ZBA tables contentious South Main subdivision after abutter disputes and site-work concerns

The Zoning Board of Appeals on July 17 voted to table consideration of a proposed five‑lot subdivision and new multifamily buildings behind 2573–2589 South Main Street after strong opposition from abutters and questions about recent unpermitted site activity.
Attorney Peter Salino presented a plan that would split two existing multi‑family properties into five lots, with two proposed triplexes and a duplex at the rear lots. The plan included a single shared driveway entering from South Main and parking areas adjacent to the existing buildings.
Why it matters: neighbors raised immediate public-safety issues, claiming that recent work on the property included a precast concrete retaining wall, relocation of an old fence and drainage changes that they say have blocked an existing fire‑access route and worsened runoff onto neighboring yards. Several abutters said they had not been properly notified of on-site activity and that the work had interfered with preexisting rights of way.
Board response and action: ZBA members said the outcry included matters outside the board’s immediate zoning review (property boundary disputes, alleged code enforcement violations), and the applicant agreed to a continuance. The board unanimously voted to table the application to the next regular meeting so abutters, the applicant and city staff can resolve or clarify boundaries, outstanding site work and to allow full engineering documentation to be submitted.
Next steps: the petition will return to the ZBA on August 21 (next meeting) with a revised plan; the board advised that site-plan review and building‑department enforcement (if any unpermitted work occurred) are likely to be part of the follow-up. Several neighbors were urged to pursue civil remedies or code-enforcement channels for alleged property-line encroachments; the board said it lacked authority to adjudicate property-title disputes at the hearing.
Public safety note: multiple residents said narrow, existing driveways and new block walls would hinder fire-department access; the board noted that Fire Department sign-off is required during site-plan review and before any building permits issue.