91 Tremont Street SALEM.MA BOARD OF APPEAL LETTER . signed docxMARIA NUNEZ COLLAZO, AND JOSELITO COLLAZO
91 Tremont Street
Salem, MA 01970
Regarding: application # B-24-978
Designer and Construction supervisor: Rod Rivera
Board of appeal members,
Presentation to the Board of Appeals:
Good evening, members of the Board of Appeals. My name is Maria Nunes Collazo,
and my husband Joselito Collazo is here to present the case for granting relief for the
property at 91 Tremont Street, Salem, Massachusetts. This property is uniquely
affected by specific conditions that merit your consideration, as I will outline below.
Special Conditions and Circumstances
1. Site Topography and Physical Features:
o The property consists of an impervious area calculation: The existing
house 2835 sq. ft
o Total impervious area = 5,777 sq. ft = 37.89%
o Total lot area = 15,246 s/f driveway, parking area
o sidewalk = 4,304 sq. ft
o Existing deck = 215 s.f.
o 5,777 sq. ft square-foot lot with a flat grade and a gentle natural slope of
approximately ¼” to ½” per foot toward the driveway. This topography will
remain unchanged with the proposed renovation, ensuring no disruption to
the land or its surroundings.
2. Existing Building Configuration:
Docusign Envelope ID: D1396446-045D-44FE-8260-B06A45C91AEF
o The existing structure, built in the 1870s, has architectural constraints
reflective of its time. The layout and unusual footprint require tailored
design solutions to accommodate modern living standards while
respecting the historical character.
3. Neighborhood Context and Zoning:
o Located in an R2 zone, the property aligns with the district’s residential
purpose. The proposed dormer and stairwell will enhance the functionality
of the home without altering its compatibility with the neighborhood.
4. Utilities and Infrastructure Constraints:
o The property’s existing utilities and spatial limitations are not equipped for
modern use. However, the proposed renovations maintain the current
footprint, ensuring minimal impact on site infrastructure while improving
living conditions.
Substantial Hardship Due to Literal Enforcement
Literal enforcement of the zoning ordinance would impose unnecessary hardship for
several reasons:
1. Property-Specific Constraints:
o The historic layout of the home and its structural limitations impede
feasible compliance with current standards. The dormer and stairwell are
necessary improvements to enhance the usability of the second floor for
modern family needs.
2. Unreasonable Impact on Use or Functionality:
o Strict adherence to the ordinance would prevent the family from creating
functional living spaces, such as a safe stairwell and dormer addition.
Without these improvements, the home would remain impractical and less
safe for the family’s daily use.
3. Economic and Practical Hardship:
Docusign Envelope ID: D1396446-045D-44FE-8260-B06A45C91AEF
o Compliance would require significant financial investment to redesign or
relocate, creating a burden far exceeding the benefits of enforcing the
ordinance. The proposed improvements are modest and necessary to
preserve the family’s ability to live comfortably in their long-time home.
4. Public and Neighborhood Impact:
o Granting relief will not adversely affect the neighborhood. The design
integrates seamlessly into the character of the area and enhances
property aesthetics without introducing disruptions like traffic or
environmental harm.
Desirable Relief Without Substantial Detriment
1. Consistence with Public Good:
o The proposed renovations align with the broader public interest by
improving safety, usability, and property aesthetics while respecting the
neighborhood's integrity.
2. Preservation of Zoning Intent:
o The project remains consistent with the zoning ordinance’s goals of
orderly development, public welfare, and property value preservation.
3. Minimal District Impact:
o The modifications are proportionate to the property’s scope and intended
use, ensuring the relief granted will not undermine zoning principles or set
adverse precedents.
4. Community Benefits:
o These improvements will add functional and aesthetic value to the
property, benefiting both the homeowners and the surrounding community.
Conclusion
Docusign Envelope ID: D1396446-045D-44FE-8260-B06A45C91AEF
In summary, the unique conditions of this property, the substantial hardship caused by
strict enforcement, and the alignment of this project with public and zoning interests all
justify the requested relief. I respectfully ask the Board to approve the application, as
the proposed work will enhance both the property and the community without detracting
from the district's purpose or integrity.
Thank you for your consideration. I am happy to answer any questions.
X ____________________________________________
X____________________________________________
Designer and Construction supervisor: Rod Rivera 781-389-2901
Docusign Envelope ID: D1396446-045D-44FE-8260-B06A45C91AEF