Commission asks for inspections after developer seeks variance for Lyman/Maple renovation

The commission reviewed a variance application for a building at 174 Lyman/95 Maple that a Westfield owner proposes to convert into about 14 apartments with a storefront on the first floor.

Commissioners said the application indicated the storefront would be accessible and have an accessible bathroom, but the proposed residential units would not be accessible. The applicant claimed the cost to make the units accessible would exceed 30% of the building’s assessed value, an exemption the applicant used to justify the variance request.

Members raised concerns about whether any first-floor units could be made accessible with modest ramps, the absence of accessible apartment entrances, parking allocation and fire-escape removal. Commissioners asked whether accessible parking was provided and noted photographs and site plans showed an adjacent lot that might be used for parking but may be controlled by a neighboring business. Fire and egress safety were raised because the applicant said it would remove a front fire escape and rely on two stairways at each end of the building.

The commission said it would perform a drive-by inspection, review permit and fire-department comments and seek examples of previous variances where first-floor access was provided via a rear ramp. Marlene Connor and other members volunteered to drive by and report back. The commission tabled the item pending that inspection and further review.