Danbury Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting – April 9, 2026

The Danbury Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) met on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. The board approved the minutes from the March 12, 2026 meeting and conducted public hearings on two continued applications. The primary agenda item was a detailed review and approval of a variance application for 73½ and 75 Osborne Street. The meeting also included a resignation announcement from the board chairman.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the March 12, 2026 meeting. Motion by Mr. Delucia, seconded by Mr. Williamson. All in favor.

Continued Public Hearings

• Application 26-01 – 8 South Cornell Road: The board continued this application without discussion. Motion to continue made by Mr. Delucia, seconded by Mr. Williamson. All in favor.
• Application 26-03 – 73½ and 75 Osborne Street: This application was the focus of the meeting. Applicant Carlos Goman (also referred to as Guaman) seeks variances to allow grading within five feet of the property line and to increase the maximum driveway grade from 8% to 10% in the first 20 feet.

Discussion Items

• Project Description: Engineer Michael Mazuku presented revised plans. Changes included reduced grading along the common property line, a gap between retaining walls to be filled with a fence or plantings (to be decided by the parties), and replacement landscaping. The plan also addresses drainage with two dry wells, lowering a sidewalk to provide a smooth driveway transition, and adjusting grades to move soil away from the adjacent foundation.
• Neighbor John L. Hancock (Trustee, Hancock Family Trust): Submitted a letter read into the record. He acknowledged concerns about proximity to his dwelling at 69–73 Osborne Street, steep grade changes, and the impact of excavation. He stated that if certain conditions (unspecified) are met, he is committed to being a good neighbor and expressed gratitude for the applicant’s professionalism.
• Neighbor Jill Hancock (John’s sister): Spoke in support after meetings with the applicant and engineer. She raised concerns about construction equipment accessing the site and potential impact on her foundation (a 1800s building). She noted that the engineer believed access via her property would be needed, while the applicant thought it might not. She expressed willingness to cooperate as long as issues are resolved. She also suggested the city improve notification processes, as she only learned of the project via a letter that was not informative.
• Board Clarification: A board member noted that any side agreements between the applicant and neighbor are not enforced by the city. The approval would be based on the revised plan, which would be relied upon for inspections.
• Applicant’s Response: Mr. Goman stated he is willing to abide by conditions in the neighbor’s letter (e.g., hours of operation, coordination) and offered to be on-site to address any questions.

Key Outcomes

• Public Hearing Closed: Motion by Mr. William, seconded by Mr. Williamson. All in favor.
• Variance Approved: The board voted unanimously to approve application 26-03 for 73½ and 75 Osborne Street (Carlos Goman). Specific variances granted:
  • Grading within five feet of the property line (Section 8A2Z4, zone 16 RH3).
  • Increased maximum driveway grade from 8% to 10% for the first 20 feet of the proposed new driveway (Section A B 1B3).
  • The board found that the variance will not adversely affect public health, safety, or welfare.
  • Motion by Mr. Delucia, seconded by Mr. William. All in favor.

Other Business

• Chairman’s Resignation: The chairman announced his intention to resign effective April 30, 2026, as he is moving to Florida. He thanked the board for nearly 25 years of service. His last meeting will be April 23, 2026. A new chairman may be elected at the next meeting.
• Adjournment: Motion by Mr. William, seconded by Mr. Delucia. All in favor.