SWAMPSCOTT — The Planning Board voted unanimously to approve a request for a site-plan special permit for the construction of a two-story addition to a home on Barnstable Street at its meeting Monday night.
Residents Emily and Matt Barron made their proposal, citing the need to accommodate their young son, who has physical disabilities.
Matt Barron described the potential space as 967 square feet, with a featured addition of a first-floor bedroom for his son so that he does not have to go up and down the stairs. He envisions the bedroom to be large enough to accommodate necessary equipment, such as a wheelchair and walker. Another feature of the proposed addition is a two-car garage.
“The addition itself is traversing our current driveway,” Matt Barron explained. “So, we are for all intents and purposes eliminating the driveway in exchange for the garage.”
He added that the garage would include a space that he called Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant, including 5 feet of clearance on one side of the garage and a ramp.
“We’re not really sure how his mobility is going to be affected as he grows,” Matt Barron said.
The pair were joined by multiple neighbors who came in support of their proposal. Board member Jer Jurma suggested not having the garage extend all the way out to the street, as he felt it would help give the child more mobility.
“It would give you a little more driveway,” Jurma said. “I’m just thinking as you go forward and you’re trying to get these dimensions approved.”
Board member Angela Ippolito expressed her full support for the Barrons and their plan.
“Not only would I support you in granting this permit, but I would go to the Zoning Board meeting and speak in your favor that you get the dimensional relief that you need,” Ippolito said.
