Right Next Door

With the extremely limited number of open lots in Doylestown, developers are making use of every available space to construct new homes. This construction affects our friends, neighbors, and residents of Doylestown Borough. In my case, the problem is now exceptionally close to home.

This past Friday, I received a zoning hearing notice for a series of requested variances for the lot next to our property. The list of requested variances was foreboding: yard setbacks, floor area ratio, etc -- all indicators of yet another "out of place" home to be constructed on a small lot in Doylestown Borough.

I met with my neighbors on Saturday to understand their concerns and questions. There is almost universal interest in maintaining the character of our neighborhood. As candidate and citizen, I offered to research the Zoning Hearing Board application in greater detail.

Today, I visited Doylestown Borough Hall and submitted a formal written information request. The staff was prompt and the documentation was available in the early afternoon. Although I wasn't able to get a photocopy of the entire application, my cellphone camera proved useful for the architecture and survey information. Not surprisingly, the proposal described a large home for lot smaller than the size dictated by our zoning.



Based upon my review of the application, survey, and architecture drawings, I assembled a two-page document outlining the proposed sub-division. It is available for download here. With copies of the document distributed to my neighbors, we will be well-prepared for Wednesday's hearing.