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Milton Board of Appeals unanimously grants special permit for porch landing at 27 Brook Hill Road amid abutter opposition
Summary
The Milton Board of Appeals granted a special permit to Jill and Kevin Rosinson for a small porch landing at 27 Brook Hill Road despite opposition from the abutter at 31 Brook Hill Road; the Conservation Commission approved the plan with written conditions to follow.
The Milton Board of Appeals voted unanimously on June 11 to grant a special permit allowing a small porch landing at 27 Brook Hill Road, despite opposition from an immediate abutter who said the change would route foot traffic along his driveway.
Kathleen O’Donnell, chair of the Board of Appeals, opened the hearing, read the legal advertisement and the submitted materials — including plans, a letter from architect Christopher Anderson, a plot plan and a GIS map — and heard a presentation from the applicants’ attorney, Marion McEttrick. McEttrick said the proposal "was the best and least impactful to the neighbors and the area" and reported that the Conservation Commission had approved the plan and would issue a written decision with conditions.
Board members questioned the dimensions and safety of the proposed landing. Member Theodore Daiber asked how far the door was from the edge of the house; the applicant reported it was two feet. Daiber asked whether the landing could be reduced; the applicant and McEttrick said a smaller landing could present safety issues, particularly for children, and that the proposed landing was less intrusive than other design alternatives.
Abutter Kevin Bleau of 31 Brook Hill Road spoke in opposition, saying there should be a special need for the relief requested and that "there was no room for the proposed green screening." Bleau said foot traffic from the landing would be routed along his driveway and argued that zoning exists to prevent unnecessary growth in Milton.
Board members considered the Conservation Commission’s assessment and the range of alternatives presented. Jeffrey Mullan said he was prepared to vote for relief and commended improvements to the property; Theodore Daiber also signaled support. The Board voted to approve the relief requested, recorded as Jeffrey Mullan — aye; Theodore Daiber — aye; Kathleen O’Donnell — aye, a unanimous decision to grant the special permit.
The record shows six letters of support and two letters of opposition were submitted. The applicants are recorded on the application as Jill and Kevin Rosinson; the transcript also refers to "Kevin Robinson" later in the record, and that discrepancy appears in the minutes. The Conservation Commission’s written decision and any conditions will be added to the file when provided. The meeting ended at 7:29 PM.
