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Fall River ZBA denies variance to build triplex on New Boston Road, citing overconcentration
Summary
The board voted to deny a variance request to split a lot and build a triplex at the corner of Eastern Avenue and New Boston Road, with members citing over-saturation and neighborhood concerns.
The Zoning Board of Appeals on Sept. 18 denied a variance request from Jason Duarte to subdivide a parcel at the northeast corner of Eastern Avenue and New Boston Road and to construct a triplex on the new lot. The board concluded the proposed triplex would be too dense for the parcel and potentially out of character with the neighborhood.
Attorney Peter Salino presented the application and described the proposal to leave the existing single-family dwelling on one lot and build a triplex on Lot 2. The applicant argued multi-family dwellings exist nearby and that the project would make efficient use of the land. The petition included plans showing three-bedroom units in the proposed triplex.
Board members questioned the need for a triplex rather than a duplex or differently configured single-family development. One member said the proposal failed to demonstrate why a less intensive by-right option would be inadequate. When the motion to approve lacked a second, board members moved to deny; the motion to deny passed with a majority vote (4–1), with Board Member Ricky Sahadi voting no and the others voting yes.
Outcome: Variance denied; applicant may revise the proposal or pursue other by-right options and return to the board.
