A significant proposal for a property at 65 Clark Street took center stage during the Land Use Committee meeting on May 20, 2025, as owners Ritesh Kocher and Sanjay Desai sought special permits for a major renovation project. The plan includes converting the existing two-family dwelling into two condominiums, which requires adjustments to parking and the building's floor area ratio (FAR).

The owners are requesting to relocate the driveway and parking area from Clark Street to Cloverdale Road, which would place two of the four proposed parking stalls within three feet of the street and within the front setback. This change aims to improve access and safety, as the current configuration poses challenges for vehicles entering and exiting the property.

In addition to the parking adjustments, the proposal includes a two-and-a-half-story rear addition that would increase the FAR from 0.49 to 0.6, exceeding the maximum allowed ratio of 0.5. The planning department highlighted that the site is located in a primarily residential area, and the proposed changes have received approval from the Newton Historic Commission.

Committee members are tasked with evaluating whether the new parking arrangement and increased FAR are appropriate for the neighborhood and do not create hazards for pedestrians or vehicles. The discussion underscored the importance of balancing development needs with community safety and aesthetics. The committee's decision on this request could set a precedent for similar projects in the area, making it a pivotal moment for local land use policy.