Neighbors support replacing condemned house at 46 Bates Ave but raise drainage and tree-preservation concerns; hearing continued to Jan. 14

Attorney Patrick Foley opened the Dec. 17 hearing for 46 Bates Ave (plan board case 2020-518), describing the existing single-family structure as boarded and in disrepair and presenting a proposal to demolish the house and construct three townhouse-style units with nine parking spaces and landscaping.

"My client sincerely wants to clean up this area," Foley told the board, saying the revised three-unit proposal followed planning feedback that a four-unit scheme was too dense for the 7,300-square-foot lot in Residence B zoning.

Architect Brian Saluti described each unit as a two-bedroom, two-bath townhome with garage and driveway parking. He said the project steps down the slope from Bates Ave to California Ave and provides space for snow storage and landscaping. Saluti added that attic space would be provided as unfinished storage.

Multiple neighbors spoke in support. Jack Donahue, who lives across California Ave, described the existing house as a longstanding neighborhood problem and praised the project: "That house that is there now was a living nightmare," Donahue said, urging the board to require trees and careful attention to neighborhood restoration.

Staff read two letters of support into the record from Mary and Richard Myrna and from Joseph Bridal, both urging approval and describing the project as a positive investment. The applicants said they will include sprinklers, provide landscaping and look for opportunities to save a front-tree identified by neighbors.

Several residents raised questions about drainage. An unidentified speaker who said he was an electrician and members of the board asked applicants to supply full stormwater calculations; the applicant acknowledged a stormwater report had been filed and the department said it would post reviews and independent engineer comments on the city website. The board voted to continue the hearing to Jan. 14, 2026 so the applicant's engineer can appear and provide the required calculations and responses.