Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting Summary - May 21, 2026

The Green Board of Zoning Appeals met on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Three members were present (Samer Awadallah, Robert Speight, Andrew Shultz) and two were absent (Robert Incorvati, Sherry Neubert). The board considered three variance requests: a driveway width variance, an accessory structure setback variance, and two variances for an accessory structure on a corner lot. One variance was approved, two were denied.

Public Comments & Testimony

• For Item TMP-5352 (Jeffrey Pritt driveway variance): The board acknowledged receiving multiple letters from neighbors expressing concern about the variance. No in-person public comments were made.
• For Item TMP-5354 (Cornerstone Design, LLC): Neighbor Lori Brown (223 Hunter Hills Drive, Clinton) spoke in strong opposition, stating she never confirmed support and submitted documentation against the variance. She argued it would lower property values, set a precedent, and harm neighborhood character. Another neighbor, Jeffrey Pritt (6267 Caribou Dr.), spoke in support, stating the property's physical constraints (gas line, steep slope) made the proposed location the only viable option. The board also received an anonymous letter expressing concern about granting the variance.

Discussion Items

Item TMP-5352: BZA2026-0009 - Jeffrey Pritt, 6267 Caribou Drive The appellant requested a 12-foot variance to permit a 36-foot wide driveway within 10 feet of the road right-of-way, where the maximum allowed is 24 feet. The driveway had been previously installed with 56-foot wide aprons. Mr. Pritt and his attorney Alex Quay (Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs) proposed to remove the side aprons (the X-areas) to reduce the width to 36 feet but still exceed the code. The appellant argued that neighboring properties have similar wide driveways, and the wider driveway improves safety by keeping vehicles off the road on a street without sidewalks. The Assistant Director of Planning noted the house was built before 2009 when no driveway width code existed, and many neighboring driveways are non-conforming. The board expressed concern about pedestrian safety and the still non-compliant width. A motion to approve failed 1-2 (Shultz aye; Awadallah, Speight nay), with no second initially.

Item TMP-5353: BZA2026-0010 - Stephen Winston, 1584 Briarwood Way The appellant requested a 4-foot right side setback variance to allow an already-constructed accessory structure to remain with only a 1-foot setback instead of the required 5 feet. Mr. Winston explained that the zoning permit was approved, but the builder mistakenly placed the structure too close to the property line based on an inaccurate online parcel viewer. He stated the structure does not interfere with drainage, utilities, or neighbors. He apologized for the error. The board asked about the order of construction and property pins. No public comments were made. A motion to approve passed unanimously (3-0).

Item TMP-5354: BZA2026-0011 - Cornerstone Design, LLC, 6287 Caribou Drive The appellant, represented by homeowner Kelly Treen and builder Brian Simpson, requested two variances: (1) a 24-foot front setback variance to permit an accessory structure at 26 feet from the front lot line (50 feet required), and (2) a variance to locate the accessory structure in the front yard where only rear yards are permitted. The request was driven by physical hardships: a gas line easement (Enbridge) across the backyard, a leach field, and steep topography. Ms. Treen stated the proposed location is the flattest area and that they scaled down the original design. Neighbor Lori Brown strenuously opposed, citing negative impacts on property values and neighborhood aesthetics. Another neighbor, Jeffrey Pritt, supported the request. The board discussed alternatives. A motion to approve both variances failed 2-1 (Shultz, Awadallah aye; Speight nay).

Key Outcomes

• Item TMP-5352 (Jeffrey Pritt driveway variance): Denied. Motion by Board Member Shultz to approve as submitted failed 1-2. The appellant was advised to revise the plan and work with the zoning department on compliant dimensions.
• Item TMP-5353 (Stephen Winston accessory setback variance): Approved. Motion by Board Member Shultz, seconded by Board Member Speight, passed 3-0. The appellant will receive a letter and must close out the permit with Tom Fazio.
• Item TMP-5354 (Cornerstone Design, LLC variances): Denied. Motion by Board Member Shultz, seconded by Board Member Awadallah, failed 2-1. The board asked the appellant to reconsider other options.
• Approval of Minutes: A motion to approve the minutes from the April 16, 2026 meeting carried 3-0.
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 18, 2026.