Coming before the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals on January 16 was architect Charles Rose representing clients Paul and Bettina Henderson, 2 Shipyard Lane. Requesting a Variance to retrofit a garage into additional living space to accommodate a growing family, Rose said the changes would not include a kitchen.
Rose said that two bays of the three bay garage are not utilized presently and that the conversion would give the family two more bedrooms. The main home building, which is not part of the plan, would maintain its historic façade, the board was told. Rose said the Variance was required primarily because the garage sits on the lot line.
Member Aaron Goldberg objected to the plan as presented saying it could potentially set the town up for shed conversions. He said that given the number of sheds on lot lines, approving this plan could set the town up for many more structures on small lots, “We’d be setting a precedent.” He warned that with ADUs coming more and more smaller lots could find stand-alone structures being requested on undersized lots. But Chairman Susan Akin said to date no applications for ADUs had been filed. Goldberg held fast to his stated concerns.
Akin, along with members Colby Rottler and Tony Tranfaglia disagreed with Goldberg stating that cases are taken on their individual merits not precedents.
Further discussion found the board approving the Variance with the stipulation that no kitchen facilities would be included. The vote was three for granting the variance and one opposed.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals was not scheduled at adjournment.
Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals
By Marilou Newell