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Land use board approves second curb cut at 215 Marine St., trading two on‑street spaces for two on‑site spots
Summary
The Beach Haven Land Use Board approved a variance allowing a second depressed‑curb driveway at 215 Marine St., eliminating two on‑street spaces but adding two off‑street spaces to bring the two‑unit property into compliance. Neighbors testified about heavy parking from nearby rental houses.
The Beach Haven Land Use Board on Sept. 7 approved a bulk‑variance request to permit a second curb cut and driveway opening at 215 Marine Street, a two‑unit property in the historic district, resolving a longstanding parking shortfall for the site.
Attorney James Raymond represented owner Alexandra Murray and said the proposal would add an 8‑foot depressed curb on the east side of the lot so each unit can park on site. Engineer and planner Jim Bzowski testified that the two existing units require four off‑street spaces; the property currently provides two. "We're required to have the four off‑street parking spaces," Bzowski said, adding that adding two on‑site spaces would bring the property into compliance even though two on‑street spaces would be removed.
Neighbors and public commenters described heavy neighborhood parking tied to newly built, larger rental homes on Marine Street. Tara Murray said her family has counted as many as 13 cars at a neighboring rental; another neighbor said his wife counted 15. Alexandra Murray, the owner, told the board she has owned the property for about 38 years and said parking has worsened as larger houses were built nearby: "It's gotten so bad ... I can't find parking," she said, describing how the change has limited her ability to use nearby town services and walk to destinations.
Board members debated public‑benefit tradeoffs. Several members said removing on‑street spaces harms the wider public during busy months; other members agreed that creating required on‑site parking was reasonable for a two‑unit parcel. The application proposes no new paving; the east‑side surface would remain stone and the planned curb opening would be 8 feet, leaving the existing 9.6‑foot west opening unchanged.
At the end of the hearing the board voted on a motion to approve the variance. Mr. Bow recused himself. The roll call was: Edles — yes; Jenna — yes; Mayor Lambert — yes; Leonard — no; Stevens — no; Tinquist — no; Lofredo — yes; Wanger — yes. The motion carried and the board approved the application.
What happens next: the board approved the variance subject to routine conditions discussed at the hearing; the applicant may proceed toward required municipal permits. The board record indicates the approval eliminates two on‑street parking spaces and adds two off‑street spaces for the property at 215 Marine St.
