Neighbors oppose garage variance at 14 Deerfield Court; board grants setback relief

The Town of Thompson Zoning Board of Appeals approved area variances on July 14 for a 15-by-38-foot garage at 14 Deerfield Court after hearing written and oral objections from multiple neighbors.

Applicant representative Chris Beverly said the garage is needed to park two company trucks and occasionally an employer-owned truck; he said there would be “no through traffic or deliveries at the property.” Several neighbors submitted written comments and spoke at the meeting, expressing concern that the garage would enable a home-based business in an HOA neighborhood, cause parking and safety problems and depress property values. Commenters who filed written statements included Loretta Duarte, Yesenia Soto and Hiral Manwani, among others; Soto noted the HOA prohibits business uses and said trucks are often parked on the road.

The board considered the five variance criteria separately for requested items. For the first request the board recorded mixed votes on feasibility alternatives; the members agreed the request would not substantially change neighborhood character and voted to approve several of the variances. Board attorney Steve Vegliante clarified that zoning relief before the board is for area variances only and does not vest or grant permission for a use that might conflict with HOA restrictions; the board suggested that neighbors raise use or covenant concerns with the HOA.

At the meeting, Beverly said he is allowed to park on HOA property but that it is “inconvenient and unsecure,” which he said motivates seeking enclosed storage. The board approved the variances (motions made by board members with unanimous recorded vocal approvals: “All in favor, 0 opposed”).