The Board of Zoning Adjustment sent an application to build five cottages at 157 W. Van Buren back to the drawing board. Cory Walker appeared at the last week’s meeting to represent owner Kent Krug. Walker described five cottages “with fireplaces and nice amenities” on a lot only one-third of an acre. The application included a request for a variance on the rear and side setbacks.
“It doesn’t seem five buildings are going to fit even with the variance,” commissioner Melissa Greene said.
The cottages would each have 544 square feet. Walker said the cottages “will enhance the value and curb appeal of the neighborhood,” and he did not want to cause problems for the neighbors. Several residents of the neighborhood expressed opposition and raised questions about adequate parking.
Walker said the owner bought the property without knowing about setback requirements, but he assured the commissioners that Krug would rework the application to satisfy the commission and minimize complaints from neighbors. Commissioners voted to postpone the application rather than denying it.
BOZA approved the removal of 22 trees at 3183 E. Van Buren. Commissioner Tom Buford said he had walked the site and saw that a driveway was laid out to minimize the number of trees to be cut.
The members of BOZA also serve as the Planning Commission, and a long meeting of that commission followed the adjournment of the BOZA session.