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ZBA accepts continuance for three Stephanie Drive variance requests, schedules neighborhood site visit
Summary
Gary and Joe Collette sought variances to allow individualized driveways for three condo lots at 21–19 Stephanie Drive. The applicants presented driveway dimensions and said separate driveways avoid future shared‑driveway disputes; the board continued the matter to June and added the property to a May 30 site visit of neighborhood projects.
Gary and Joe Collette requested three related variances on May 20 that would allow individualized driveways for condominium lots C, D and E at 21–19 Stephanie Drive.
The applicants presented plot plans showing two driveways per duplex lot (each driveway about 20 by 25 feet, per the drawing) and said individualized driveways make each condo owner responsible for maintenance (including snow removal) and avoid disputes tied to shared driveways or common‑area maintenance. They said water and sewer lines have been planned to avoid conflicts with the proposed driveways.
Board members asked about snow storage, retaining walls and whether the requested variances meet the ordinance's strict hardship standard. The applicants argued shape and lot layout, and the desire to match surrounding properties, supported the relief request; board members said they needed to inspect the site and see the neighborhood context before determining whether the legal standard for variance could be met.
The board scheduled a site visit for May 30 (following an earlier Emerald Street visit) and continued the variances to the June meeting to allow members to visit and review the neighborhood. The chairman reminded applicants the burden of proof for a variance requires demonstrating a hardship related to the property's physical circumstances.
Discussion vs. decision: no variance was granted at the May 20 hearing. The application was continued so the board can inspect the site and review any additional evidence about topography or unique property constraints.
