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Board approves variance for addition at 49 Brightwood Avenue; neighbors voiced support
Summary
The Board of Appeals unanimously approved a variance allowing Matthew and Kathleen Leskuntis (applicants identified in hearing as Matthew and Kat Clemons) to expand a preexisting nonconforming residence at 49 Brightwood Avenue, including removal of an old garage and a rear addition with second-floor bedroom and bath.
The Town of Stratford Board of Appeals unanimously approved a variance for an addition to a preexisting nonconforming single‑family house at 49 Brightwood Avenue.
Applicants Matthew and Kat Clemons told the board they have lived in the house since 2016, are raising three children, and proposed to remove an old garage, rebuild a heated family room at the rear, and add a second‑floor bedroom and bathroom above the new footprint. They said the house was built in 1928 and that the left side of the preexisting structure lies over the current building setback.
The petition requested relief from sections 3.2.1(c) and 5.7.051 of the zoning regulations to expand the nonconformity in order to construct an addition in the RS-4 zone. The Clemons said the proposed rear work keeps the same street-facing aesthetic, reduces the overall building footprint by removing the garage, and would not be visible from the street.
Neighbors provided written and oral support. Richard Linden, who lives directly behind the property at 44 Terrell Road, told the board the removal of the dilapidated garage and the proposed improvements would not negatively affect his property and called the applicants “good neighbors.” The record also included a letter of support from Carol and Maurice Hamstrom of 66 Brightwood Avenue.
Board members reviewed the record, including the applicants’ site plan and survey showing the preexisting nonconforming condition, and found the record supported the findings that the hardship derived from the preexisting nonconformity and that the requested variance was the minimum necessary. Commissioner Carroll moved to approve; Commissioner Chris Doolin seconded. The board’s recorded vote was five in favor, zero opposed; the variance was approved.
The board’s approval included the removal of the existing garage and the proposed back addition extending the enclosed first floor outward by roughly 4 to 4.5 feet with a new foundation and a second-floor bedroom and bath above that addition. The applicants said demolition of the garage would reduce lot coverage even as they enlarge enclosed living space.
