Zoning board approves four-unit development on construction lot

This Tuesday, the Zoning Board of Appeals approved the construction of four townhouses on a lot at 20 Williams St. 

The developer, Robert Kaitz, requested variances to allow for increased density — which as written would only allow him to request enough density from City Council to construct approximately 2.7 units — and for a decrease in side yard setback requirements so that the building’s back staircase can extend into the setback.

The lot has been used by Kaitz as part of a construction and storage yard since 1993. Kaitz’s attorney told the board that the lot housed a two-family residence until 1940.

Filing documents for Kaitz’s case justify the increased density request on the basis of the lot’s uneven dimensions, which limit its size. Kaitz’s attorney further told the ZBA that previous board members approved a similar set of variances for a four-residence development in 2003, which Kaitz didn’t pursue for economic reasons. Kaitz also told the board that he has received verbal approval for the proposed development from his neighbors.

The board voted 4–1 to grant the petition. ZBA associate member Sarah Hankins voted against it, telling the petitioner that she didn’t see a need to allow four units rather than two on the lot.

Kaitz will still have to apply to City Council for special permits for the project’s increased lot density and floor-area ratio before beginning construction.

Other cases

The board was also scheduled to hear two other cases this week: the continuing case of 245–265 Winter St. and a petition from a private family home.

The Winter St. case is a pair of apartment buildings proposed under Chapter 40B of the state’s general law allowing residential developments in a non-residentially zoned part of the city. The project has met with pushback from neighbors and some city officials concerned about the effects the development might have on traffic, sewage, local schools, and other infrastructure in the context of other recently built or proposed developments in the area.

The case was originally supposed to be heard at the Tuesday ZBA meeting, but because one of the board members hearing the case was unable to attend, the developer requested a continuance on the case. Board members agreed to postpone the next section of the public hearing until Oct. 28.

The board on Tuesday also unanimously granted a side yard setback variance to Graham Dimmock and Lynsey Kraemeran. This variance would permit them to add an otherwise by-right second floor to their private home at 121 Summit St. despite the fact that two-story buildings in their neighborhood require a setback 0.35 feet larger than the one on their lot.