Board approves five-story, 48-unit project’s setback variance on oddly shaped lot

The Zoning Board approved a variance on Sept. 22 for a proposed five-story, 48-unit multifamily building at 181 East Hollis Street that would require a waiver from the 15-foot maximum front setback on East Hollis frontage due to an irregular, double-frontage lot.

Attorney Laura Gandandy presented the application on behalf of the owner and developer, describing the parcel as a 0.7-acre oddly shaped lot with 40 feet of frontage on East Hollis and a larger frontage on Crown Street. The project meets the 15-foot setback on Crown Street but would sit roughly 104 feet back from East Hollis; the applicant argued the configuration is the most efficient and safe site design for the intended transit-oriented development and that strict enforcement on both frontages would create unusual hardship.

The applicant cited the TOD district purpose and the 2004 East Hollis Street Area Plan’s emphasis on housing; counsel argued that constructing housing on an abandoned lot improves neighborhood character and property values. Board members agreed the lot shape and existing context made strict application impractical and voted to approve the variance; the project remains subject to planning-board site plan review and approvals.

No members of the public spoke in opposition at the hearing.