Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Residential Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
ZBA approves addition and two‑car garage at 49 South Manor Drive with screening condition
Summary
The board approved variances to allow a foyer addition, a garage expansion (converting a one‑car to a two‑car garage), and a second‑floor primary suite at 49 South Manor Drive, subject to landscaping/screening in the side yard to reduce visibility for adjacent neighbors.
Sam Viera, the architect for a 49 South Manor Drive renovation, presented a three‑part expansion—adding a 6×10‑foot foyer, expanding the garage by 14 feet to accommodate two cars, and creating a second‑floor primary suite above the garage—which requires several variances for front and side setbacks.
Viera said the project would add useful interior space and allow the owners to park cars inside rather than on the driveway; he described the design as aiming to preserve a cottage‑style look and minimize massing. The homeowner, Jason Riva, was present and said the work would help a growing family and provide storage that the slab‑on‑grade house lacks.
Board members questioned whether the front entrance could be moved to avoid front‑yard relief and explored alternatives but concluded the architectural solution was reasonable. Several members emphasized the side‑yard variance is the more significant change and asked for screening in the side yard to reduce visibility from the nearest neighbor.
The board voted to grant the requested variances and added a condition that the applicant provide screening and landscaping in the side‑yard area, subject to approval by the town forestry officer. The motion included the usual requirement to file final plans and to begin construction within 12 months of final approvals.
