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Quincy ZBA continues hearing on second‑story addition at 174 Palmer Street after neighbors cite maintenance, tenancy concerns
Summary
The Zoning Board of Appeals continued Thomas Williams’s request to add a full second story and a small front addition to 174 Palmer St. to Nov. 18, 2025, after board members said neighborhood maintenance and tenant issues need to be addressed.
The Zoning Board of Appeals continued an application by Thomas Williams to add a full second story and a small front entry extension to 174 Palmer Street, setting the next hearing for Nov. 18, 2025.
The board took the step after several members said neighbor complaints about property upkeep and questions about tenancy management made it premature to decide. Acting Chair Russell Chin told the applicant that only four members were present and that an affirmative vote from all four would be required to grant the petition that evening.
Williams, who identified himself as the owner of 174 Palmer Street, told the board the proposed second floor would follow the existing footprint and would not increase nonconforming setbacks. “The finished home will be 26 feet 7 inches to peak, 2 stories total,” Williams said, and described the project as a code‑compliant way to create four bedrooms and three full bathrooms and return the family to the house.
Board members, however, told Williams they had received complaints about the property’s condition over several years and said the applicant had not yet demonstrated control of the tenancy or follow‑through on basic maintenance. “There’s plenty of opportunity to get that property in good shape,” Acting Chair Russell Chin said, adding that several members were not prepared to vote in favor at this time.
Williams said he had sent letters to tenants and had documentation showing attempts to remedy issues and that he intends to address the concerns and return to the board. The board made a motion to continue the case to Nov. 18, 2025; the motion carried.
What happens next
The applicant agreed to the continuance and may return with evidence of property maintenance and tenancy changes. The board directed Williams to use the intervening time to demonstrate steps taken to remedy the complaints raised by neighbors and the board. If Williams seeks a different date he may do so by contacting the clerk; the board recorded availability for Nov. 18, 2025.
