ZBA grants after‑the‑fact driveway width variance for multifamily property at 33 Harvard Street

The Zoning Board of Adjustment granted a variance on Aug. 26 allowing a total driveway width of 29 feet at 33 Harvard Street, a two-family property in Ward 7. The board’s decision memorializes an existing paved area and authorizes the owners to pursue a matching curb-opening permit.

Applicant Arabella Veras, assisted by an interpreter, told the board the family’s needs had grown and she did not feel safe when leaving the property because “the curve is too high and my car is kind of dropping down there.” Board members and staff clarified that portions of the driveway appear already widened across the lot; the application effectively seeks authorization for that width to enable the curb cut to be formalized.

JP Boucher and other board members noted the neighborhood’s small lots and multifamily character, saying off-street parking demand is common in the area. Boucher said the requested additional 5 feet was a reasonable accommodation to bring parked vehicles off the street. Vice Chair Josh Neely and other members described seeing multiple cars at the property during site visits and supported relief to reduce parking spillover onto the road.

The board approved the variance. The chair reminded the applicants of the 30-day appeal period.