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Applicants seek special permit and variance to add two basement apartments at 1383 Watts Street; hearing continued to Planning Board
Summary
Watts Street LLC asked the Zoning Board for permission to convert basement storage into two two-bedroom apartments at 1383 Watts Street. The board did not decide and the application goes to the Planning Board; applicants said the project would not change the building footprint and that 11 parking spaces are provided where 10 are required.
The Zoning Board of Appeals opened a first hearing on an application by Watts Street LLC to create two additional residential apartments in existing basement space at 1383 Watts Street. The board did not vote; the application will go to the Planning Board and return to the Zoning Board on Sept. 9 after Planning Board review.
Attorney Anthony Ross, representing the petitioner, said the plans convert basement storage into two two‑bedroom apartments within the existing building footprint. Manager Rick Costa told the board the units would be entered from the rear and would not change the building's exterior footprint. Ross said the applicant would provide 11 parking spaces; staff said the zoning-required number is 10, so the submitted plan exceeds the requirement.
Ross described unit sizes as approximately 1,700 square feet for one unit and 866 square feet for the other; both were described as two-bedroom units. The board and staff discussed egress, heating systems and condenser placement; the applicants said heating for the new units will use electric mini-split systems with condensers placed on the roof or exterior, and that existing mechanical equipment for other units will not be displaced.
Planning staff noted one of the rear parking spaces may be difficult to use because of maneuverability, but the overall supply remains in excess of the requirement. The board asked about sight-lines and the driveway; the applicant offered to consider measures such as mirrors if needed to improve visibility.
Because this was the initial hearing the board took no final action; the application will proceed to the Planning Board and return for a decision after review.
