Neighbors object as commission denies lot-split variance at 400 North Main

The applicant for VRA26-2, a local home builder who said he owns 400 North Main, asked for a variance to split the lot and create a second buildable parcel. He told the commission he expected a roughly 1,000-square-foot house could fit on the split, while neighbors said splitting the lot would harm Main Street's character.

"All residential properties on Main Street between 3rd And 4th Street are 100 feet wide," said neighbor Eric Gader, who said the proposed split would not follow Goddard's minimum lot-depth pattern. Danita Bader, who said she has lived in Goddard for about 48 years, urged the commission to preserve Main Street's character and said the change would likely put cars on Main Street and complicate driveways.

A commissioner moved to reject the variance request; the commission recorded a series of affirmative "Aye" responses during roll call. The transcript also records the chair saying, "Motion is denied," immediately after the recorded affirmative responses, creating a procedural inconsistency in the record that was not explained on the transcript. The commission did not adopt additional written findings in the transcript to reconcile the inconsistency; the case record should be checked for the official minute entry and final disposition.