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Board approves variances for two Alta Vista lots after heated neighborhood debate

Brookhaven Board of Appeals · March 1, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

The Brookhaven Board of Appeals approved two related stream‑buffer, front‑yard and interior‑setback variances for properties on Grant Drive, citing staff conditions and engineered stormwater controls after residents and experts clashed over erosion and downstream flood risk.

The Brookhaven Board of Appeals on Aug. 20 approved two variances requested by owners of two small Alta Vista lots, clearing the way for homes and a private stormwater system after a fraught public debate.

Supporters, including homeowner Tristan Ford Hutchinson, told the board the properties are suffering active erosion caused by a city‑owned stormwater pipe that funnels runoff from a 5.54‑acre watershed onto the lots. "This ditch is upwards of 10 to 12 feet wide and 4 feet 8 inches deep," Hutchinson said, adding the erosion has undermined trees and deposited mud downstream.

A consulting engineer for the applicant, Dr. Brian…

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