Council denies variance to reduce lot width and side setbacks on Oak View Drive

Springtown’s council acting in a quasi‑judicial capacity denied a variance request to reduce lot width and side setbacks for property on Oak View Drive (Lot 5, Block 4, Spring Branch Acres). The applicant, realtor/developer Anthony Gindo, proposed dividing one lot into two 8,241‑square‑foot lots with 49‑foot widths and 5‑foot side setbacks to allow two single‑family homes.

Council members noted the board of adjustments must apply four legal criteria for a variance and several members said the application did not satisfy those standards — in particular the requirement that the hardship not be self‑imposed and that granting relief be in harmony with the regulations. One council member said the surrounding neighborhood did not contain lots with similar small widths and expressed concern a variance would set an undesirable precedent. The motion to deny the variance carried.