HomeMy Public PortalAboutLetter Expressing Concerns About 82 Highland Avenue 3 September 2015September 3, 2015
To the Chairman and Members of the Zoning Board ofAppeals:
We are writing to you with regard to the application submitted for a proposed structure at 82
Highland Avenue submitted by Mr. Evan Heraty on August 18, 2015.
We live next door to Mr. Heraty at 86 Highland Avenue and have reviewed the proposed structure.
We find that the proposed structure would be detrimental to close neighbors as well as the
neighborhood. It is true that similar reconstruction of smaller single family homes have been made
into larger structures. However, the location of the single family homes that have been reconstructed
are situated on lots that allow for a larger structure without direct negative effect on nearby
neighbors. (In addition, no reconstruction of smaller single houses has occurred in the immediate
neighborhood. Instead there have been tear downs which are then reconstructed into townhouses
that are situated more appropriately within the lot.)
In addition, the 21A story structures in the neighborhood that are mentioned in the petition are on
much larger lots. The one 21A story structure that is on a small lot had a dormer added since we have
lived in the neighborhood and thathouse (due to the small lot) looks misplaced, oversized and very
unattractive.
Our house at 86 Highland Avenue, built in 1927 is very close to Mr. Heraty's property (built in 1954).
The only separation between our two homes is our very narrow, long and steep driveway. With the
proposed structure, our house as well as the house at 78 Highland Avenue will be greatly affected.
With the building of the proposed structure it is likely that the amount of direct sunlight we presently
have on the east side of our property will be negatively impacted.
The side yard setback (right- which is our property) requires 10 feet However at present, Mr
Heraty's house is 5' 9 from the right side property line. (It's actually 1.3 feet due to a bumpout on the
lower level.) This is far less than what is required.
We urge you to visit the properties so that you can see how close these homes truly are. The staff
who reviewed the proposal repeat more than once - "The intrusion is not more detrimental to the
neighborhood than the existing non -conforming construction. " We would beg to differ. The
proposed 11A story structure presently proposed is larger than what should exist on this parcel of
land.
Perhaps the townhouses located on Gilbert Street that are directly across the street from Mr. Heraty's
property could be used as an example. When the townhouses were built the back wall of the side
yard facing the house next door is stepped back allowing for more space and a feeling of openness.
This would be a more aesthetically pleasing look and feel. Perhaps the architect could look at this
property and create a similar style on Mr. Heraty's proposed addition. This would be a less imposing
structure to what Mr. Heraty has proposed.
Sincerely
R
/ J
Joyce Col
86 Highlanu avenue
Watertown, MA 02472