ZBA allows demolition of former veterinary building at 678 Brookline Ave; developer plans future mixed-use concept

The Town of Brookline Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a special permit to demolish a vacant former veterinary building at 678 Brookline Ave.

Applicant counsel Jennifer Depazo Gilbert represented Claremont Properties and said the firm has acquired adjacent parcels on the Emerald Island Special District and seeks to clear the site; the developer said the parcels will be combined as part of a future phased redevelopment that may include ground-floor commercial and housing above. She told the board that the immediate plan is to demolish the vacant structure, secure the site with fencing, gravel the lot and prohibit overnight parking while the long‑range design work proceeds.

Planning staff and the Planning Board supported demolition, noting the Preservation Commission found the existing building and garage “not historically significant.” The Planning Board recommended approval subject to submission of a final site plan showing existing easements, a landscaping and fencing plan, and a condition prohibiting overnight parking on the undeveloped lot unless a separate application is submitted.

Board members debated whether demolition requires a special permit under the town’s design-review rules; after confirming the building department’s interpretation, the board relied on criteria in Section 9.05 to find the demolition appropriate and voted unanimously to grant the permit. The building department issued a memo stating no objection and said it will work with the petitioner to ensure compliance with the zoning decision and applicable codes.