The Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals voted June 2 to allow demolition of an existing three‑family building and replacement with an 18‑unit, four‑story multifamily building at 10 Diamond Street, subject to variances and conditions addressing landscaping, curb cut width and parking.

Why it matters: The project creates predominantly family‑sized units (mix of 2‑ and 3‑bedrooms), provides three affordable units (one at 60% AMI, two at 80% AMI), and proposes site improvements including a subsurface stormwater infiltration system, new sidewalks, dedicated trash/recycling area and bike storage. The project qualifies as an “eligible development” under the city’s inclusionary zoning rules and will seek a planning board special permit to reduce the parking requirement by 50%.

Applicant representatives presented a site plan showing the new building sited behind a reconstructed driveway, grading and retaining walls to accommodate the steep lot, and sixteen off‑street parking spaces with four EV‑ready stalls (one accessible). The staff memo noted the lot requires variances for lot area (about 680 sq ft relief), frontage (approximately 40 ft relief), rear yard setback (about 5.3 ft relief) and a variance for two parking spaces after the planning board reduction is applied. Staff recommended narrower curb cuts, converting some spaces to compact, and a landscaped front buffer south of the driveway; it also recommended a construction management plan reviewed by the Department of Transportation and Mobility.

A handful of neighbors raised concerns about parking, rats, steep grades and snow removal. The applicant said snow would be trucked off‑site if on‑site storage became full and that the project includes a screened dumpster area. The board approved variances, waivers and staff conditions as amended and noted the applicant must obtain the planning board special permits and final civil approvals.

Ending: The decision allows the applicant to pursue planning board approvals and building permits; conditions on landscaping, curb cut width, construction management and stormwater infiltration must be met during plan review.