Zoning Board of Appeal - 2026-02-24

Approved demolition of existing one-story commercial building and construction of new six-story mixed-use building with 19 two-bedroom condominium units (homeownership), ground floor Dunkin' Donuts retail, and 17 parking spaces. Three affordable homeownership units included. Developer: Tim (property owner). Approved by BPDA in August.

Approved modification to increase unit count from 33 to 35 rental units in previously approved multifamily residential project. Internal reconfiguration only with no changes to building exterior or zoning envelope. Original approval September 2023.

Approved modification reducing building from seven to six stories (82 feet to 68 feet), lowering FAR, changing from 66 condo units to 65 rental units. Developer: Joe Federico. On-site IDP units increased from 3 to 8 at 70% AMI.

Approved two new structures (Market Barn and retail greenhouse) at Allendale Farm to replace aging structures. Conditional use permit required as retail and agriculture forbidden under JP Neighborhood District despite property being named for the farm. Applicant: Allendale Farm (Helen Glotzer, President/CEO).

Approved conditional use permit for New Growth LLC for marijuana delivery operation (direct delivery to consumers only, no on-site sales). Variance granted for buffer requirement to schools based on impassable barriers (train track and brook). Social equity applicant. Owners: Caleb Mathis and Moa Taha.

Approved subdivision of existing lot to develop new three-family residential building at 11 Mountain Avenue. Three units with four bedrooms and two bathrooms each, rental units. Two parking spaces at rear. Variances for front yard and side yard.

Approved expansion of 1st floor living space into basements at four companion properties: 101, 103, 100, and 107 School Street. Adding one unit to each building (total 4 additional units). Applicant: Michael Cohen. Architect: Timothy Burke.

Approved subdivision and rehabilitation of seven-unit property by Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing Services. Converting speculative student housing to 100% affordable rental housing at 30% AMI. Deep energy retrofit, electrification, new handicap accessible unit. Parking reduced from 11 to 7 spaces.

Approved six-story addition to rear of existing 24-unit apartment building, adding 71 units for total of 95 apartments. Seven parking spaces, 86 bicycle spaces, amenity space and roof deck. 12 of 71 new units affordable at 60% AMI. Article 80 project approved by BPDA November 2025.

Approved change of occupancy from three-family to four-family dwelling by legalizing existing garden level unit. Unit approximately 993 square feet, two bedrooms. Full walkout in rear due to grade change. Owner: Mister Ordway (purchased over 20 years ago).

Approved adding one unit to each of four attached buildings (96, 98, 100, 102 Winthrop Street) by utilizing existing attic space. Total of four additional units. Buildings to be fully sprinklered with second means of egress. Applicant: Jimmy Zhu. Architect: Eric Zacherson.

Denied request to modify previously approved plan to allow front yard parking instead of rear parking. Planning department opposed as they never support front yard parking and it triggers new zoning violation requiring new hearing.

Approved legalization of preexisting nonconformity for Shirley Eustace House (1747 colonial governor's mansion) as museum with one residential unit and no off-street parking. Property operated by Shirley Eustace House Association for over 100 years.

Approved change of use from two-family to three-family by converting existing finished 3rd floor attic space to separate dwelling unit. Oversized lot (6,000 sq ft in 5,000 sq ft district). Small dormer added for head height. Owners: Paul Selu and wife.

Approved approximately 350 square foot addition off back of house for owners Rita Maxwell and Jennifer. Addition for aging-in-place bedroom. Five children in blended family.

Board upheld ISD's issuance of permit for 16-car garage at 46-47 Beacon Street. Appellants (Leans and Wards of Spruce Court) challenged permit citing traffic maneuverability concerns and zoning code section 23-9e. Board found ISD correctly issued as-of-right permit for precode structure.

Approved curb cut for existing paved driveway at 9 Bachelder Street. Previous owner built driveway but never completed curb cut. Owner: Doctor Morris (purchased 2023).

Approved removal of old proviso for Viva Taco Corp at 378 Letter A Center Street, Jamaica Plain. Owner: Nolbert Salguero.

Approved legalization of existing garage built without proper permits. Owner: Rafael Ponds. Representative: Ivan Morocho Fernandez.