Boston Zoning Board of Appeal Hearing – April 28, 2026

The Boston Zoning Board of Appeal met remotely via Zoom on April 28, 2026, beginning at 9:30 AM, to consider a full agenda of zoning appeals. The board approved minutes, granted extensions, heard a remand discussion, and voted on numerous residential and commercial projects. Public testimony was taken on many items. Key outcomes included approvals for several projects, deferrals, and no outright denials.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of hearing minutes from April 7, 2026, passed unanimously.
• Two extension requests for cases at 10 Belleville Avenue and 79-89 West Broadway were granted after discussion about feasibility.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 61 Farragut Road (new two-family with roof decks): An abutter expressed support; the City Point Neighborhood Association opposed due to height and roof coverage; the developer noted 14 letters of support from direct abutters.
• 744 East Fourth Street (new six-unit building): Several abutters spoke in support; concerns about demolition and parking were raised; Councillor Flynn opposed based on neighbor feedback.
• 30-32 Second Street (new six-unit): Public testimony included support from a resident and non-opposition from the Gate of Heaven Neighborhood Association.
• 36-42 O Street (vertical addition): The City Point Neighborhood Association supported the project after the developer agreed to replace dead trees and make balconies decorative.
• 34 Athelwall Street (new six-unit): Multiple community members spoke in support, praising the developer's community engagement and down payment assistance program.
• 190-200 Cummins Highway (school addition): Abutters expressed concerns about construction noise and hours; the Prospect Hill Neighborhood Association remained neutral.
• 100 & 102 Beachview Road (two-family dwellings): An abutter opposed the height and density; Orient Heights Neighborhood Association voted non-opposition (4-4-2); community members raised concerns about consistency with Plan East Boston.
• 109 Prince Street (roof deck conversion): Multiple abutters and the North End Waterfront Residents Association supported the project.
• 1 Bayside Street (new six-unit): Overwhelming opposition from neighbors and the Columbia Savin Hill Civic Association (unanimous opposition); concerns about density, parking, and character.
• 1954 Commonwealth Avenue (26-unit condominium): The Brighton Allston Improvement Association supported; some abutters expressed disappointment about lack of direct engagement.
• 142 P Street (five roof decks): Strong opposition from neighbors and Councillor Flynn's office, citing prior agreements, quality of life, and safety; supporters argued minimal visual impact and community support letters.

Discussion Items

• Remand discussion for 22 Hanover Street: The Superior Court remanded the case for specific findings on a conditional use permit for a roof deck. No vote taken.
• Numerous cases were presented by attorneys and development teams, detailing zoning violations, community process, and design modifications. The board questioned applicants on hardship, parking, design, and community feedback.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved unanimously.
• Extensions for 10 Belleville Avenue and 79-89 West Broadway granted.
• All subcommittee recommendation cases approved.
• Approved: 360 Princeton Street (deferred), 109A-109 & 11 Sailing Street (patios), 7 Smith Court (head house), 61 Farragut Road (with proviso for Parks review), 744 East Fourth Street, 30-32 Second Street, 36-42 O Street (with design review), 34 Athelwall Street, 190-200 Cummins Highway, 100 & 102 Beachview Road, 109 Prince Street, 1258-1262 Massachusetts Avenue, 11 Benson & 13 Vinton Street, 1 Bayside Street (motion carried), 1954 Commonwealth Avenue, 142 P Street (motion carried).
• Deferred: 360 Princeton Street (no appearance), 58 Butler Street (to May 5), 70 Oklahoma Street (to May 19 due to recusal), 62 L Street (to June 16), 62-66 Condor Street (to June 16).
• Motion to defer for 744 East Fourth Street (Planning Department recommendation for Article 85 review) was rejected; case approved.