ZBA continues hearing on 85–87 Boston Ave after neighbors raise scale, parking and access concerns

The Zoning Board of Appeals continued the hearing for a proposal at 85 and 87 Boston Avenue on June 2 after extensive public comment raising concerns about scale, on‑street parking, driveway and retaining wall changes, stormwater and neighborhood impacts.

Why it matters: The proposal would add four units to an existing two‑family at 85 Boston Avenue and use a long rear access driveway that runs between 85 and 87 Boston Avenue; neighbors said the increased traffic, existing flooding and the size of the addition could significantly affect the neighborhood.

Applicant Donald O'Neil and project team described a plan to add four units behind the existing building and provide parking in the rear via a shared driveway; they said the owner acquired adjacent holdings to secure access and intends limited site lighting and screening. Chief planner Victor Panak summarized zoning relief needed: a special permit for multi‑family use in the RL‑7 district at 87 Boston Avenue and special permits for parking dimensional relief (reduced landscape buffer for parking facilities and curb cut width), plus a request for one fewer parking space than required.

Multiple neighbors spoke in opposition, citing concerns about loss of privacy, added vehicles and noise, routine flooding in basements, and the scale of the proposed development. The mayor and a city councilor also asked for a neighborhood meeting and urged more time for community discussion. Board members suggested a continuation so the applicant can meet with neighbors and possibly refine the plan; the applicant requested and the board granted a continuance to June 23, with a constructive deadline of July 14.

Ending: The applicant will meet with planning staff and neighbors and return on June 23; neighbors were advised to check with the planning division for confirmation before the next hearing.