The Council checked changes to the construction plans, including adjustments at the rear angle of the property and the garage, which was increased from 20 to 22 feet. These modifications aim to improve functionality, especially for the cabinet room. The most urgent problem, however, was the effects of new windows on the east facade, which could possibly overlook neighboring properties.
The council members expressed concerns about the size and placement of these windows and wondered whether they would hurt the privacy of neighboring houses. A member of the council emphasized that earlier plans had fewer windows and those who existed were positioned higher, which restricted the visibility in neighboring yards. The applicant was asked to clarify the window placements and their effects on privacy, especially with regard to the neighboring Swartz house.
In response to this, the applicant stated that the windows would be positioned in order to minimize direct vision lines into neighboring property, whereby landscaping plans including trees are intended for additional screening. However, the council remained careful and emphasized the need for clear visual obstacles to protect the privacy of the residents.
The meeting also touched the removal of a water tank and the associated evaluation plans that still pay for the approval. The council discussed the need to keep walls in order to effectively manage the landscape and to ensure compliance with urban requirements.
In the course of the meeting, the Council recognized the complexity of compensating for development needs with privacy of the community. The result of these discussions will influence the next steps for the proposed project. Further reviews are expected to tackle the highlighted problems before the final permits are granted.