but in building the structure is any of that fencing going to have to be taken down? >> No. >> Okay. So it'll be it'll be within the the fencing. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, the fencing is staying up on on Blue Hill >> and and I just had a question. You have
right the plot plan that we got shows a drive on the on the uh right hand side of the house. Is that staying? >> It's funny you asked that. Um the the when before I bought the house, uh it was probably 10 or 15 years ago, uh when
the house was renovated, the driveway was moved, um again facing the house, it was moved to the right about 30 ft. Um I would intend, and I know it's it's it's a different board and a different process to do it, to move it back where it originally was.
>> Yeah. Um the property record card shows it on the lefth hand side. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. Frank, frankly, I If I had my choice, I never would have I, you know, I bought it this way, but I never would have put the driveway there in the first place. It's tough to see cars coming in and out.
>> Um, so this actually, um, you know, it it it if the driveway is moved back to where it was originally, it it uh it it fits the house better and also opens up more yard space, >> right? >> You know, if I if I may, Madam Chair,
um, that's one followup. >> Yeah. And this might be more along the lines of a statement. So I have a a garage with two bays. Um and what I and part of it I use is a makeshift gym. Don't judge whether it works. Um I I I will say that
it does make it less likely I'm going to use the other bay. And so one of the things that I wonder about is whether that middle bay is actually or I think it's the middle bay that we're talking about is actually going to be used for a car or not. So, if we're what we're realistically talking about is really
just the garage is going to house one car as a practical matter. >> It has three bays, >> right? And and one bay is going to be used for the workshop. >> Yeah. >> And one bay for a car and then one bay for let's call it mixed use. >> What do you think, Mike? What What do
you How do you expect to use it? >> You know, it's funny. Um, it's funny how you say that because I I certainly can't predict the future. the the the intent the the intent is the middle bay would if if I need to put the car in there, put the car in there. If I
am when when Marion says a workshop, I'll be more specific, a wood shop. >> Um I I kind of what I had in mind. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um and and so if I'm, you know, most of the large power tools like a table saw, planer, that sort of thing will live on
the on that third bay. But if there's, you know, if I'm working on a big project, they'll intrude. It may intrude into the middle bay. But if I'm not, then stuff will be moved over and have have room for the car. >> Okay. >> Um, so it it the the middle bay is kind of a multiunctional space, if you will,
as I have it in my head. >> Okay. So in other words, like you could the only reason this matters is because is because of the uh and I don't know that it matters that much, but um is because one of the one of the apparent features of this is that fewer cars will be out out and about. Um and if it's
easy enough if you if you can envision if it's easy enough to sort of move a big project, it's a snow day, you you put it in the second car, >> um that that >> 100%. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Yeah. I I have nothing further. >> Thank you.
Um Marian, anything else? >> Uh no, I think that wraps it up. Thank you. >> So um I think we I we have a vote to close the hearing. >> I'll move. >> Second.
>> Second. All in favor? >> All right. This is to close. Yeah. >> Yes. To close the hearing. >> Yes. >> Okay. And now we can discuss the merits of this application. Um, as you know, it's a pre-existing non-conforming
house. Um, you know, built in 1948 or something like that. um we we have to if we proceed to grant the variance, we have to make sure that we've confirmed that um it's not more deletious to the neighborhood. Um
and uh and that the zoning relief, you know, is sort of is appropriate. Um thoughts, anybody? Well, I mean, I'll just I'll just go with what I was saying be starting to wind up for before, which is that I I think,
>> you know, if if we're looking we're looking at a variance here. So, part of one of the some of the elements we need to consider are like how is this property uniquely situated compared to other properties in the neighborhood? Well, a it's on a corner, right? I mean, I live on a corner. It's >> Yeah,
>> that that definitely is. and and and it's a corner of one incredibly busy, noisy, harsh street and Valentine Road, which is not super busy, but is is a pretty pretty wide, you know, it's a pretty it's a significant road. So my
point is that it that given given the the nature of the density of the traffic on this partic on the on the side on the side streets >> and the configuration of and shape of
the lot. I can see that placing the garage in this location and to help screen the um the road noise it and it's it's also not directly abudding another house, right? the the the other the
other the most affected properties uh are the the the the where the the closest to what the prop that side lot line in this case are on the other side of the street as opposed to if it was in the middle of Valentine right were would be you know right right there. So I
think that that helps distinguish this piece of property from other pieces of property >> similarly situated within the block. Um I I I think I mean I like the project. I think given the situation of this
particular lot that the placement of this granting this relief will provide a a way to um improve the property in a way that doesn't adversely affect the other neighbors. And in fact, the the I think if I looking at the map, the the three
abuing neighbors, most directly abutters, the this one on the uh right side of the house facing it, the property directly behind and the property across Valentine Road have all ascented, right? The three letters, you could write those three letters came
from. So in in in light of those factors, I'd be um at this moment without hearing the rest of you guys talk inclined to grant some the really requested. >> Yeah, >> I subscribe to all of that. I mean, I'm
I'm I think the fact there's no objection that that that's across the street. I and I I appreciate the fact that um Mr. make it made efforts to make it architecturally
conforming with uh um with the house. Um I think are all you know all that gives me comfort. I would vote in favor >> and and I I agree with um the gentleman on the board. Um I you know it's it's a
larger garage than you know I as a person who doesn't have one at all. um three three three three bay seems enormous to me but um but I also have a much smaller lot. Um but I appreciate the fact that um you know you're protecting the landscape in the rest of
the lot and the that would be probably more of a concern to the neighbors on Valentine if you came in and cut down a whole bunch of trees across from their houses. Um see people might not be very excited about that. Um so yeah, I'm I'm in favor of granting the relief that's been requested. Um, may I have a motion
to that effect? >> Second. >> Okay. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> You have your relief, Mr. Cowell. >> Thank you very much. >> And to um draft a decision. >> That would be fabulous because that was
my question. I don't think you're going to get much argument from anyone on this panel. >> We might do it quickly. So you get >> change a comma or something just for the sake >> just to say you looked at >> just to say you know we made some yes
that would be thank you >> I I know you review the decisions and please do believe me every now >> do my best with these drafts but um all of you have great capability to improve whatever it is I write so thank you but I'll happy to do that
>> well we're all lawyers and can't we can't help ourselves >> as it should That's true. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thanks for joining us, Mr. Carl. >> All right. >> Good luck with your project. >> Thank you.
Right. >> Bye. >> Okay, >> Kathleen. >> Well, yes. One thing it occurs to me. I don't think there was any I don't think there were any attendees at the time that we close a hearing, but >> Gez. Yeah. >> But I but but I didn't think to ask
whether whether there were. And >> usually Bill Yeah. I should have asked. Bill usually tells me. >> Yep. There was there were no attendees and no hands up. There was no public comment. >> Sorry. Good point. Thank you. >> Um, so the next hearing we have is at
7:30 for Holmes Lane. Um, it's not 7:30 yet, right? No, >> it is not. We have about 8 minutes. >> I'm going to go get a glass of water. >> Yeah. >> All right. >> Take a break. Okay.
>> Eat dinner. >> I'd like to do that, but >> that'll be a fast dinner. Mhm. Well, welcome everyone to the public hearing on 44 Homes Lane and uh joining us um on this panel this evening that me
and Chris Hart and Nick Gray um will be sitting on the board for this um hearing. Um we have in the file um uh actually so the relief being sought
by the roaches is to um uh get permission to increase the nonconformity of their building which was um built in the 1900s. Um and uh they have a denial letter from uh the building inspector dated November 11th. Um, we have a
letter from their attorney, Marian McTre, dated November 12th. We have a site plan dated October 14th, 2025. We have the plan of the proposed new garage and a connection to the existing
house um, dated October 14, 2025. A progress set of prints um, dated September 24 by Rockwood Design, Inc., a copy of the deed dated April 14, 2020. Um, the property's registered land and
so we got a copy of the registered land plan from 1925. Um, a thing that always appeals to the geek convancer and me to see that sort of information. So, um, we have the assessor's map and the property card. And then there are letters from, uh,
two, uh, neighbors in support of the application. And, uh, I understand the applicants are represented by Mrs. Mcketric. Um, do you want to give us an introduction? >> Yes, thank you. And I'm Marian Mcketric. I'm representing the applicants for this
application. Um, so this I've actually been in touch with these applicants a little less time than when the prior hearing that we discussed. Um, but they have an a proposal um for a new addition. It's
very important for a number of reasons. Um, and well thought out and interesting. Um, these this property is on Holmes Lane. It's a private way. It it goes up kind of a steep hill right next entrance is just before Winter
Valley and there are just a few home just a few homes on Holmes Lane. This particular property backs onto Winter Valley. So there are really no immediate neighbors um right to the back of their property and they did get letters of uh
support from the neighbors on either side of their house. And then across the street, the neighbor, there is a house, but it's much I don't even know if it has an address on Homes Lane. It's quite far away from their property. So, um the important um neighbors, those that would
be likely to be most impacted or see it see this addition are the two that signed letters of support. So, that's great. Um what they have done for us which makes it a little easier to understand the application is existing conditions plan and then the
proposal. So if you look at the existing conditions plan you'll see there's the existing house and then to the right of the house there's a garage which is located 6.2 ft from the front lot line and 5.2 ft from the side lot line. This is a pre-existing non-conforming house
built in 1925. the lot um is pre-existing, non-conforming. So, all of those existing conditions are legal as is. So, but what the what the applicants are proposing is in in a sense anyway is they're moving their garage back.
They're actually building a new one, but they're moving it a little bit further away from the front and a little bit further away from the side. They're going to attach the new garage to the house and they're going to build a connector to the house. So, um, they need zoning relief because,
uh, this is now something that's going to be attached to the house. So, the house now is be closer to the side lot line, closer to the front lot line than it is. >> So, when the garage is separate, then the the setback measurements are for an accessory structure. Either way, it
would be non-conforming. Um, but it's it's worth noting that the new location for the garage, while it is a two-story structure, is just a little bit further away from the street and from the side lot line. Um, and the architecture, again, this is a this is architecture
design by an architect will be um something that will look attractive, and we have a rather extensive architectural plans to show you what it looks like, the elevations will be um and what will be in each space. Um, so, um, one of the
things the applicants have explained to me is that they've lived in this property, I think, for 9 years or more. It's for quite a while. Their children have gotten older. They have three children now. They, this is very typical of the applications that come before this board. They need more living space
for their family. So, in addition to having an attached garage now and and sort of a front connector mudroom, which is much nicer when you have ch a lot of children, um they will have a garage that's more conveniently accessed. Um they will also have a second floor in
the garage attached to the house. And in that second floor, they're going to have a large nice family room, a new bathroom, and some ex some additional space that sort of undesated at this time that could be used for any number of purposes. Um, they also need
additional space because they they're they have a family. I think it's um Mrs. Roach is ill um is going to be treated for that illness and they will be having family members visit and other people who will be helping them. So they really
need the additional space. So that's another very sort of compelling reason why it's urgent to I hope um support this application. Um it's welldesigned. It's well thought through. Um and it's fairly typical of other forms of relief
that you've given. Um g given that this is on a a private way off the main road. Um, even though the the house the garage part of the house will be fairly close to the street, it doesn't seem as though there's going to be a great deal of impact and certainly the neighbors don't
seem to have any objection to the design. Um, we have um see the neighbors that have signed uh support letters are at 36 and 56. So if you when you look at the plot plan, you'll see those are the neighbors on either side of the house. And you can easily see there that Winter
Valley's in back. Um, so that is a very quick summary of the application. Um, I I guess it would be best to if you have questions, we'd be happy to answer them. The applicants are here and they can answer questions as well.
Gentlemen, questions. Um, I will note I will note that um the uh property across the homes lane is K&A which is um a um a 40B project approved by this
board. So it's not surprising that you wouldn't hear anything from that about um I think they're still trying to work that out. Um but I I did I looked at the plans. I really um like the um like the the way you've incorporated the design
in the house. Um and uh I really congratulate Rockwood for doing a great job on that. I did think it was interesting that um you could have probably done that garage as an ADU, but I note that you don't have a kitchen, a cooking area in that um in that garage.
So if we gave you a hard time, I suppose you could get around us by sticking in some cooking facil facilities on the second floor. >> Well, you would need a firewall between the house and the >> Yeah, >> if you're thinking of doing that, you should include a firewall in your
construction design. I just This is something that I've encountered with a number of these ADUs that people are trying to do. Sorry to interrupt. >> Yeah. No, but I did think, you know, as I said, I did note that was um ah um >> could be
>> uh so I mean I so I I you know you have the support from the two neighbors obviously nobody from behind is going to be particularly affected. Um and uh um I you know as I said I think it's a sensitive design that really works well
with the house. Um so unless somebody has um do we have anybody in the audience non bill attending? >> I don't see any hands raised to make comment. >> Um so um the roaches did you want to add
anything or >> you're all set. >> Sorry my our seven-year-old just got home from bat travel basketball practice. let her in the front door. Um, no, I you know, I I really agree with you. I think that the the design was done done very
well by Rockwood. Um, so kudos kudos to them. Um, you know, and as as Marian mentioned, um, unfortunately, I did receive a diagnosis last year that has been challenging for our family. Um, so this is hopefully something that will,
um, give us some additional space that we need. Hold on. Um I'm sorry that that's a reason. Um so um can may I have a vote to close the public hearing? A motion to close a
public hearing. >> I'll move. >> All in favor? >> I I >> Okay, gentlemen. Um as we have talked about before, there are some findings that we know we sort of need to address.
Um I do um uh as as we had have had before um we do have supporting letters from pretty much the only affected abutters. Um um it's uh you know it's interesting because you're attaching it to the house
you then making the house larger which so um uh but um I'm I'm in favor of granting the relief that's requested. How about you gentlemen? >> I am as well. I mean am am I right? Um
Madam Chair that the is the standard that it it can't you'll have to remind me on the on the specific standard here which is that it that it can't put the the property in a worse condition
than pro than if it were not grant. I I you'll have to remind me of the >> Yeah. I mean basically what you it's not more detrimental to the neighborhood >> more detrimental to the neighborhood >> um is is sort of the use that the word that is used on this. I mean I think the difficulty that we have which I've
discussed with our building u commissioner is that um he takes a pretty strict view of the provisions in our zoning code. >> Yeah. >> And um much stricter than previous um
holders of that position. Um and uh and so even even if if it's some we've had situations where even if it's inside the building envelope because it's increasing the size of the you know the available square footage. He's taken the
view that that's something that requires a variance. Um we've chatted about that. I'm not so totally convinced of his position on this. But um this one because of the fact that you are in fact moving you're taking down the garage and you're moving it and attaching to the
house. I mean he he really didn't have much choice um but to send it to us. >> Yeah. I I mean I guess if I understand that standard correctly, I don't I don't see an issue here uh under under the standard. Um, and uh, you frankly, as
far as I can tell from what's been presented, this seems like uh, a real improvement to the property and and um, and I think it's probably much needed. So, I would I have no hesitation voting in favor.
>> Agree with all that. Yeah, I I I'm look, I can't see anything in in any way that this is detrimental to the public good in any way or to the neighborhood. Um it's, you know, the house is tucked back there. Um you know, next to the what
will be maybe the 40B project. I don't know. Um and uh between Winter Valley. Um ironically, I think my grandfather was involved somehow with the development of Winter Valley and now here I am whatever next door. So, um
no, I I'm in favor. I think I think it's an improvement to the the improvement to the neighborhood. Um, I can't see any way that it substantially degregates the bylaw or or interferes with the with the butters in in any way. And I am very
grateful at at the level of uh preparation in planning that you've obviously put into this so that we you know with with you you've spent I could probably quite a bit of money developing the plans and that's super helpful for
the board. It makes it easier for us to understand the project and therefore get to the to be able to comfortably grant the type of relief you're looking for. So, I I'm in I'm in favor of of granting the relief. >> So, may I have a motion for a vote?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor of granting the relief that's been requested by the applicants? >> I. >> All in favor? I. Three is zip. Okay, congratulations.
>> Oh, thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And again, if you would like me to draft something for this, I'd be happy to do that. >> Mary doesn't just doesn't want me to volunteer because she's not going to see it. >> Well, you know, I assume you'll be
reviewing it with great care. She has been sort of she has been serving she served on this board before uh you know for years before she left for the select board as I discovered by researching this issue in the reports. >> So that's a long
>> Thank you. We we would be very grateful for your your assistance >> and >> as with the roaches. >> Yeah. As with the roaches. Absolutely. >> I'll get it done quickly. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Thank you for the positive vote. Thank you. Congratulations and
good luck. >> Thank you very much. >> Yeah. Good luck with everything. >> Thank you very much. >> So now we have 15 more minutes we have to wait, right? Is that what is the next is the next hearing at 8 or is it 7:45? I didn't look. >> It's at 8. >> 8:00. >> 8:00.
>> Oh, okay. Well, um >> Well, now I'm going to get a soda since I can't get a water. >> I think soda. I was thinking ice cream, but that's probably not smart. It's >> I'm getting I'm getting a fresco, though, so it's zero calories. >> Okay. Well, that that's smart, too.
>> I'll see you in a minute. >> Thank you um everybody for your patience and waiting. Um this is the application for 112 Dyer Avenue. Um Abdiscon is the applicant. Um on the board this evening
are me and I'm joined um this evening by Nick Bray and Chris Hart as our panel for this hearing. Um we have an application uh as a result of a denial letter from the building inspector dated
November 13, 2025. Um the uh property is a um a pre-existing non-conforming single family dwelling and there is a proposal to add an addition to the rear of the building, a rear deck to the
building, um a new concrete bulkhead and a new um twotory two um uh porches on the front of the building. Um and uh in the contents of the application, we have the denial letter. As I said, we have a
zoning review form um from the building uh department. Um a plot plan dated November 4th, 2025, and renovation addition plans. Um
I really couldn't see who did those. Um but perhaps um Mr. uh their attorney will give us those kinds of details. Um we do have um plans showing the uh proposal. Um and I understand that the applicant's represented by Derek Small
this evening. And so Mr. Small, would you like to introduce your um your applicant and your discussion? >> Sure. So good evening, Madam Chair, members of the board, attorney Derek Small. I have a business address of 51 Doppson Road in Brainree. With me
tonight is Mr. Abdus Khan who is the owner of the property and tonight we're here seeking relief in the form of a special permit from section 27275-4 of the zoning code and our proposal is
to erect a 15x 25 rear edition a new 8x8 rear deck a new bulkhead and as was stated a first and second floor um front porches. Um the building is a pre-existing non-conforming structure. The lot is also pre-existing
non-conforming. Um, we are increasing the size of the nonconformity which is why we're here. Um, and I think that the granting relief will not be injurious or detrimental um to the neighborhood. Uh, Mr. Abdus
Khan has a growing family um and and as you see and uh he needs the extra living space for that family. Um this um proposal is part of a gut rehab of the entire building. We have received a demo
permit from the inspectional services department um for that. And uh again, it's going to be a gut rehab of the entire building um with the addition um on the rear to increase the living space
um for the family. Um I can stop there and answer any questions that the board may have. Mr. Abdus Khan is also available to answer any questions. >> Um well most of the time we do get um you know con we get correspondence from
abutters >> either for or against or you know maybe people have signed in. We'll ask that at some point in the game but I note that these this application didn't include anything um from abutters. Yes, we do
have three um Abutters um letters of support from Abutters. And when I checked with um William earlier today, he said that they were um >> um were given to you guys as part of the record. >> Okay. No, >> forward those to you. >> You did? Okay.
>> Yeah. Okay. >> I'll resend if you'd like. >> Yeah, I I've seen them mad. >> Okay. Yeah, I must have missed that eight lag later. >> I did see him now that I now I remember them. Yep. >> Okay. I'll look. >> Yeah, we have letters of support from
the director Butters on the left and the right and in the rear. >> Okay. >> Oh, 56 and the Homes Lane and 36, I think. Uh, and and yeah, I'm just
trying to get the numbers so I can map it out. >> 116 Dire. >> Yep. Oh, wait. Never mind. Maybe I'm I'm looking at the wrong >> 110. It's one 110 dire 116 dire. >> I got the wrong case open. How stupid. Sorry. All right. Sorry.
>> Yeah. No, it's no problem. >> Happens. >> Great. >> Because that says that that's an important consideration for us because one of the, as you know, one of the determinations we have to make is that it's not, you know, substantially detrimental to the neighbors. And it's always nice to hear the neighbors sign
on to say it isn't. So, >> yeah, >> I appreciate that. Um, gentlemen, Nick, did you have any questions? >> No, I'm just saying I have the letters of support. Go ahead. I don't have any questions right now. >> Okay. Uh, Chris, any questions?
>> Um, no. Well, I hate to say this as a question, but to be honest with you, just and and I'll have to be candid partly it's because I'm still sort of shouldn't be saying this. I'm still sort of learning how to read these plans. I
don't have a good sense of the visual of what this is going to look like if we were to if we were to approve this and like how much bigger the structure is going to be. I I only know because the the lot seems the
the um it's pretty close to the other the other uh houses in the lot and so um there's not it doesn't strike me as like there's a ton of space to work with. Uh, and so that's it's I wouldn't call it a
concern as much as it's it's hard for me to kind of visualize. >> So, with regards to the rear yard in the terms of the rear yard setback, uh, from the lot line in the rear, it's 35 ft and to the rear deck um, off of the U
proposed addition, it's another it's 27 feet. >> Yeah. So there's um you know there's pretty pretty good room in the rear to still have green space and open space in the rear away from the rear properties. Um the the properties on the left side
if you're facing the building the smallest point um I think the shortest point is like eight 8 feet off of the sideyard and I think it's about 10 off of the sideyard to the house on the right. >> Yeah. I'm I'm looking now. I'm I'm I'm
helped by looking at X2 and A2 plans. Yeah. >> Um I see. Okay. >> Okay. I don't have further questions at the moment. >> Yeah. It's still I mean it looks as if
it's still 35 ft from the rear of the Bose deck to the lot line. Am I right about that? >> Yeah. and and you haven't gone any closer than the existing house right on the
extension. I mean, it's still you're still carrying that same that same uh setback on both the right and the left. >> That's correct. >> Yeah. It's like building on a on a deck. Is that right? Is it's sort of like an existing Yeah. >> Yeah, I see.
>> But it's not going any closer. No, not at all. >> Got it. Got it. Got it. >> Um whereas the front I mean you do have a Don't you have a porch there now on the front? >> The Yes, the the the porch it's it's not
really a porch. It's almost like it's very short. >> So what we're doing is we're extending the porch up to the second floor. >> Sure. Lyn, >> if I'm just trying to get the sense of it, it's like the the front of the house
isn't getting much closer at all to the street, is it? It's >> not at all. >> Yeah. Okay. And and so that's that I get that. And the sides >> are pretty much staying the same as they are now. So the bulk of the
>> the new work is all is mo is all in the back. Well, there besides the porches in the front, the addition part of it is all in the back, right? >> That's correct. That's correct. >> Okay. Um, and if I'm looking at the
plan, right, this this is just this isn't really relevant to anyone else. I just note that you've um that the size of the kitchen from current to new looks like it's going to make it much more livable. Is that is that fair to say?
Yeah, that is fair to say >> because um uh having struggled with for years in another house is small. I I feel your pain there. So um so I I not that it matters because it's inside the house, but I like I like the
fact that your your family is getting some, you know, in addition to the bedroom space, a better a better kitchen out of it. >> Yeah. Um, Bill, do we have anybody in the audience? Um,
>> um, no one has raised their hand to speak. >> Okay. Um, does anybody in the audience want to speak? >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Um, yeah. So, I mean, I don't have any
questions. I I just said I I sort of note the fact that you know you've stayed with sort of the existing stay within the existing non-conformities on both the the front and the and the sides. So I think that's great. And as I said you still have that 35 ft in the
back. So that seems pretty great. Um and there's already a garage that's you know violating everything too. So, um, uh, um, so I don't have any any other questions. Did you have anything else
you wanted to say, Mr. Small? >> No, we're good. >> Okay. >> Um, just want to thank you guys for the time and hope you'll see favorably about our on our project. >> So, may I have a motion to close the hearing? >> I'll move. Second.
>> All in favor? All right. >> All right. >> All right. Um discussion um >> as I said I think you I think the the the problem is because of the language that we have in this um you know in our
in our bylaw um about you know just sort of the fact that you can't even um alter your existing building without coming to us. Um uh I can see why we have this application before us. I I'm in favor of
approving it. I I don't think um as I said, it's still staying in the same the same non-conformity that we already have and not really increasing it there. I'm just adding the more in the back and but there's still sufficient room back there. Um so I' I'd be in favor,
gentlemen. >> I agree with that. It it's it's basically um what um I know the neighborhood pretty well and it's it's the >> almost it's hard to Yeah, I did almost
not not too far away. Um, and it's it's it's hard as as uh Chairman O'Donnell mentioned, it's hard to modify these houses in any meaningful way without a coming to the board. And and uh I
appreciate the that you you've come up with a plan that increases the space but is still sensitive to the the overall scope of the neighborhood. And and and for that reason, I don't see any um anything that would jumps out at being,
you know, degra whatever the word is derogatory. Yeah, detrimental. Thank you. One of those dwords. >> Detrimental to the neighborhood. So, um I I I'm I'm in I'm in favor of approving the relief.
>> I subscribe to all of that. >> Okay, gentlemen. So, may I have a motion for a vote? All those in favor of approving? >> I'll move. >> Okay. >> Second the move. >> And those in favor of the uh granting this relief that's been requested by Mr.
Khan. >> I >> I Congratulations. >> Thank you so much. >> You get to get some more room. >> Probably not in time for Christmas, but >> I know. Thank you guys so much. Have a great evening. >> Of course. You as well. All right.
>> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Take care. >> Take care. >> You, too. >> All right. Um, >> who's writing this one? >> Um, I can do it. I probably got some model on it. Take care of that cuz you
gentlemen are working harder than I am. >> Well, that's I don't know that that's true, but I'm grateful that you're if you would like to do that, that's you're not going to get any argument from me. And I doubt that attorney is going to press you. >> I mean, I'll just take the ones that I
just take the ones that Marian's drafted and then just change the me. >> I'll I'm I'm happy to volunteer. It'll just You're just going to be knocking at my door like, you know, where is it? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> No, it's all right. I, you know, I'm I'm
uh I I got I got some time. So, >> all right. Thank you. Um, and so, uh, Bill, any last words? >> None for me. I am, uh, >> move off.
>> I'll second if Bill's done. >> Okay. All in favor of adjourning. Actually, I would like to thank you both for attending and and for your your uh participation in tonight's hearing and uh wish you best for the holidays. >> I'm going to go listen to some William
Bird. Yeah, >> holidays. We know that that Congratulations. >> All right. So, vote to adjourn. All in favor? >> I >> I >> thank you very much. >> All right. Christmas friends. Take care. Take care. All right. Good night.