The Land Use Committee voted to approve the following (see Report and watch the NewTV video):
- Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to construct a dormer addition in the half story of the nonconforming 3.5-story structure, extending the nonconforming number of stories and exceeding the maximum FAR at 35 Oak Cliff Road – see Special Permit documents and Draft Council Order. According to the report, due to the grade of the site, the basement is considered a story making it 3.5 stories. No one testified at the hearing and the item was approved.
- Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to combine two units currently occupied by retail and personal services uses to operate a 42-seat restaurant which requires a waiver of seven parking stalls at 12 Austin Street (Comellas) – see Special Permit documents and Draft Council Order. According to the report, the West Newton location is closing and this restaurant will go where the craft beer store was located. One person testified that they are excited to have more food options and a councilor noted there is plenty of parking and the item was approved.
- Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to convert the existing attached garage into living space and construct two parking stalls within the front setback at 213 Jackson Street – see Special Permit documents and Draft Council Order. According to the report, the Petitioners believe the change will allow them to live in Newton longer. No one testified at the hearing and the item was approved.