The zoning board of appeals set a public hearing for two variances required for a project that would convert a former Chestnut Street car dealership into six residential units.

Tuesday afternoon the board held a preliminary hearing on the request for variances that would allow the removal of more than 30 percent of the trees on the property within a 10-year period and set aside the minimum lot size requirements for the six units.

The plan, submitted by Don Feinberg and Wendy Littlefield, would convert the existing structure into six townhouses that are individually deeded single-family residences with shared open space and parking.

ZBA chairwoman Susan Snell, an architect, is working with Feinberg and Littlefield and recused herself from the board's review of the project.

The zoning law requires that single family dwellings in that residential zone have a lot size of at least 5,000 square feet. The property at 10 Chestnut Street totals 18,650 square feet which, when divided by six means each townhouse would have a lot just over 3,000 square feet.

Snell told zoning board members that the planning board will be reviewing the project as a cluster development, but that it required more property or a variance. With a cluster development, the planning board has more leeway to vary the set back requirements, she said.

Littlefield said the project would return the property to a residential use. "It's a pretty situation that has been unpretty for a long time, she said.

According to application documents, there are 18 trees on the property that are six inches or greater in diameter. Many of them are at the rear and side of the property. Five of them are within three feet of the building and should be removed. "There are very few quality trees," Snell said.

The public hearing on the two variances will be held during the ZBA's next meeting on Tuesday, May 4, in the village meeting room.