The Land Use Committee approved the following (see report and watch the meeting video):
- Further Extension of Nonconforming FAR at 15 York Road (Approved 7-0; Public Hearing Closed 7-0): Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to construct a single-story rear addition and an attached garage, further extending nonconforming FAR. No member of the public commented. Petition Documents Draft Council Order
- Increase Nonconforming FAR and Alter Second Story of a Detached Accessory Building at 6 Lowell Avenue (Approved 7-0; Public Hearing Closed 7-0): Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to alter the roofline for additional habitable space, increasing FAR. No member of the public spoke. Petition Documents Draft Council Order
- Allow Retaining Walls Exceeding Four Feet in Height and to Exceed FAR at 54-56 Indiana Terrace (Approved 4-1-2; Councilor Farrel Opposed, Councilors Block and Laredo Abstained; Public Hearing Closed 7-0): Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to allow retaining walls within the side setback and exceed FAR. “The committee supported including a condition that the landscaping plan needs to be signed off by a certified landscape architect.” Petition Documents Draft Council Order
- Allow a request to exceed FAR and to allow retaining walls exceeding four feet in height at 8 Everett Street to be withdrawn without prejudice (Approved 7-0). The Owner is pursuing a by-right option.
The Land Use Committee held the following:
- Request to Allow a Mix of Uses and Waive 41 Parking Stalls at 28-30 Riverdale Avenue (Held 7-0): Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to allow various uses and waive parking requirements.
- Request to allow a mix of for-profit education, personal instruction, non-accessory parking, wholesale bakery, vehicle storage and vehicle repair, sales and service and to waive 41 parking stalls at 28-30 Riverdale Avenue (Held 7-0) Neighbors were concerned about the amount of parking waived, Councilors wanted a better idea of what type of businesses would be in the mix. Councilors would like a neighborhood meeting or survey on the proposal. Petition Document
The Committee also reviewed an Inspectional Services Department Consistency Ruling for 275 Grove Street regarding an updated landscape plan to increase usable outdoor space and an outdoor patio. Two trees will be removed, and 1,000 square feet of impervious pavers will be added. Petitioners had concerns about using pervious pavers. Some Councilors thought the petitioners should have to go through a special permit process; one did not like the loss of trees; others thought it was consistent as long as pervious materials are used. Petition Document