Boston Zoning Board of Appeal Hearing – June 16, 2026

The Boston Zoning Board of Appeal held a virtual hearing on June 16, 2026, to consider a full agenda of zoning appeals, variances, and requests. The meeting, which began at 9:30 AM and extended past 1:30 PM, covered consent calendar items, numerous individual case hearings, and three appeals against decisions of the Boston Landmarks Commission under Article 85 (demolition delay). The board approved routine items, granted deferrals to allow applicants to submit updated plans or address community concerns, and made precedent-setting rulings on the demolition delay appeals.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting Minutes: Approved the minutes from June 2, 2026, unanimously.
• Extension Cases: Five extension requests (BOA 109-438, 128-9178, 152-1943, 152-2524, 145-0603) were unanimously granted as presented.
• Recommendation Cases: Seven cases from the June 11 subcommittee (BOA 182-2545, 184-4274, 182-1584, 177-2126, 182-3198, 183-3990, 182-1600) were unanimously approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 26 Bird Street (Ashmont Hill): Jeff Perk (20 Fuller Street) voiced opposition, stating the developer did not present to the Ashmont Valley Neighborhood Association and that 30 Bird Street was deeded to preserve green space. A neighbor also questioned the deed restriction.
• 176 M Street (South Boston): Louanne O’Connor, President of City Point Neighborhood Association, opposed the fourth-story addition and front balcony, arguing it would set a precedent and alter the character of L Street. She requested removal of the front deck.
• Article 85 Appeals (3-4 Folsom Ave, 595 E 7th St, 744 E 4th St): Elizabeth Sherva (Deputy Director of Historic Preservation) defended the Landmarks Commission’s process, stating the demolition delay was properly invoked on May 12, 2026. Alison Putinas (81 Lawn Street) commented that property owners should secure their properties. Attorney Richard Lins argued the commission missed statutory deadlines.
• 29 Plain Street (Dorchester): A representative from Councillor Fitzero’s office expressed support for the five-unit proposal with nine parking spots, citing community input.
• Other cases: Many cases received brief public testimony from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services noting no opposition, or from elected officials expressing support.

Discussion Items

• 178-180 Wells Street: The applicant had not submitted updated plans to ISD; the board deferred to August 11, 2026, to allow submission and re-advertising.
• 26-30 Bird Street (8 condos): The applicant reported unanimous support from Ashmont Hill Neighborhood Association, but concerns were raised about deed restrictions on 30 Bird Street and lack of outreach to Ashmont Valley. The board deferred to July 28, 2026, to investigate deed issues and engage the second association.
• 18 Dell Avenue (Mission Hill): The board approved with provisos that parking be on permeable surfaces. Discussion focused on open space and accessibility.
• 176 M Street (fourth-story addition): The applicant sought height, FAR, and rear-yard variances. The community opposed the front balcony and precedent. The board deferred to August 11, 2026, for further community input and possible design revision.
• 360 Princeton Street (East Boston): The applicant had not submitted plans; the board deferred to August 11, 2026.
• Article 85 Demolition Delay Appeals (three cases): Attorney Richard Lins argued that the Boston Landmarks Commission failed to adhere to the 10-day and 40-day deadlines in Article 85, rendering the demolition delay invalid. The board agreed, granting all three appeals and reversing the commission’s decisions.

Key Outcomes

• Approved with conditions:
  • 3841 Washington Street (three-family) – approved with proviso for design review and enhanced walkway/lighting.
  • 66-66A Cedris Avenue (two-family) – approved.
  • 501 Talbot Avenue (attic conversion) – approved.
  • 19 Grenada Street (three-decker) – approved with proviso for design review and accessibility.
  • 24 Alaska Street (two-family conversion) – approved.
  • 35-37 Notre Dame Street (six units) – approved with proviso for design review.
  • 65-71 Main Street (change of use) – approved.
  • 450 William F. McClellan Highway (dent repair) – approved.
  • 61 Brookline Avenue (live entertainment) – approved with proviso limiting live entertainment to Thursday–Sunday, ending at 1 AM (Sunday at 10 PM).
  • 1526-1530 Dorchester Avenue (creative art studio) – approved.
  • 439 Walnut Avenue (four-family conversion) – approved with proviso for design review.
  • 610-612A Shawmut Avenue (two 7-unit buildings) – approved.
  • 29 Plain Street (five townhomes) – approved.
  • 18 Dell Avenue – approved with permeable parking surfaces.
• Deferred:
  • 78 Bunker Hill Street – deferred to July 28, 2026.
  • 178-180 Wells Street – deferred to August 11, 2026.
  • 26-30 Bird Street – deferred to July 28, 2026.
  • 176 M Street – deferred to August 11, 2026.
  • 360 Princeton Street – deferred to August 11, 2026.
  • 87 Barr Street (two cases) – deferred to July 28, 2026.
  • 34 Spring Garden Street – deferred to July 28, 2026.
  • 163-165 Hillside Street – deferred to July 28, 2026.
  • 62 L Street – deferred to July 28, 2026.
  • One Hopkins Place / Two Hopkins Place (companion cases) – deferred to August 11, 2026, for clarification on inclusionary zoning.
• Demolition Delay Appeals Granted: The board voted to reverse the Boston Landmarks Commission’s decisions for 3-4 Folsom Avenue, 595 East 7th Street, and 744 East 4th Street, finding that the commission failed to issue a final determination within the 40-day window required by Article 85. The board directed the Commissioner of Inspectional Services to issue demolition permits upon satisfaction of all code requirements.
• Withdrawal: The interpretation case for 62-66 Pondview Street was withdrawn by the applicant.