ZBA Hearing - May 7, 2025

Furthermore, this property is within the fifth overlay, which prohibits the use of bonuses for additional density.

The board may consider that a bill to reconsider or remove that restriction was just introduced last week in council at the request of the current administration,

who was quite vocally in support of encouraging additional density, particularly on a lot like

this, which is already flanked by similar multifamily development. Furthermore, this is

not a unique request, as the board just heard and granted a very similar request at 2104 North

Franklin Street, just a few properties away, similarly requesting that third unit. That

permit is up on your screen shown at Exhibit 10. Similarly, the board heard and granted another

case on this block at 2100 Franklin Street, that one for seven units. While the applicant submits

that a hardship exists given the unique character of the lot and the dense multifamily character of

this area, the applicant also submits that the board is not required to find hardship in a case

where the request is de minimis, as it is here at only an 89-square-foot deficiency.

That means the lot is short less than 10%.

Given the current economic conditions, particularly in light of the multifamily market in this

immediate neighborhood, erecting a structure for just two units is not feasible.

As I mentioned, my client does own many other properties in this neighborhood and can speak

more thoroughly to the current conditions of the market and neighborhood if the board desires

further context. However, since it is a de minimis request, we will not elaborate unless desired.

Finally, we submit the number of proposed units is the least minimum in light of all the

aforementioned reasons, as well as in consideration of the proposed interior layout of the structure.

This proposal represents the antithesis of overcrowding, given the conditions of this block

that are ripe for added density without the risk of overcrowding. Absent the overlay, this density

would be by right and is consistent with density often supported around the city on lots of equal

dimensions. We submit that the proposal will not increase congestion, harm neighbors' properties,

or impair light and air, the structure is designed to the maximum extent to be visually

consistent with the block, which is somewhat difficult given that there is no unique character

of this block and the aesthetic conditions of the structures. As always, we have included

more detailed analysis in the memo of law that's submitted to the board at Exhibit 13,

and I'm happy to touch on any point in more detail.

I would ask if the administrator could find Dennis Schifrin and unmute him.

Dennis Schifrin has been unmuted and allowed to speak.

Are you able to hear me?

I can.

Sir, could you please state your name and spell for the stenographer?

Dennis Schifrin, first name D-E-N-N-I-S,

last name shifrin s-h-i-f-r-i-n swear or affirm to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing

but the truth i do please proceed counsel thank you dennis have you heard all the testimony and

evidence that i had all that i offered in front of the board this evening i have and would you

i have and would you agree that that testimony was true and accurate and would you adopt it as

agree that that testimony was true and accurate and

We'll be right back.

if you had given it yourself i would agree and yes i would adopt it as my own thank you we're

happy to answer any questions questions from the board questions or comments from our attorney

i just wanted to note for miss furliger we did receive the tax information thank you very much

Questions or comments from the virtual audience?

I see no hands, Chair.

Thank you.

Planning Commission.

Madison Matera, Planning Commission staff.

The comprehensive plan recommends no change to the RM1 residential multifamily zoning at this location.

The appellant has shown that there are unique physical conditions or circumstances of this property that would prevent it from being used in conformance with the zoning code.

Planning Commission recommends the board grant the requested variance for three dwelling units.

Okay, thank you.

MI 2024-007-485-2146 North Franklin Street, I vote yes.

Michael Johns, my vote is yes.

Cheryl Gaston, my vote is yes.

Tanetta Graham, my vote is yes.

Ioann, my vote is yes.

Noshahi, my vote is yes.

Thank you, counsel.

Thank you so much, and good night.

Good night.

Is there anyone in the 330 list whose case has not been called?

all right so i want to thank you i want to thank everybody but we really did finish that large case

today and there was times i was pulling my hair out trying to figure if we want to get it done

but we did get it done and i appreciate everybody in that i appreciate the people here who

stay every week late with us and we we appreciate what you do and i see you in the back there bill

and I was so we do appreciate what you do and our planning person thank you today we appreciate it

you're working out well so thanks everybody do we what next Tuesday do we meet next Tuesday no oh