The Duxbury Zoning Board of Appeals tackled a busy agenda on November 13, beginning with an administrative determination for a residential project at 75 Elderberry Circle. Chair Wayne Dennison opened the discussion by noting, All we have to do tonight is to determine whether it's a substantial or insubstantial alteration. The board quickly reached a consensus that the proposed deck construction was minor in nature. Philip Thorn voiced his support for the streamlined process, stating, I'm of the opinion that it's insubstantial. Motion Made by Philip Thorn to "allow the construction of the deck as permitted by the condominium association as being an insubstantial deviation from the comprehensive permit". Vote Passed 5-0.

The board then shifted focus to 32 Abrams Hill Road, where John and Helen Vickers sought a special permit for a bathroom addition. Joe Webby of Webby Engineering explained that while the property is a pre-existing non-conforming lot with two dwellings, the 8x10 addition would have minimal impact. Webby noted, the property as you said is a pre-existing non-conforming lot... what they would like to do is they would like addition bathroom addition to the rear of their house. Tanya Trevisan observed that the request was modest given the lot's history, saying, I think if the only reason they're here is because there's two dwellings on the lot. They're not asking for much, right? Motion Made by Tanya Trevisan to "approve the project as presented". Vote Passed 5-0.

A more significant proposal for 15 Priscilla Lane sparked a detailed discussion regarding a "raise and rebuild" project that would replace a single-story home with a two-and-a-half-story structure. Mark Casey of Southshore Survey Consultants highlighted that the new design actually increases setbacks from the lot lines, stating, we're going to raise the existing house... I think it fits well within the neighborhood. Architect Alyssa Jones confirmed they had adjusted the plans following Design Review Board feedback, explaining, their main comment was on the rear elevation... we've done that. Neighbors attended the meeting to voice their enthusiasm, including Bob Burpie, who remarked, I think it's a great addition to the neighborhood and it's in very well. Resident Robert Pulot added, we fully support the development, the redevelopment of the site. Um, if anything, I was hoping it might go a little bit bigger.

Despite the neighborhood support, Judith Barrett raised questions about the sheer scale of the expansion, asking, Can someone tell me what the percentage change is in the total size of the structure... the total floor area of the structure? Upon learning the floor area would increase by 135 percent, the board deliberated on the legal definition of detriment. Philip Thorn mused on the technicalities of modern home design, saying, Someday we've got to try and define the difference between a 2 and 1/2 story house and a three-story house and what the midline of the roof is. Freeman Boynton Jr., having reviewed the materials, joined the majority in supporting the permit. Motion Made by Philip Thorn to "accept the special permit application as proposed finding that it is not more detrimental to the neighborhood than the existing non-conforming structure". Vote Passed 4-0-1 with Judith Barrett abstaining. The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM.