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ZBA approves demolition and replacement of National Grid fleet garage at 36 Quincy Ave
Summary
The Braintree ZBA approved Boston Gas/National Grid’s petition to demolish and rebuild a fleet garage at 36 Quincy Ave, finding the project in harmony with the zoning intent; applicant emphasized truck-height needs and said the project will include environmental and accessibility improvements.
The Braintree Zoning Board of Appeals on July 28 approved a petition from Boston Gas Company (doing business as National Grid) to demolish and reconstruct a fleet garage at 36 Quincy Ave.
The applicant’s design team, represented by architect Mark Mesh of Winter Street Architects and engineer Al Traichomis of Scitech Engineering, described an as‑remove‑and‑replace project that slightly enlarges the existing footprint and raises the vehicle clearance to accommodate larger modern trucks. The project will replace an aging garage, add accessible restrooms and an inspection bay meeting state requirements (a 40-foot inspection bay), and make modest increases in building coverage: the application notes coverage rising from about 3.9% to 4.2%.
Engineering staff and the applicant told the board they already had addressed conservation issues, noting the site abuts the Manatequitt River and that the applicant previously engaged the Conservation Commission and received a negative determination of applicability (with conditions). Civil engineer Brad McKenzie said the project will not expand into wetland resource areas, and that administrative site-plan review will follow.
Board discussion focused on the height and footprint changes needed to provide adequate truck clearance; members observed onsite trucks currently sit inches from the garage beams. No letters of opposition were filed and one resident spoke in support. After closing the public hearing, the ZBA found that the demolition and reconstruction, as presented, is “in harmony with the general purpose and intent” of the zoning bylaws and voted to approve the petition.
Practical details: The applicant said the new garage will provide three working bays (including a 40-foot inspection bay) to accommodate larger equipment and stated the fleet size will not increase at steady state; vehicles will be relocated temporarily during construction. The applicant also described planned masonry and façade repairs on the overall parcel and improvements along Quincy Avenue.
Speakers included architect Mark Mesh (Winter Street Architects), Al Traichomis (Scitech Engineering), Brad McKenzie (McKenzie Engineering Group), Chair Reina Rubin, members of the board and planning staff.
