Executive Summary
At its August 19, 2026 remote meeting, the Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals considered two development applications. The board approved a hardship variance for 22 Park Avenue to permit a non-compliant rafter/wall intersection for an attic renovation and writing studio. The board also approved a special permit for a lot split at 17 Monmouth Street, a property on the National Register of Historic Places, allowing the rehabilitation of an existing structure into three units alongside the construction of a new three-unit building and a rear backyard cottage, despite the required removal of an original bay window. Additionally, the board noted the resignation of member Ann Fullerton due to relocation.
Approval of Minutes for July 15, 2026
- A motion was made by Zachary Zaremba and seconded by Olivia Mobayed to approve the meeting minutes of July 15, 2026.
- Outcome: Passed 3-0, with Chair Susan Fontano abstaining.
Hardship Variance for 22 Park Avenue (ZP26-000035)
- Architect Kenneth Hurd presented an application on behalf of property owners Sharon Gauteneau and Whispering Deer requesting relief for a non-compliant rafter/wall intersection exceeding two feet from the finished first floor on the right rear portion of a building in the Neighborhood Residence (NR) Zoning District.
- The proposed scope of work includes raising and unifying the existing roof lines to create a third-floor attic writing studio, replacing steep existing stairs, and adding a small bathroom with a tub at the half-story level.
- Relief was requested for an 18-foot linear section along the rear eave where the wall plate height reaches approximately 7 feet 6 inches to transfer roof structural loads down to the foundation.
- Zachary Zaremba reviewed the three statutory variance criteria:
- Special circumstances: The property possesses unique site geometry dating to circa 1900, situated on a small lot of approximately 2,500 square feet with a two-story rear mass set six feet back.
- Substantial hardship: Compliance with strict zoning standards would require complex and substantially more expensive structural modifications.
- Public interest: The proposed architectural changes improve the property's utility and appearance without causing detriment to the public good.
- Public Comment:
- Emma Stellman (3 Wallace Street) spoke in support, noting she is an abutter whose property sits "kitty corner to Sharon and Whispering Deer" and stated, "It keeps with this neighborhood... Add wonderful things to our neighborhood and we hope that this passes."
- Zachary Zaremba moved to approve the hardship variance encompassing the application narrative and architectural plans.
- Outcome: Passed 4-0.
Special Permit for Lot Split at 17 Monmouth Street (ZP26-000043)
- Attorney Anne Vigorito and architect Will Chalfant (KDI Architects) presented a petition by the Law Office of Richard G. Di Girolamo requesting a special permit for a lot split on a property listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the Neighborhood Residence (NR) Zoning District, pursuant to Somerville Zoning Ordinance (SZO) 10.1.1.D.
- The proposal involves redeveloping a former group home and boarding house owned by the Somerville Housing Authority for over 50 years that has sat vacant since circa 2018–2019:
- Subdividing the parcel into two lots.
- Rehabilitating the existing historic 1896 structure into 3 residential units, replacing deteriorated roof framing with a mansard profile, and removing an existing side curved bay window to avoid creating a 1-foot-7-inch side setback nonconformity.
- Constructing a new three-family building on the newly created lot and a detached backyard cottage, creating 7 total residential units on the combined sites served by a shared central driveway and dedicated on-site parking.
- Board members and the applicant discussed whether the lot line could jog to preserve the historic bay window, as recommended by staff and the Somerville Historic Commission. Will Chalfant clarified that adjusting the boundary would narrow the new lot below functional circulation and triple-decker building type width standards, and noted that the window faces an interior driveway and is minimally visible from the public way.
- Public Comment:
- Thomas Bent (3 Herbert Place) summarized the site's history as a former mansion and nursing home, expressing concern that "that's a lot of units in that area and it's a pretty quiet street," but confirmed he had no formal opposition to the approval.
- Zachary Zaremba moved to approve the special permit incorporating the July 31, 2026 staff report and application materials, seconded by Olivia Mobayed.
- Outcome: Passed 4-0.
Board Administration and Adjournment
- Staff clerk Kit Garavaglia reported that board member Ann Fullerton resigned at the end of July 2026 after moving out of Somerville, and staff is coordinating with the City Clerk's office to advertise the vacancy.
- Zachary Zaremba moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Olivia Mobayed.
- Outcome: Passed 4-0.