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Commission defers decision on new construction at 115 Winslow Road after neighbors raise concerns about massing and spacing
Summary
The Historic Zoning Commission deferred action on a proposed 1½‑story Tudor‑inspired house at 115 Winslow Road after multiple neighbors and several commissioners expressed concerns about the building’s massing, height and driveway placement; the item was rescheduled for March 10, 2025, and the applicant was invited to the next DRC meeting.
The Franklin Historic Zoning Commission on Feb. 10 deferred a decision on a proposed new principal structure at 115 Winslow Road following extensive public comment and commission discussion about the project’s scale, massing and driveway placement.
Staff described the proposed 1½‑story Tudor‑inspired house as compatible in form with nearby historic buildings but noted the application lacked some material specifications and required revisions to the LSA calculations. Staff reported the proposed footprint is 34% of the lot, the proposed height is 27 feet, 7½ inches, the roof pitches are consistent with the Tudor style, and a half‑round gutter is proposed. Staff recommended approval with conditions.
The applicant’s representative, Michael Katzides of MK Studio, said the design team revised the plan after earlier feedback, shifted the driveway to avoid aligning with the property across the street and moved HVAC condensing units behind a wing wall. Neighbors from Winslow Road attended in force: Paul Leibovitz (102 Winslow), Stacy and Matt Ligon, Jessie and Butch Dale (111 Winslow), and others spoke against the proposal, citing the number and steepness of front gables, the proposed height and the small spacing between 115 and neighboring houses (noting other lot spacing precedents on Winslow). One neighbor submitted a 25‑signature petition representing 17 homes opposing the design.
Commissioners raised similar concerns: multiple members said the proposal’s massing and two‑story volumes make the house appear oversized for the block face, several asked for simplification of the front elevation and reconsideration of the garage plane, and others noted the project had been adjusted but still appeared too large for the neighborhood. After discussion one commissioner moved to defer the application to the commission’s next voting meeting and to invite the applicant to the DRC for additional review; the motion carried. The commission set the deferral date to March 10, 2025, and asked the applicant to confirm any submittal intended for the next meeting by the posted submittal deadline.
The deferral preserves the applicant’s ability to revise plans and return with documentation requested by staff (material specifications, revised LSA calculations, and any changes to massing or driveway layout) while giving commissioners and neighbors time for a site visit and further DRC review.
Votes at a glance - Defer decision on new construction at 115 Winslow Road to March 10, 2025; invite the applicant to DRC — outcome: approved (motion to defer carried).
