ZBA denies variance for two‑family home at 0 Augusta Street

The Zoning Board voted July 16 to deny a request to allow a two‑family dwelling on a 5,055‑sq‑ft lot at 0 Augusta Street.

Attorney Peter Salino presented the petition and said the applicant proposed six off‑street parking spaces and a plan with 55.5% lot coverage; he argued the lot size creates a hardship. Planning director Daniel Agie reminded the board that recent zoning changes reduced A2 lot‑area requirements and that these changes were intended to allow single‑family construction on smaller parcels without needing variances.

Board members debated whether the proposal effectively sought to undo prior policy changes and make exceptions to the revised rules. A motion to deny the variance passed by roll call (majority yes, one no), and the board denied the petition as presented.