Neighbors rally against massive home expansion plans

Residents of Milton Road expressed strong concerns during a recent government meeting regarding a proposed redevelopment project that aims to significantly increase the size of a home in their neighborhood. The discussions highlighted issues related to zoning variances, neighborhood character, and environmental impacts.

One resident, who submitted a letter to the board, criticized the scale of the proposed construction, noting that the plans call for a five-bedroom house with an office, which deviates from the originally approved four-bedroom layout. The resident emphasized that the existing square footage recorded by the city is 2,600 square feet, contradicting claims of a larger size. They urged the board to consider the implications of allowing such a substantial increase in footprint—reportedly up to 168%—in a neighborhood where the average home is significantly smaller.

Another resident, Susan McPherson, voiced her support for the demolition of an existing dilapidated house on the site but raised concerns about potential wildlife disturbances during the demolition process and the impact of increased impermeable surfaces on drainage issues. She pointed out that Quincy Shore Drive has already experienced flooding problems and warned that additional construction could exacerbate these issues.

Berkeley Wilson, another local resident, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the proposed development would set a troubling precedent for future projects in the area. Wilson highlighted that many immediate neighbors were not consulted and expressed their opposition to the plan, which they believe would disrupt the character of the community.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between development ambitions and community preservation, as residents called for careful consideration of the neighborhood's character and environmental sustainability in the face of proposed changes. The board is expected to deliberate on the matter further, weighing the residents' concerns against the developers' plans.