The Land Use Committee met on Tuesday, July 21. See the report and meeting video.
Approved
- Special permit to raze and rebuild at 1100-1102 Beacon Street — 6-2 (Councilors Block and Lucas opposed). Approved a three-story building with four residential units, up to 36 feet in height, and a waiver of three parking stalls. The petitioner dropped the earlier live/work proposal in favor of all-residential use. Debate centered on the parking waiver, with several councilors opposing it because the three-bedroom units may house families and may not be amenable to a car-light lifestyle. The site has been vacent for 5 to 6 years. Petition documents. Draft Council Order.
- Special permit to construct rear and side additions at 33 Aspen Avenue — 7-1 (Councilor Roche opposed). Approved additions adding 1,407 square feet, increasing FAR from .27 to .41 (where .34 is the maximum), including an attached two-car garage, mudroom, kitchen, and expanded primary suite. Neighbors expressed support for the design. The Newton Historical Commission unanimously approved the design. Petition documents. Draft Council Order.
Held (Public Hearing Continued)
- Special permit to demolish and rebuild a two-family dwelling at 22-24 Mechanic Street — 8-0. The request to exceed the maximum FAR (.65 proposed vs. .55) and the façade ratio (81% proposed vs. 60%) raised concerns; 81% is the largest façade-ratio relief the committee has seen. The Chair suggested the petitioner consider a single-family house, narrower or smaller units, or a variance through the Zoning Board of Appeals. Petition documents.
Present: Councilors Kelley (Chair), Leary, Irish, Block, Farrell, Lucas, Golden, and Roche.
Also present: Councilors Wright, Malakie, and Dahmubed.
City staff: Sondria Berman, Senior Planner; Jonah Temple, Deputy City Solicitor; Zach Melcher, Senior Planner; Cat Kemmett, Deputy Chief Planner.