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Preservation commission backs major setback variation for Ashland Avenue landmark, 8–1
Summary
The Preservation Commission recommended approval of a major variation for a garage alteration at 1630 Ashland Avenue in the Ridge Historic District after deliberation; the commission found the change would not substantially harm the house’s historic integrity, though land‑use and neighbor concerns remain for zoning review.
The Preservation Commission on May 20 recommended approval of a major zoning variation to permit an attached garage alteration at 1630 Ashland Avenue in the Ridge Historic District.
The applicant asked the commission to recommend relief after adjusting a prior proposal to shorten the new garage’s length; the revised design increased one setback from roughly six inches to one foot and moved an earlier three‑foot west setback to five feet from the western property line.
Commissioners reviewed the preservation standards and the certificate of appropriateness previously issued for elements of the project. Several commissioners said the shortened footprint did not alter the application’s preservation outcome and that the change preserved the historic integrity of the primary residence better than a detached garage located elsewhere on the lot would.
The commission held public comment and noted neighbor concerns: some adjacent property owners and residents raised issues about the tight side setback and potential impacts on driveway access and mature trees. The applicant said letters of support from some neighbors were included in the land‑use application; staff clarified that notices for zoning and land‑use hearings follow different processes.
In deliberation, commissioners concluded the revised garage placement met the preservation standards before the body. A motion recommending approval of the major variation passed in a roll‑call vote, 8–1. The roll call recorded Ayes from Commissioners Johnson, Rossello, Aylman, Bodine, Breller, Smith, Jacobs and one other; Commissioner Seheem voted No. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Land Use Commission and the zoning review process for final action.
