Kevin Neville seeks permit for two-story home on Brown Avenue

The Newburyport Zoning Board of Appeals convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss a significant special permit application that seeks to demolish an existing single-story home and replace it with a two-story structure. The proposal includes an upward extension of a nonconforming front yard setback and the addition of a farmer's porch, which has raised concerns among board members regarding neighborhood conformity.

Kevin Neville, the applicant and general contractor from Cobalt Development, presented the revised plans, emphasizing that the new design aims to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood, which primarily consists of ranch-style homes built in the 1960s. The existing home is currently set back 19.6 feet from the front property line, while the proposed porch would extend this to 14.6 feet, necessitating a request for a five-foot variance.

Neville highlighted that if the permit is not granted, the alternative would involve demolishing the entire structure and relocating it ten feet back on the lot, which he argued would lead to significant disruption in the neighborhood for approximately five weeks due to heavy construction activities. He noted that using the existing foundation would allow for a lower overall height of the new home, aligning better with the surrounding properties.

During the meeting, Neville reported positive feedback from some neighbors, including those directly adjacent to the property, who expressed support for the project. However, concerns were raised about the potential impact of the new driveway placement.

Board members engaged in deliberations, weighing the implications of the proposed encroachment on the front yard setback. While some members acknowledged the design's potential to enhance the neighborhood's character, others remained cautious about setting a precedent for future nonconformities.

Ultimately, the board's discussions underscored the delicate balance between individual property rights and community standards. The decision on the special permit will have lasting implications for the neighborhood's development and zoning integrity, with a vote expected in the coming weeks.