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Committee approves special permit for rear deck at 5 Brightwood Avenue
Summary
The Holyoke Development and Government Relations Committee approved a special permit allowing a rear entry door and roughly 14-by-10-foot deck at 5 Brightwood Avenue, finding the work will not increase a preexisting nonconforming condition; the permit passed on a roll-call vote after a friendly amendment to adopt findings later.
The Development and Government Relations Committee voted to grant a special permit on the application for 5 Brightwood Avenue, allowing the installation of a rear entry double door where a window now exists and construction of a small pressure‑treated deck.
Chair Richard Purcell read a supporting letter from the property owner, Colleen Hannigan, and confirmed that real estate and excise taxes were paid. The applicant said the proposed deck would be about 14 feet by 10 feet and that installing the door would not make the house closer to the lot line than the existing pre‑existing nonconforming condition (the house sits roughly 2.5 feet from the property line).
Committee member Mimi Pan asked clarifying questions about how the change affects the nonconformance and requested that staff prepare formal findings to support any special permits. A nearby neighbor, Donna Thoreau, rose to say she lives immediately adjacent to the project and voiced support.
After discussion, the committee approved the permit with a friendly amendment to adopt written findings later. The roll-call votes were recorded as follows: Councilor Rivera, yes; Councilor Sullivan, no; Councilor Pan/Panich, yes; Councilor Masonette, yes; Chair Richard Purcell, yes. The permit was granted with conditions. The committee noted the matter will proceed as required (any recording/filing conditions to be met).
