Board agrees to hear resubmitted lot-coverage variance at 2325 Elm Street; outcome not decided in hearing

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted March 5 to waive a procedural rule and hear a resubmitted lot-coverage variance application for 2325 Elm Street. The board's waiver was required because a similar application had been denied in January; Town Attorney Florek's written opinion was discussed before the waiver vote.

Attorney Barry Knott, representing the applicant Ranjita Batra, said the resubmittal presents a valid land-based hardship unrelated to personal circumstances previously cited. Knott pointed to a broad grass strip between the paved road and the front property line that ranges from about 28 to 31 feet and argued that the strip makes the lot appear larger and creates an unusual condition "not generally encountered within the zoning district." He offered aerial maps, photos, a topographic map, a certificate of appropriateness from the historic district commission and letters from neighbors in support.

Knott told the board the variance is needed to increase a front porch depth from 5 feet to 6 feet and to extend the porch across the front of the house, a change that would raise lot coverage to 27.7%. "With this evidence before you, you can approve this variance tonight if you want to," Knott said; the transcript shows the board accepted the application for hearing after a motion to waive the six-month restriction carried.

Public comment recorded in the transcript lists supporters including Carol Profeta and Jacqueline Sullivan. The transcript does not record a final board decision on the 2325 Elm Street variance during the public hearing portion; the board closed the public comment period and later proceeded with the administrative session that focused on other agenda items.

Next steps: Because the transcript records the waiver to hear and the hearing itself, but not a final decision, applicants and interested parties should consult town records for any subsequent administrative or formal actions.