Developer, witness say revised DPZ report finds setback, compatibility concerns resolved

The record shows Department of Planning and Zoning staff initially questioned whether the project’s setbacks from Route 40 met the compatibility criterion. Attorney Christopher DeCarlo told the Hearing Examiner that after discussions and additional justification, DPZ revised its report and concluded the project complies with the compatibility criterion because it measures setbacks to adjacent residential uses rather than to the underlying RED bulk regulations.

DeCarlo summarized that DPZ had thought the rear setback should be 75 feet but, after review, concluded the proposed 40‑foot buffer complies. Civil engineer Sam Alomar corroborated that explanation and said the project is not at full density: "The full density, I believe, is 46 units, and we are proposing 27 units." He also testified the design meets required bulk and height regulations and includes landscaping and a privacy fence to buffer nearby properties.