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Commission approves 124 Schwerin addition after requiring setback to reduce neighbor impacts
Summary
After neighbor concerns about sunlight and privacy, the commission approved a front addition and two-car garage at 124 Schwerin Street provided the sponsor eliminates a proposed deck and shifts the addition 2 feet 3 inches from the adjacent property line; the motion passed unanimously.
Neighbors and the project sponsor debated a discretionary review at 124 Schwerin Street over concerns that a proposed horizontal front addition and new garage would block sunlight and intrude on privacy.
Essence Reed, representing nearby residents, said the proposed build would "minimize direct sunlight into our kitchen" and offered alternatives including a reduced upper-floor footprint or an enclosed garage without a second floor. The sponsor, George Singh (project architect/representative), said the household needs additional safe living space and that the revised plans already include an 8‑foot setback and a 7-by-7 enclosed deck to partially offset impacts.
Planning staff reviewed the plans and recommended approval with a modification to improve light and spacing. Commissioners pressed for a design that reduces the wall plane directly facing the neighbor’s bay window. The commission voted unanimously to require elimination of the front deck, allow the Second Floor to come forward but set the whole addition back 2 feet 3 inches from the north property line, and approve the project per those terms.
The revised condition was presented as a compromise to provide the sponsor the requested two-car garage and modest added living area while preserving a measurable separation and improving sunlight and privacy for the adjoining neighbor.
