Planner Suffern provided an overview of the application.
Public Participation
Adam Russo, address: 48 Bell Street, claimed he is support of the minor variances his Neighbours have applied for, but wish to add two conditions. Firstly, there is a hedge that was planted between his property and the owner's proposed garage, he wishes the constructors make their best efforts for the hedge to be maintained. Not only to act as a surface water mitigation measure, but also as a visual screening between his property and the proposed garage. The second condition being, to reduce the overall height of the proposed garage, as his master bedroom looks directly over top of the proposed garage and will also cover majority of his bedroom windows.
Questions to Planner Suffern
Member Ellahi stated now that there is a concern with the hedge, and it clearly states in the plan that the hedge is being re-located, thus does a condition need to be added. Planner Suffern stated they can look to the homeowner to see if the hedge were something they would retain or replace when construction is completed. Planner Suffern also noted town staff are quite aware that this area of town is volatile as it relates to stormwater management and drainage in this area, particularly because it is a historic area and wasn't engineered as it would be under modern standards. Thus, it is something town staff will review both at time of building permit and through the engineered submissions that were provided as part of the variance, to ensure that the private property can handle its own runoff. Marella Marshall, owner of 90 Mary Street, claimed she is open to keeping the hedge, as they discussed with Neighbour Adam Russo, the hedge can be relocated for the moment, and once the garage is finished being constructed, they can replant them behind the garage.
Chair Slaght inquired now from hearing from the homeowner's willingness to keep the vegetation intact, if there is a condition that can be added. Planner Suffern explained the difficulty is, they look to the applicant to fulfill those conditions prior to building permit issuance. In order to determine whether or not that hedge will or will not be affected during construction, isn't something that can be confirmed with certainty until construction takes place. With that being said, a condition can be included requiring the applicant to have enhanced landscaping along the southerly interior lot line. As well, as update their Site Plan at time of building permit to identify that the existing shrub will remain and/or be replaced post construction.
Owner Mirella Marshall confirmed she would be agreeable to adding this condition.