Board of Appeals Continues Meriam Street Garage Variance to August 13

Board of Appeals · Meeting of July 23, 2026

Lexington Board of Appeals continues a Meriam Street garage variance after a straw vote fell short. Chair Ralph D. Clifford and members Norman P.

Cohen, Nyles N. Barnert, James A. Osten and Jennifer L.

Wilson heard from applicant representative Tim Svarczkopf on a request to place a two-car garage just 0.3 feet from the required Hayes Street setback, citing exposed ledge and limited drainage soil on the corner lot. Wilson said she "wouldn't support it now because I think there's room to move the garage," while Cohen said the board is applying "a new statute tonight" for the first time on the self-created-hardship question. After the straw vote showed only two firm yes votes short of the four needed, the board voted 5-0 to reopen the hearing and granted a continuance to August 13, 2026, so homeowners Bridger McGraw and McClain Howarth can redesign the structure farther from the street.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 1,984 words

Source: the Board of Appeals meeting of July 23, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.