Board finds 832 North Broadway non‑contributing and approves demolition amid neighbor concerns about driveway impacts

The Design Review Board determined on Wednesday that the single‑story brick ranch at 832 North Broadway is not a contributing historic resource and approved the applicant’s request to demolish the existing structure. Jesse Boucher of Kodiak Construction presented the proposal and a post‑demolition plan for a new 4,200‑square‑foot single‑family residence with a detached garage accessed from 4th Street.

Board members commented on materials and details for the new house, urging higher‑quality siding and wood windows rather than certain synthetic products. “I would encourage you to look into LP smart siding or wood siding,” Chair Rob Duboff said, adding that window details and material choices are especially important on North Broadway.

Several neighbors spoke at public comment, urging caution about a proposed circular driveway with two curb cuts onto 4th Street, a narrow lane used heavily by pedestrians. Dr. Christine Row Button, who lives across the lane, said her driveway is only 12 feet 9 inches wide and worried that two curb cuts and a 37‑foot curb opening would endanger pedestrians and reduce neighborhood green space. Peter Martin and other neighbors echoed concerns about blasting, tree removal and stormwater runoff.

The applicant said they would not close or block 4th Street for construction, that DPW supports curb cuts under certain limits, and that the existing granite monument on the corner would be preserved. The board approved both the determination of non‑significance and the demolition itself by voice vote. Members offered non‑binding advice to the applicant to refine driveway and material plans and to present a full design for later review.

Next steps: applicant returns for a full architectural review and to secure any required zoning variances for driveway width and other features.