The Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals on June 2 approved variances and a special permit allowing a multi‑family plan for 1 Frederick Street, while requiring additional streetside aesthetic improvements to the Frederick Street façade.

The board granted a variance reducing the frontage requirement to 61 feet (relief of 24 feet from the 85‑foot minimum for a multi‑family dwelling in an RG‑5 zone), a variance reducing required parking by six spaces, and a special permit to modify parking dimensional and landscape requirements, with staff conditions as amended by the board.

Why it matters: The decision lets the applicant move forward with a redesigned three‑unit building while the board sought a clear street‑facing treatment so the building presents as a front‑facing residence on Frederick Street even though the principal entrance remains on the side.

Attorney Donald O'Neil presented the revised plans and said the applicant adjusted the proposal after the May 5 hearing to improve architecture, add trim and banding, provide two enhanced entries, and add bike storage and interior trash room space. Chief planner Victor Panak told the board the applicant had addressed most staff concerns and that Inspectional Services determined Frederick Street should be the lot frontage, which reduced some zoning relief previously required.

Board discussion focused on the Frederick Street façade. Chair Jordan Burke Powers and several board members said they preferred a visible front appearance even if the main entrance remained on the side. Board members suggested nonfunctional measures — plantings, a small overhang or bench, or other architectural detail — and explicitly rejected a fake operable door because of fire, delivery, and safety concerns raised by the fire department and other members.

The board amended the staff memo to change Condition 1A so the applicant must “reflect a landscape or architectural element to the building on Frederick Street to improve the street‑facing aesthetics,” and struck Condition 1C. The board then closed the hearing and voted to approve the variances, special permit and waivers as amended.

The applicant and staff were directed to ensure the clarified condition appears in the written decision; the board also noted decisions are typically signed at the next meeting and filed by the city clerk the following day, beginning the appeal period.

Ending: The applicant may now complete final plan details required by the decision; any party aggrieved by the board's ruling retains appeal rights under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A, Section 17.