ZBA tables developer’s 12‑unit Durfee Street plan for redesign and review

Attorney Peter Salino told the board he represents Dillon Estates on the River LLC and that the proposal for 422 Durfee Street (replacing a three‑family) would create a five‑story, 12‑unit building with 12 parking spaces. The petitioner requested multiple waivers — setbacks, lot coverage (proposed 82% vs. 80% district limit), reduced parking (requested reduction from 18 to 12), and elimination of a loading space.

Board members and planning staff questioned whether the site could support 12 units under WTOD parking standards (1.5 spaces per unit in the district) and suggested an 8‑unit design might be achievable without so many waivers. The board expressed concern about lot jamming, high lot coverage and the topography that constrains parking layouts.

Given the substantive design issues and the petitioner’s request for time to redesign and respond to questions, counsel moved to table the petition to the August meeting. The motion passed on roll call.