The Land Use Committee met on Tuesday, May 19. See the report and meeting video.
Approved
- Request to extend nonconforming Floor Area Ratio (FAR) at 222 Winslow Road to add an attached three car garage and Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) — 7-0 -1 (Councilor Golden Not Voting). The petition requested a special permit to raze the detached garage and construct an attached three-car garage with an internal ADU above, exceeding FAR from .36 to .48 (maximum allowed: .36). The proposed ADU will connect to the house through an existing mudroom. The garage will feature a single door divided into three panels with an 18-foot opening. Petitioner stated that the project had been favorably discussed with abutters. Multiple councilors encouraged the petitioners to obtain letters of support from neighbors for future projects as evidence of support. Petition documents Council order
- Request to extend nonconforming FAR at 38 Morseland Avenue to add a rear and second-story addition — 6-1-1 (Councilor Roche Opposed, Councilor Golden Not Voting). The petition requested a special permit to construct a rear addition and a second-story addition within the existing footprint, increasing the nonconforming FAR from .40 to .48 (maximum: .39). The additions total approximately 721 square feet, including a primary suite with bedroom, closet, bathroom, and laundry room. One councilor opposed the petition for lack of a compelling reason to exceed FAR and failure to meet housing or climate objectives. Multiple councilors stated that they would have liked to hear comments from neighbors. Petition documents Council order
- Request for a special permit to exceed FAR and residential façade ratio, allow three stories, extend a nonconforming front setback, allow a retaining wall over four feet, and to alter nonconforming parking at 91-93 Newtonville Avenue — Approved Subject to Second Call 8-0. The petition requested relief for FAR (.88 proposed vs. .58 maximum), residential façade ratio (62.7% vs. 60% maximum), to allow three stories, to allow a retaining wall over four feet, and to alter nonconforming parking and front setback to construct a new two-family dwelling. Though the structure will be three stories, it will appear to be two stories from the street. Each unit will have one parking space. The previous building on the lot was raised before the petitioners purchased it. The committee approved, subject to a second call, pending petitioners’ submission of a landscape plan, a plan for the deck and stairs, and more information on retaining wall materials. Petition documents Council order
- Request to further extend FAR at 54 Bonad Road for a 2.5-story rear addition— 7-1 (Councilor Roche Opposed). The petition requested a special permit to construct a 2.5-story rear addition, increasing the nonconforming FAR from .38 to .51 (maximum: .36), adding 1,555 square feet to the dwelling. The first floor of the addition is for a mudroom, and the second floor is for an office, with stairs to a main bedroom suite with a bathroom and closet in the attic. One councilor voted no for lack of a proper rationale for relief. Petition documents Council order
- Request to exceed FAR and facade ratio at 5 Rose Drive for a second-story addition — 8-0. The petition requested a special permit to construct a second story addition within the existing footprint, increasing FAR from .30 to .57 (maximum: .48) and façade ratio to 67% (maximum: 60%). No changes to the building footprint or site plan are proposed. Neighbors at 31 and 10 Rose Drive voiced support. One councilor noted that the addition would remove the home’s natural affordability but found it acceptable; he also suggested adding more windows. Petition documents Council order
Present: Councilors Kelley (Chair), Leary, Irish, Block, Farrell, Golden, Lucas, and Roche.
Also present: Councilors Wright and Malakie.
City staff: Sondria Berman, Senior Planner; Andrew Lee, Assistant City Solicitor; Cat Kemmett, Deputy Chief Planner; Zach Melcher, Planning Associate.