Board approves special use and 4‑ft variance at 137 Ellery Ave to support aging in place

The Town of Middletown Zoning Board unanimously approved a special use permit and a 4‑foot rear‑setback variance for 137 Ellery Avenue to allow an additional bedroom, laundry and a two‑bay garage intended to help the owner age in place.

Ryan Rorek presented the petition on behalf of his mother, saying the family has owned the property for decades and that the requested relief would convert existing space to provide a primary bedroom, a bathroom and a laundry area with a garage beneath. He described the change as maintaining the current footprint and not increasing the lot coverage.

Board members had no public opposition and described the requested relief as minimal and consistent with existing lot characteristics. The board first voted to grant the special use permit (5–0) and then approved the 4‑foot variance (vote recorded as unanimous). Members noted the request preserves existing conditions while enabling a modest renovation to improve livability for the owner.

The applicant must follow normal permitting requirements for construction; the board recorded the approvals as part of the meeting record.