ZBA denies density variance for 15 Morris Avenue; applicant withdraws remaining variance requests after public opposition

The Laconia Zoning Board of Adjustment voted to deny a variance that would have allowed conversion of 15 Morris Avenue into a two-family (multifamily) structure, and the applicant announced the withdrawal of the remaining related variance applications.

Attorney Jim Coles of Walker and Barney presented the applications on behalf of Community Rentals, describing a multi-variance proposal to replace a dilapidated structure with vertically oriented housing that would move the building farther from the lake and add a garage beneath living space. Coles said the project would increase conforming area by incorporating an adjacent strip of land previously shown as "Wesley Avenue" into the lot and that the revised lot area would be 3,436 square feet (from an existing 2,236 square feet). He told the board the proposed building would provide on-site parking and rooftop living space and that the primary living area would mostly be at 35 feet with stair towers rising higher.

By the nut graf: Neighbors strongly opposed the plan, testifying that the neighborhood is predominantly single-family, that streets…