Revere ZBA approves special permit for 57 Chamberlain Ave; neighbors voiced precedent concerns

The Revere Zoning Board of Appeals granted a special permit to Sandra (Sandy) Tapia to enclose and extend an existing three‑season porch at 57 Chamberlain Avenue, converting it to living space and extending the rear by four feet. The approval was subject to the ZBA's standard conditions, including a two‑year lapse if the rights are not exercised, recordation in the Suffolk County Registry of Deeds and site plan review before a building permit.

Tapia, who said she lives at 57 Chamberlain Avenue, told the board she sought to "extend deck for an additional 4 feet and to be constructed into a living quarters." No proponents appeared in person; a ward councilor submitted a letter in support that was placed on file.

Nearby resident Jane Manning, who said she manages property at 42 Goodwin Avenue behind Tapia's house, spoke in opposition and raised concerns about the addition encroaching on rear yard spacing and creating a precedent for other properties on Chamberlain to extend toward Goodwin Avenue backyards. "I feel as though she needs a variance to go 4 feet closer to the properties that are on Goodwin Avenue," Manning said. Manning also asked whether the addition would support a dog‑sitting business and whether board of health approvals would be necessary; the board replied those business and health questions fall outside the ZBA's zoning review.

Board members reviewed the plan and noted the proposed rear yard distance would be 15 feet, 7 inches from the property line; the existing required separation is 20 feet. The board approved the special permit with the standard ZBA conditions read into the record, and the vote was recorded as yes by Lopes, O'Brien, Pelton, Pratt and Chairman Tucker.

The board told opponents that each property is considered individually and that a grant here does not automatically change requirements for other homeowners; any future modifications would require separate applications.