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Council approves special permit to add four one‑bedroom units at 116 Union Street
Summary
The council granted a special permit allowing conversion of second‑floor office space at 116 Union Street into four one‑bedroom residential units while retaining first‑floor commercial storefronts; petitioner must comply with the city’s inclusionary zoning requirements.
The Lynn City Council approved a special permit to allow residential use on the second floor of 116 Union Street, permitting the conversion of empty office space into four one‑bedroom units and keeping three businesses on the first floor.
Attorney Vitale, representing petitioner Fadelina Garcia, said Garcia purchased the building in March for more than $1 million and aims to convert the second floor’s vacant offices into four one‑bedroom apartments. “What she proposes and needs your permission to do is to convert those empty office spaces that are on the Second Floor to 4 one‑bedroom residential units,” Vitale said during the public hearing.
Calvin Anderson, a resident and supporter, told the council the project supports Union Street revitalization and is close to transit. Councilors asked whether the units would be affordable and whether residents or businesses would receive local preference. Vitale said the petitioner is aware of and will comply with the city’s inclusionary zoning requirements.
Councilor LaPia moved to set the item down for a public hearing and then later moved approval; the motion to approve passed on a roll call vote. The council noted parking for the mixed‑use property would be addressed by combining on‑site spaces with adjacent parcels owned by the petitioner.
The permit converts vacant second‑floor office space to residential use; the petitioner and councilors said the change would not displace existing tenants because the second floor was empty and the move would add housing near transit.
