Commission approves driveway repaving and expanded rear parking at 18 Oxford Street

The Worcester Historical Commission voted on Sept. 4 to approve a certificate of appropriateness for 18 Oxford Street in the Crown Hill Local Historic District to repave the existing driveway and expand and repave the parking area behind the building.

Victor Waho, representing Wilson Carayogi, told the commission the driveway is worn and “becomes unsafe for our staff pedestrians,” and that the expanded parking would be used primarily for staff and, during off hours, could be available to neighbors. Waho said the expanded parking would not be visible from the street because fence panels screen the lot.

Commissioners questioned how many spaces would be added and how expansion would affect green space. Waho said a contractor’s proposal estimates the rear area at roughly 3,000 square feet and that the applicant hopes to gain “potentially, maybe we can get an additional 10 to 12 spaces” but that the exact number depends on maneuvering space and was not specified in submitted plans. He also said the project would keep the lawn in front and that the current rear area includes a broken concrete pad and limited grass; some green space would be converted to parking, the applicant said.

The commission’s motion found the proposed repaving and expansion appropriate for the Crown Hill Local Historic District. The motion passed on roll call with Commissioners Taylor, Andre, Gutierrez Livoti, Santos Restivo, Thierman and Chair Diane Long recorded as yes and Commissioner Northway recorded as no.

Votes at a glance: Certificate of appropriateness for repaving and rear parking expansion at 18 Oxford Street — approved (6–1).