ZBA approves variance for two‑story rear addition at 133 Fennell St to house caregiver accommodation

The Zoning Board granted a variance on Jan. 28 to allow homeowner Anderson Louie to demolish an existing rear porch and build a two‑story addition at 133 Fennell St.

Louie, who represented himself at the hearing, said the addition is intended chiefly to provide an accessible first‑floor bedroom and bathroom for an elderly mother who “suffered a fall” and has “major pain,” and to provide a separate bedroom for two young children now sharing a small room upstairs. A medical letter documenting the mother‑in‑law’s mobility issues was entered into the file.

Project details: The proposed first‑floor addition measures about 15 by 30 feet (approx. 474 sq ft) and the second‑floor addition about 15 by 20 feet (approx. 315 sq ft), for a combined addition of roughly 791 sq ft. The applicant said the lot is preexisting nonconforming and that the new FAR would be about 0.41, slightly over the Residential B limit of 0.40.

Support and review: The contractor, Evan Moongo of Luongo Contracting, spoke in favor; the board received a letter of support from a neighboring abutter and a medical letter from a community center documenting the patient’s mobility issues. The Department of Public Works submitted a review stating “no comments.” Several board members noted the modest scale of the addition and the medical justification for the request.

Outcome: The board voted to grant the variance; members cited the medical accommodation and the minimal change to neighborhood character as supporting factors.

Why it matters: The decision enables an at‑home accommodation for an elderly family member and modestly increases living space for a small family, with the board relying on medical documentation and neighbor support in its deliberation.

What’s next: Applicant to proceed with building permits and to submit final plans meeting code and DPW requirements.