Zoning board grants lot-size variance for undersized parcel at 875 Main Street (aka 3 Forest Street)

The Malden Zoning Board of Appeals on June 18 approved a variance allowing a single-family home to be built on an undersized lot at 875 Main Street (also referred to as 3 Forest Street).

Attorney Patrick McDonald spoke for the petitioner, saying the parcel is roughly 5,500 square feet in a Residence A district that requires a 7,500-square-foot minimum. He said the property's prior commercial use as a gas station lapsed because it had been inactive for many years and that his client purchased the property in February 2022. McDonald argued that, without the variance, the parcel could likely not be put to productive use as allowed by the zoning district.

Nelson, a city staff member, clarified that the only dimensional issue before the board was lot size; a side-yard setback item listed on the appeal form was carried over in error and the proposed structure otherwise complies with setback requirements. Attorney McDonald and several board members said the lot's irregular shape, tapering lines and surrounding context supported a finding of hardship.

Ward Councilor Ryan O'Malley and the petitioner told the board the site had undergone environmental cleanup: the buried underground storage tanks from the former gas station were removed and soil testing found no contamination. Attorney McDonald also told the board that Ward Councilor Ari Taylor had expressed support and intended to submit a letter.

Commissioner Bilgin moved to approve petition 25-008; Commissioner Sherwin seconded. The board recorded a unanimous vote to grant the lot-size variance. The board noted that the approval brings the parcel into residential conformity rather than leaving it a vacant remediated lot.