2-4 Forrester Street Statement of Hardship
a) The special conditions are that the existing structures attached
to the house that are being modified currently do not comply with
new required setbacks. Also the unusual condition of an
additional open lot mitigates some of the setback density. The
existing garage is currently very close to the lot lines in two
directions, 1.4' and 2.2'. The neighbors carriage house and large
outbuiding is one foot from the property line.
b/ c) I currently do not have direct access to the yard from the
main level and as historically only the servants used the rear yard.
There are a number of town and neighbor benefits as the added
bay is more like the other three sides of the house with bays and
architectural detail. The side porch although added many years
ago does not really match the house and enclosing it on the
largest open area does not go against the purpose of the set back
ordinance. Also, the removal of the metal garage would be a huge
improvement to the neighborhood and would also open up the
view of the neighbors outbuilding which is right on the property
line and blocked by the current garage. The two new sheds would
be an added public good as well and are further from the property
line than the current garage. The added open area that removal
off the garage would make as well as the sheds slightly closer to
the rear setback would enable more landscaping to the benefit of
everyone.