Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals 02-18-2026

The meeting was called to order at 12:00 AM on February 18, 2026, by Acting Chair Anne Brockelman. The meeting was conducted via remote participation pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025.

Attendees:

• Board Members: Anne Brockelman (Acting Chair), Anne Fullerton (Acting Clerk), Olivia Mobayed, Brian Cook.
• City Staff: Kit Luster, Alvaro Esparza, Lexi Payne, Kristen Patnode.

Applicant: Yong Gi, represented by Attorney Mike Ross.

Request: A hardship variance to install a second curb cut on a double-wide lot in a transit zone.

Discussion Points:

• Attorney Ross argued that the applicant purchased the property under the impression it had a deeded parking space, as the area was already paved with pavers.
• The Board discussed the three hardship criteria. Member Mobayed noted that the property is in a transit zone established in 2022 and expressed concern that the request would "privatize an on-street parking space."
• Member Cook questioned the validity of the financial hardship, noting the status quo did not deprive the applicant of existing legal access.
• The applicant noted the Condo Association supports the application.

Public Comment:

• Courtney Pollack (14 Linden St): Stated she is the driveway abutter and supports the project.
• Philip (Resident): Asked for clarification on the meeting type.

Outcome:

• A straw poll indicated the Board was not unanimous (4 votes required for a variance). The applicant requested a continuance to refine the proposal and address parking restrictions in the Master Deed.
• Motion: To continue the case to March 18, 2026.
• Vote: 4-0 (Fullerton, Cook, Mobayed, Brockelman in favor).

Applicant: Leighton and Kathy Collis, represented by Architect Charles.

Request: Special permit to modify an existing non-conforming Mansard townhouse in the Neighborhood Residence (NR) district, including the removal of a garage and additions to create a rear addition and a backyard cottage.

Discussion Points:

• The project aims to restore historic elements of the Mansard roof and replace asphalt with pervious green space.
• The Historic Commission has already approved the exterior modifications.
• Abutters expressed concerns regarding the height of the new two-story addition and its impact on natural light.

Public Comment:

• John Golson (146 Morrison Ave): Expressed concern that the second-story addition would block light to his rear bedroom window, stating, "It is going to block light coming into our rear bedroom window, which is three feet away from the shared property line."
• Cassie Arnaud (142 Morrison Ave): Questioned the logistics of excavating near shared party walls and the impact of the extensive changes on the historic row.
• Philip (169 Morrison Ave): Supported the removal of the existing "terrible" garage.

Outcome:

• The Board found the project met the special permit requirements but added a condition to address abutter concerns.
• Motion: To approve the special permit with the condition that a shadow study be submitted to the planning team and shared with neighbors.
• Vote: 4-0 (Fullerton, Cook, Mobayed, Brockelman in favor).

Applicant: Silva Realty 9 LLC, represented by Attorney Adam Dash and Architect Tanya Carrier.

Request: A hardship variance for principal entrance orientation for an existing detached house in the NR district.

Discussion Points:

• The variance is a technical requirement resulting from a proposed lot split. The existing house's door faces Highland Avenue, but after the split, it will technically front Cherry Street without the door being reoriented.
• Attorney Dash argued that literal enforcement would require the demolition of the building and eviction of tenants, which constitutes a substantial hardship.
• Architect Carrier noted the split corrects several existing nonconformities, such as having two principal structures on one lot.

Public Comment:

• Audrey Orenstein (315 Highland Ave): Inquired about the impact on parking spots across the street.

Outcome:

• The Board agreed that the relief was technical and preserved existing housing stock.
• Motion: To approve the hardship variance based on the findings in the staff memo.
• Vote: 4-0 (Fullerton, Mobayed, Cook, Brockelman in favor).