Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Zoning board approves variances to convert West Third Street tavern into housing, limits units to six
Summary
The Zoning Hearing Board granted variances allowing West Third Street Real Estate LLC to convert 2901–2903 West Third Street from a commercial tavern to residential apartments, approving parking and aisle-width relief with a condition that limits the property to no more than six dwelling units.
The Zoning Hearing Board on Feb. 19 granted variances that allow West Third Street Real Estate LLC to convert the building at 2901 and 2903 West Third Street from a commercial use to apartments, but limited the project to no more than six dwelling units.
The board approved relief from three sections of the zoning ordinance: permission for multifamily dwellings in the LIC (Light Industrial Commercial) district, a reduction to no more than five off-street parking spaces where 15 are required, and an allowance for a 22-foot aisle width for two-way traffic where 24 feet is required. The board attached the condition that the property must not contain more than six dwelling units.
At the hearing, the applicant's representative said the current proposal adds an additional residential unit by converting previously planned ground-floor commercial space into a three-bedroom apartment and revises the parking layout to include a van-accessible handicap space. Applicant witness Mario Rivello said the new ground-floor unit would be about 685 square feet and meet the city's minimum residential-area requirement.
Rivello described the change this way: “If it was to remain a commercial unit, the parking demand would probably be in excess of what it is now,” and said the residential conversion reduces evening parking demand compared with a former tavern use. The applicant also introduced revised exhibits and floor plans showing the added accessible parking stall and the revised unit layout.
Board members recessed to an executive session for deliberations before returning with a motion to grant the requested variances with the six-unit condition. A board member moved the motion and another seconded; the chair called for the vote and the motion passed. The board said it will issue a written decision within 45 days.
The applicant previously sought a larger number of units and additional relief for a loading dock and commercial parking; those elements were withdrawn after the applicant amended the proposal to remove the commercial space and to reconfigure the lot.
No members of the public requested party status or offered public comment during the hearing on this application. The board marked the applicant's exhibits (including revised floor plans and parking diagrams) into evidence.
