MILFORD — A proposal to build a nearly 2,800-square-foot home on a 3,200-square-foot lot in Bay View Beach hit a wall of neighbor opposition Tuesday night, with residents questioning whether the city has a plan to preserve the character of its beach communities.

The Zoning Board of Appeals ultimately kept the hearing open, asking the applicant to return next month with a scaled-back design.

Attorney Thomas Lynch appeared before the board on behalf of Exceptional Home Improvements LLC, seeking variances to construct a new single-family home at 6 Warren Drive. The project would replace a 660-square-foot cottage built in 1915 with a three-story structure featuring four bedrooms, a two-car garage, and a rear deck.

"This House Is a Monster"

Neighbors didn't hold back.

"There's no question — this is a monster," said Don of 12 Warren Drive, whose property abuts the lot. He noted the proposed home would come within just 1.8 feet of his property line at its closest point.

"You knew the size of that lot when you bought it. It's a tiny lot and this house is not a tiny house," Purset told the board.

Mark of Bay Shore Drive Extension questioned whether the hardship was "self-inflicted," since the applicant chose to propose something beyond what could be built by right.

"Don't transfer someone's hardship to a neighbor," he said. "Have a little more respect for people that have been here a long time."

"What Is the Plan for My Community?"

Perhaps the most pointed comments came from Paul Jocelyn of 7 Warren Drive, a 25-year Bay View resident who challenged the board directly.

"Is that what we want for Bay View, our beach community — just a wall of houses where you can't see between one and the other?" Jocelyn asked. "What do you guys want my town to look like? We, the citizens of Milford, have to live with the decisions that you make."

Board Signals Concerns

While acknowledging the proposed home meets height and lot coverage requirements, board members suggested modifications were needed.

"I personally do think the house is a little oversized," said board member Chris Wolf. "Maybe it could be dropped down 200 square feet to keep the neighbors happy."

Chairwoman Meg Ferrante noted the home would likely be valued around $1.5 million when complete, which "enhances the neighborhood." But she suggested eliminating the rear deck variance request and shortening the structure.

Lynch said his clients — who plan to live in the home themselves — are open to modifications.

The hearing will continue at the board's January meeting.

Other Business

In contrast to the contentious Warren Drive application, two other requests sailed through unanimously:

Holly Avenue expansion approved: 61-63 Holly Avenue received approval to expand second floor to create more space for his "soon to be two teenagers." The project, supported by four neighbors and the Borough of Woodmont, won't change the home's footprint.

Green Meadow Road porch OK'd: Approval for a modest 6-by-13-foot front porch at 109 Green Meadow Road. The board appreciated that he scaled down original plans to minimize the variance request.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meets monthly at City Hall. The next meeting is scheduled for January.