The board approved a mixed-use residential project at 34 State Street with five parking and floor-area variances, citing minimal visual impact from new renderings. A front-stair rebuild at 8 Jenkins Court also passed 5-0 because it reduces the existing nonconforming footprint—called the 'gold standard' by the chair. The board adjourned 42 Eastern Avenue's addition proposal, citing concerns about doubling livable square footage and impervious surface coverage at 57.6% (30% allowed); the applicant was asked to explore driveway conversion to pervious material. A three-family house expansion in a two-family zone was adjourned for applicant absence.
Meeting outcomes
- 34 State Street residential mixed-use project approved 5-0 with five variances: livable floor area (730 to 652 sq ft), height (4 to 6 stories, 48 to 53 feet), parking space width (9 to 8minimal' based on new perspective renderings from the west.
- 8 Jenkins Court front stairs approved 5-0; project reduces nonconforming footprint from 3.8 feet to 6.6 feet from property line while also moving retaining walls inside the lot line, with upgraded materials and a darker stone finish.
- 42 Eastern Avenue addition adjourned; applicant seeking variances for impervious surface coverage (57.6% vs. 30% allowed), building coverage, front yard setback (1.5 ft), and side yard setbacks on a single-family home that would nearly double in livable square footage; board concerned about self-created hardship and added porches on both front and rear, and asked applicant to submit revised plans converting existing asphalt driveway to pervious material (pavers or similar).
- 28-30 Havell Street adjourned due to applicant absence; variance to extend three-family house (in two-family district) by adding basement livable space beyond the 10% threshold; on adjourned calendar and applicant must appear or risk dismissal.