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Zoning board approves four-townhouse project at 141 School Street; developer to daylight portion of Town Brook
Summary
Heritage Companies received zoning approval to build four townhouses on a previously vacant lot at 141 School Street. The developer said the project will open a covered portion of Town Brook, create a small pocket park, and provide two-car garages and one guest space per unit.
The Quincy Zoning Board of Appeals on Sept. 9 approved Heritage Companies’ proposal to construct four townhouses with rear parking at 141 School Street in Quincy Center.
Edward Fleming, counsel for Heritage, said the 7,201-square-foot parcel had been difficult to develop and that a recent revision of the city’s flood mapping removed the site from a larger floodplain earlier this year. Fleming and developer Michael Kiley described plans to build four three-bedroom units, each with two-car garages and one guest space, and to open (daylight) a segment of Town Brook and create a small public-facing pocket park adjacent to the brook.
Carlos Sculte, the civil engineer on the project, explained the existing site is largely paved and that the proposal removes pavement, improves landscaping and reduces impervious area where possible. Sculte said the design includes new stormwater chambers and connections for utilities, adding that the project had already received an order of conditions from the conservation commission and a peer review during the planning process.
Architect Brian Donahue described the units as three-bedroom, 3.5-bath townhouses with living levels above garages and modest front stoops facing School Street. Renderings shown to the board depict gabled units with board-and-batten accents and small private roof-decks.
The project needed a lot-area variance because Quincy Center zoning requires 15,000 square feet and the parcel is about 7,200 square feet. Fleming said the developer had secured an easement from a neighboring property owner to allow vehicular access from the rear and was working with the city to obtain a license to use a narrow strip of city-owned land to improve access and open the brook.
A neighbor who lives next door spoke in favor, saying the development would improve a neglected site and reduce loitering. A city councilor also spoke in support. After discussion the board voted to allow the petition; the hearing record shows no additional conditions were added during the vote as read into the record.
The board’s approval allows Heritage Companies to proceed with site plan finalization, DPW coordination and building permits; the developer said it may offer the units as rentals or condominiums depending on future market conditions.
