The Land Use Committee Approved (see report and watch the meeting video) :
- 25 Freeman Street (5-0-1, Councilor Block not voting) to exceed FAR for a second-story addition over the garage, along with a small footprint addition to create an ADU for a family member; Planning supported the request as consistent with the neighborhood scale and mainly within the existing footprint. Petition Documents Draft Council Order
- 163 Lincoln Street (5-0-1, Councilor Block not voting) to extend a nonconforming height for a two-story rear addition that technically increases the nonconforming height by ~2 inches (from ~38.7′ to ~38.9′). The addition is for improving accessibility for aging family members and is compliant with other zoning metrics and minimally visible from the street. Petition Documents Draft Council Order
- 157 Baldpate Hill Road (6-0) to amended approval to allow a retaining wall over four feet and a small increase in nonconforming lot coverage due to challenging topography; Planning confirmed the wall is necessary for site stability. Petition Documents Draft Council Order
- 288 Walnut Street (6-0) for a daycare expansion to 80 students and 13 staff with an additional waiver of five required on-site parking stalls (ten total waived), paired with a parking management plan (staggered windows, staff monitoring, direction to metered parking). Neighbors expressed support for the daycare, but some had concerns over the parking plan. Petition Documents Draft Council Order
The Land Use Committee Held the following:
- 65 Clark Street (5-0-1, Councilor Block not voting) to allow submission of a revised tree plan; councilors sought clarity on removals, species, and placements associated with the FAR increase and revised driveway/parking configuration. Two neighbors spoke in favor of the project. Petition Documents
- 667–673 Boylston Street (6-0) to wait for an updated, accurate site plan showing proposed wall configurations (including <4′ walls); public hearing remains open. Petition Documents
Attendees: Committee Councilors Lucas (co-chair), Block, Farrell, Leary, Laredo, and Lobovits; Councilors Malakie, Lipof, and Wright; Deputy Chief Planner Cat Kemmett; Planning Associate Sondria Berman; and Senior Assistant City Solicitor Andrew Lee. Committee Councilors Downs and Kelley were absent.
