Board approves variance to replace aging garage at 23 Russell Street

The board approved a variance on July 28 for a detached garage at 23 Russell Street presented by Joe Landry of Build Savvy LLC on behalf of the Petri/Patri Valley Revocable Trust. The proposal relocates and replaces an obsolete garage to create a safer driveway turnaround and align the new garage’s roofline with the house; the requested height is 13 feet where 12 feet is permitted.

Landry told the board the design aims to allow cars to back out safely: "Our goal, it was to, design something, so that the cars can actually be able to back out and not hit the house," he said. The homeowner added most neighbors support the plan and noted the existing driveway and garage are functionally obsolete. Board members said the request reduces a nonconforming condition, would likely enhance property value and safety, and voted to grant the variance.