Zoning board allows subdivision at 55 Bayview Ave with conditions on landscaping, roof pitch and storage

The Quincy Zoning Board of Appeals voted April 8 to permit the subdivision of 55 Bayview Avenue into two single‑family lots, subject to multiple conditions the board imposed after public comment.

Patrick Foley, attorney for the applicant, said the existing parcel is about 10,447 square feet and that dividing it would create a 4,493‑square‑foot lot for the existing two‑story house and a new 5,954‑square‑foot lot for the proposed single‑family home. Foley told the board the new lot would be among the larger lots in the neighborhood and that the proposal would help meet demand for single‑family housing.

Neighbors opposed the subdivision at the hearing. Mara Doherty, who identified herself as a Rock Island Road resident, told the board there was “no hardship” demonstrated and urged denial, saying the yard has been that size for decades and that prior applications had been denied or shelved. Kathy and Shay Hines, who said they live at 54 Bayview Avenue, also urged denial and said the owner already had multiple poorly maintained properties.

The board heard multiple written letters of support from nearby residents and a March 17, 2025 engineering communication from the City of Quincy Department of Public Works, which the clerk incorporated into the record.

After discussion the board approved the subdivision with the following conditions the board required in motion: provide a landscaping plan for the total of the lots to the building director for approval; reduce the roof peak of the new construction to a 7‑pitch; provide sufficient repairs to the existing house; and provide adequate on‑site storage for the new house (garage or equivalent structure) so personal items are not stored outdoors.

The motion to allow the petition with those conditions carried on a voice vote. Board members said they supported the project provided the conditions addressed neighbors’ visual and storage concerns.