The Land Use Committee voted to Approve (see Report and watch the meeting Video):
- Request to extend the Time to Exercise Special Permit #89-23 at 49 Lenox Street (7-0) to raise the roof ridgeline and construct a two-story addition on both sides of the dwelling.
- Request to allow oversized dormers and to further extend nonconforming FAR at 45 Bishopsgate Road (7-0) for oversized dormers. No one spoke at the public hearing. It was noted that it is not uncommon for undersized lots to have legally nonconforming FAR. Petition Documents. Draft Council Order
- Request to extend the nonconforming two-family dwelling use, to extend the nonconforming front setback and to allow an oversized dormer at 12-14 Stoneleigh Road (7-0) The plan would further extend the nonconforming two-family dwelling use in a single residence zone. No one spoke at the public hearing. Petitioners said the neighbors supported the plan. Petition Documents. Draft Council Order
- Request to amend Special Permit #392-22 at 120-126 Norwood Avenue (4-3 Councilor Downs, Leary, and Lobovits Opposed) to allow additional parking on the site. The amendment will allow 8 cars to be parked on-site, increasing impervious pavement by 1,100 square feet. The petitioner has submitted paperwork to use permeable pavers. The Public and the Land Use Committee were in favor of reduced parking. Four EV chargers will be installed. Public comments and Councilors were mixed on the proposal. Several noted the development was near transit and more parking would increase traffic. Petition Documents. Draft Council Order
The Land Use Committee voted to Hold:
- Request to amend Special Permit #240-23 to alter the nonconforming front setback at 290 Watertown Street by moving the building forward 3 feet at the request of an abutter (6-1, Councilor Lobovits opposed) A neighbor spoke at the public hearing with concerns about blocked views and drainage. Councilor and neighbors had varying concerns. The Committee requested the petitioner meet with the abutter requesting to move to see if the amendment should “move forward.” Petition Documents
- Request to allow three attached single-family dwellings in two buildings and associated parking waivers at 56 Chapel Street (7-0) “The existing dwelling will be razed and has gone through the historic process.” One person spoke in favor at the public hearing. Councilors had questions on parking and how the dwellings would look in a manufacturing zone. Petition Documents
- Request to allow a retaining wall exceeding four feet in height in a setback and to exceed FAR at 54-56 Indiana Terrace (7-0) The 14-foot retaining wall has been built, and petitioners are asking for “relief after the fact.” One neighbor spoke in opposition to the ‘too big’ project. The builder noted the project has been on hold since spring waiting for the special permit to be approved. Public hearing to be continued. Petition Documents