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DRB hears revised plan for 169 Union garage; board asks for material, height and detailing clarifications
Summary
The board reviewed a revised carriage‑house/garage proposal for 169 Union and requested exact heights, trim and vent locations, and preferred siding details (board suggested all‑horizontal siding or banding to reduce a top‑heavy appearance). The applicant also noted multiple zoning variances granted by the ZBA.
Design team representatives presented a revised plan for a two‑car garage with an accessory apartment at 169 Union and described prior approvals from the zoning board of appeals. The applicant said the new carriage‑house design uses wood siding and wood windows and proposed gable dormers rather than large shed dormers to reduce perceived mass.
Board members asked for additional documentation before any final approval: exact ridge and roof heights for the new structure and for the primary house (so the board can confirm scale relationships), enlarged trim and fascia details, locations of penetrations and vents, and consideration of siding choices to avoid a top‑heavy look. One board member suggested switching from vertical board‑and‑batten to all horizontal siding or adding a horizontal band to visually lower the form. The applicant responded that "we would be totally fine with that" if it helps the board (transcript: "If it would help, what if we just did all horizontal siding? We don't have to do the vertical, we would be totally fine with that."). The board also discussed the zoning board’s prior direction to move the building away from the alley; some members urged more coordination between land‑use boards on siting decisions.
No final vote was taken on the revised design; the DRB outlined the clarifications it expects in the next submission.
