Zoning Board of Appeal

The City of Boston Zoning Board of Appeal hearing was held on July 28, 2026, at 9:30 AM via the Zoom webinar platform. Board Members Present: Norm Stembridge, Giovanny Valencia, Shamaiah Turner, Hansy Better Barraza, Jeanne Pinado, and David Collins.

The Board took the following administrative actions: * Minutes: The minutes from the July 14, 2026, hearing were approved unanimously. * Extensions: The Board unanimously granted extensions for the following cases: BOA 149-4349 (2 Dexter Rowe), BOA 948352 (11 Heron Street), BOA 948354 (26 Heron Street), BOA-1332592 (19 Woodville Street), BOA 163-2235 (250 Siebel Street), BOA 1593053 (156 Wellington Street), and BOA 1593050 (88 Geneva Avenue).

The Board unanimously approved the following recommendations from the subcommittee, all subject to BPDA design review: * BOA 1850866 (85 Everett Street) * BOA 1819861 (203 Falkland Street) * BOA-1839249 (59H to 59 Washington Street) * BOA 1860034 and BOA 0029 (478-484 West Broadway) * BOA 1857382 (394 Geneva Avenue) * BOA 1715115 (655 William T. Morrissey Blvd) * BOA 185-5992 (163 Beach Street) * BOA 185-1194 (16 High Rock Way)

The Board considered a building code violation regarding Unit 1 of the 46 Mystic Street Condominium, where utility access for other units requires passage through Unit 1. Attorney Richard Lenz argued the condition has existed since the 2003 conversion and that relocating utilities would be an exorbitant financial burden. * Decision: A motion to deny the relief failed. A subsequent motion to approve the relief with the proviso that the violation must be corrected upon the 'substantial renovation of Unit 1' passed unanimously.

Attorney Charlie Tettman presented a proposal to construct three separate two-unit dwellings on a 15,876 square foot lot previously owned by Cedar Grove Cemetery. The project includes six units total, each with two bedrooms. * Public Testimony: The Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) and Councilor John Fitzgerald's office deferred to the Board, noting community concerns regarding density and parking. * Decision: The Board approved the project with a proviso for site planning design review with the BPDA to reduce parking from 12 spaces to 8 and increase open space.

Attorney Joe Hanley presented an Article 80 office-to-residential conversion project for two combined historic buildings. The project includes 145 residential units (46 studios, 76 one-bedrooms, 23 two-bedrooms) and 7,500 square feet of retail space. * Affordability: 25 units (17%) will be income-restricted at approximately 60% AMI. * Decision: The Board unanimously approved the project, noting its contribution to the city's housing goals and adaptive reuse of vacant office space.

Attorney Derek Small presented a proposal to change the occupancy of a one-story building to a retail bakery and five residential units, including two triplexes. * Public Testimony: ONS reported significant community opposition from the North End Waterfront Residents Association (NEWRA) regarding massing and density, while the North End Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) and several abutters supported the project. * Decision: The Board approved the project with a proviso for BPDA design review of the exterior elevations, head houses, and deck locations.

Attorney Richard Lenz proposed a single six-unit residential building on a 5,000 square foot lot. The design includes a mix of two and three-bedroom units. * Decision: The Board approved the project with provisos for BPDA design review of the exterior and the interior layout to optimize light and air for the rear units.

The Board approved the following residential projects: * 516 Harvard Street (BOA 1827377): Conversion from 3-family to 4-family. * 32 Fisher Avenue (BOA 1855366): Conversion from 3-family to 4-family. * 34 Spring Garden Street (BOA 1794725): Conversion to 3-family with a rear addition; approved with design review for parking maneuverability. * 163-165 Hillside Street (BOA 1814618): Conversion from 2-family to 3-family. * 62 L Street (BOA 1575425): Replacement of an exterior staircase with a rear porch. * 183 St. Botolph Street (BOA 1741777): Addition of a fourth floor to create a fifth unit; approved with a proviso for Landmarks Commission review. * 78 Bunker Hill Street (BOA 1817120): Conversion of an illegal 3-family to a legal 2-family duplex. * 87 Morris Street (BOA 1482368): Conversion from 2-family to 3-family.

The following cases were deferred: * 43 Eastwood Circuit (BOA 1856474): Deferred to August 11, 2026. * 7-9 Murray Court (BOA 1844018): Deferred to August 11, 2026. * 401A-401 Chelsea Street (BOA 18265082): Deferred to September 8, 2026. * 26 Birch Street (BOA 1749423): Deferred to September 8, 2026.