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Commission approves reconstruction of garage with one‑bedroom ADU at 284 Duquesne Avenue
Summary
Commission approved a plan to demolish a deteriorated detached garage and rebuild it as a three‑bay garage with a one‑bedroom accessory dwelling unit above; one commissioner abstained.
The commission approved a request to demolish an unsafe, nonconforming detached garage and rebuild a three‑bay garage with a one‑bedroom accessory dwelling unit (ADU) above at an existing single‑family property, with an abstention recorded by one commissioner.
The applicant, who identified himself as representing Michael Gennari, said the existing 1895 Queen Anne home has a dilapidated detached garage with a deteriorated foundation and an unsafe‑structure letter from Bill Ireland. "We received the existing detached garage found the existing foundation to be severely deteriorated," the applicant said. The proposal demolishes the nonconforming structure and rebuilds in the same footprint; the new structure will have three garage bays at grade and a one‑bedroom ADU with kitchenette, full bath and home office above.
Staff confirmed the proposal complies with height, size and parking requirements except that the rebuilt garage occupies a preexisting nonconforming secondary frontage setback; the unsafe‑structure letter allows the applicant to replace on the current footprint. Commissioners asked about parking configuration and driveway access; staff and the applicant said the design provides three spaces (two beyond the front setback plus a preexisting nonconforming space) to meet ADU parking requirements.
Commissioner Williams moved approval, the motion was seconded and the application passed in a roll call vote. The roll call recorded one abstention from Miss DeBachnick; all other commissioners voted yes (Mister Shulman, Mister Kanter, Miss Lankowski, Miss Langalis, Mister Bryce, Mister Williams, Miss Wells). The application was identified as 2025‑67 CSCR, Michael Gennari, construction of a detached accessory dwelling.
Conditions and code compliance were discussed; staff said the rebuild otherwise meets standards for height, dormers and size. The applicant said all exterior details would match the 1895 house. Neighbors were notified, the applicant said, and staff confirmed notification.
