The Land Use Committee approved the following (see report and watch the meeting video):
- Extension of Time to Exercise Special Permit #416-22 at 39 Floral Street: Approved 7-0; Celia Ivanov petitioned for an extension to October 3, 2025, for the construction of an attached garage with living space above, further extending the nonconforming front setback and reducing the nonconforming open space at 39 Floral Street. Petition Documents
- Amendment to Special Permit #302-21 at 386-394 Watertown Street: Approved 7-0; Public Hearing Closed. John L. Mula petitioned to reconfigure the parking facility and reduce the number of stalls, eliminating below-grade parking and providing 14 parking stalls. No members of the public spoke at the hearing. Petition Documents Draft Council Order
- Allow ground floor residential use, and exceed by right height and stories at 340 River Street and 76 Lexington Street: Approved 7-0; Public Hearing Closed. 340 River Street Realty Trust petitioned to demolish existing structures, combine lots into one 10,578 square foot lot, and construct four residential dwelling units in one building consisting of three stories and greater than 24 feet in height. Petition Documents Draft Council Order
- Amendment to Special Permit #240-23 to alter the nonconforming front setback at 290 Watertown Street: Approved 6-1 (Councilor Farrell opposed); Public Hearing Closed. 290 Watertown St LLC petitioned to further extend the nonconforming front setback and allow the relocation of the building toward the street, converting three garage stalls to carports. Neighbors raised concerns about the height of the building. Petition Documents Draft Council Order
The committee held the following items:
- Extension of nonconforming two-family dwelling use at 52-54 Hatfield Road: Held 7-0; James and Ana Morse petitioned to extend the nonconforming front setback and allow a three-story structure by constructing a detached garage, enclosing rear porches, constructing a covered front porch, and raising the roof. Five neighbors spoke of concerns about work being done without appropriate permits, height of third floor and increased traffic. Item was held for the petitioner to speak with abutters and the Inspectional Services Department. Petition Documents
- Review of Unspent Mitigation Funds: Held 7-0. Multiple Councilors requested a discussion regarding the status of all designated but unspent mitigation funds received by the City, including their intended uses and anticipated expenditure dates.