The Zoning Board continued a contested application for 3 Wylde Avenue to the July 14 meeting after multiple abutters and city officials urged additional neighborhood engagement and technical revisions.

Why it matters: The applicant proposed replacing a single‑family house on a narrow private way with two buildings containing eight units (four units each). Planning staff noted the site is in an RG‑5 district where a 12‑unit building could be permitted by right, but the applicant sought variances for frontage and lot area to build a two‑building arrangement; staff and neighbors raised concerns about limited green space, stormwater compliance, guest parking, and the narrow private way.

Attorney Donald O'Neil and the applicant team explained the plan would demolish the existing house, construct two four‑unit buildings and improve the private dirt road (paving and utility upgrades). Chief planner Victor Panak outlined staff concerns: limited space for backyard amenity and guest parking, Massachusetts stormwater standards compliance, and the need for robust landscaping and screening. Mayor Joe Petty and District 1 City Councilor Jenny Pacillo both asked for a neighborhood meeting so residents could understand the project and its infrastructure impacts.

Multiple neighbors spoke against the scale and cited flooding, privacy, snow removal and parking concerns; some residents supported paving the private way but asked questions about how runoff and long‑term maintenance would be handled. Board members generally favored a continuance to allow the applicant to meet with neighbors and to refine designs addressing plantings, trash, dumpster location and parking. The board agreed to continue the hearing to July 14 with a constructive deadline of August 4.

Ending: Applicant and neighbors will meet with planning staff and report back at the July 14 meeting; neighbors were advised to contact the planning division for updates.