Neighbors push back on modern 'Vastu' design at 3 Tiffany Drive; applicant to cut footprint and return Sept. 22

A high‑profile application at 3 Tiffany Drive (2026‑37‑V) — proposing a modern home influenced by Vastu design principles and multiple variances — prompted the most sustained public comment at the July 30 hearing. Neighbors said the design and scale were inconsistent with the street and asked the board to require changes before approval.

The applicant’s architect and engineering team described the floor plan, double‑height foyer and site work intended to preserve mature trees and manage stormwater. The project as filed sought multiple variances, including aggregate side yard relief and an FAR increase of roughly 7% (several hundred square feet). Neighbor Mark Warner told the board, "I just feel like the house is out of scale with the neighborhood." Public commenters raised parking and view impacts as well.

After significant discussion and board feedback, the applicant agreed on the record to reduce certain dimensions: take 2.5 feet off the garage width, remove approximately 3 feet of width from the dwelling in one area (reducing overall habitable floor area by an estimated amount), and reduce roof/attic massing. The applicant agreed to submit revised drawings and return to the Zoning Board on Sept. 22. Board members emphasized they expected detailed revised plans before the continuation so the board and neighbors could evaluate the changes.