Attorney Gregory Brilliant represented the applicant, Maria C. Mello, seeking relief for a parcel on Swan Street (Map D21, Lot 51) that includes an existing vacant towing/repair building and an adjoining single-family home at 321 Lake Avenue. The request would reconfigure lot lines, convey roughly 1,000 square feet to an adjoining lot and allow a new 31-by-38-foot, three-bedroom single-family dwelling on the reconfigured parcel.

Brilliant said the existing garage structure is blighted and encroaches onto neighboring land; converting it directly into a dwelling would not be feasible without extensive work. The proposal would reduce nonconformities by eliminating the dilapidated garage footprint, creating a regularly shaped residential parcel and providing two off-street parking spaces for the new house.

Planning staff noted the lot was created historically with irregular lines to accommodate the previous commercial use and that water and sewer have since been installed—eliminating old septic constraints. Board members asked about the amount of relief requested (several setback and lot-area variances), and planning staff and counsel said the plan would make the properties more consistent with the single-family character of the neighborhood.

No members of the public spoke in opposition or in support during the hearing. After discussion the board voted to grant the requested variances and the conveyance as presented, with the applicant to complete separate utility connections and to proceed with the site improvements consistent with the approved plan.

The motion carried unanimously.