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Zoning board approves nine‑unit condominium at 10 Independence Ave after discussion of height and gateway improvements
Summary
The board granted variances and a finding to allow a four‑story, nine‑unit condominium with 18 parking spaces at 10 Independence Ave despite objections about height near the Adams birthplace; the applicant committed to pedestrian and streetscape improvements at the five‑way intersection.
The Quincy Zoning Board of Appeals granted a variance and finding for a proposed nine‑unit condominium at 10 Independence Ave (ZBA 2485), approving a building the applicant described as a gateway improvement for Abigail Adams Square while accepting variances for height and dimensional requirements.
Attorney Jeffrey Toccio, representing the applicant, said the project reuses a nonconforming former gas station site and requests relief under section 3.4.3 (alteration of a nonconforming building) and multiple dimensional variances including front setback, height and FAR, along with off‑street parking relief under Section 5.1.4. Toccio described the triangular lot, multiple curb cuts, and pedestrian‑safety issues at the intersection and presented a streetscape concept of expanded sidewalks, granite curbing and tree wells intended to anchor the corner.
"This is kind of an articulation or, you know, actually, what we were talking about earlier, but it's only one. And, you know, we would expect that the other shoe is gonna drop at some point," Toccio said, describing the applicant’s plan to fund partial intersection improvements.
Opposition focused on height and visual impacts to the nearby historic properties, including letters from Mary Anne Peake, superintendent of Adams National Historical Park, and local residents urging a three‑story limit. Attorney Jack P. Milgram, speaking for an adjacent property owner, argued economic reasons are not a lawful basis for height relief and urged the board to limit the project to three stories.
Board members weighed neighborhood context, changes the applicant made to reduce building height by roughly 2 feet 7 inches and public‑realm commitments the applicant offered. The board found that the applicant had reduced the building’s ridge height (the applicant reported a reduction from 44'10" to approximately 42'3") and had designed the top floor as a mansard/attic expression to reduce visual bulk. The board voted to grant the variances and finding by voice vote.
Conditions recorded on the permit file include the applicant’s commitments to implement the presented pedestrian and streetscape improvements (sidewalks, tree wells, granite curb and a brick/ paver treatment) where within its control and to coordinate required right‑of‑way work with city agencies and TPAL.
