Applicant at 69 Oak Street to pursue renovations; zoning board continues special‑permit hearing

Acting Chair (name not specified) opened the hearing on case 2025‑12‑01, a special‑permit request to reinstate a three‑family dwelling at 69 Oak Street. Applicant representative Suresh Patel said the owner (listed in the application as Nan/Nanda Patel) and he purchased the building vacant and that it has been unoccupied since approximately 2014; he said the structure is not currently habitable and must be repaired before occupancy.

The board focused its review on the zoning criteria for a special permit, especially off‑street parking. Board members said a three‑family requires two parking spaces per unit (six spaces total). Patel said the property currently accommodates four to five parked cars and that he could reconfigure drive areas to provide the additional spaces, but the board requested a formal plot/parking plan showing the locations, dimensions and circulation needed to meet the ordinance and to provide snow‑storage details.

Board members and Building Commissioner Melissa McDonald advised that converting the property to a two‑family is typically allowed by right under the building code and would require only four parking spaces; they encouraged the applicant to consult the building commissioner about applying for a two‑family building permit if that approach would enable renovations to proceed. Patel said his immediate priority is to start renovations and that he would pursue the building‑department path while preparing material for the ZBA.

Given the outstanding requirement for a stamped parking/site plan and the applicant’s request for time to work with the building commissioner, the board voted to continue the case to the next meeting. The board instructed the applicant to complete the continuation form and pay the fee, and to return with a parking plan and any supporting documents (including snow‑storage plans and any updated building‑department determinations).