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Quincy zoning board allows withdrawal of proposal to demolish and rebuild at 656 C Street
Summary
The Quincy Zoning Board on July 22 permitted the applicant to withdraw without prejudice an application to demolish an existing dwelling and rebuild a three‑story, flood‑compliant single‑family home with a four‑stall garage at 656 C Street after neighbors raised design and size concerns.
The Quincy City Zoning Board of Appeals on July 22 allowed the withdrawal without prejudice of an application to demolish the existing house at 656 C Street and rebuild a three‑story, flood‑compliant single‑family dwelling with a four‑stall garage.
The application, filed as ZBA 25‑11 and represented at the hearing by Manuel Paiva, had been continued to address requested revisions: removal of an exterior stair, colored elevations of all four sides, and a dimensional correction to show a 35‑foot ridge height to meet the 35‑foot maximum. Paiva said the revised plans removed a rear exterior stairway, changed floor‑to‑ceiling heights from 9 feet to 8 feet to meet the height limit, and added labeled mechanical equipment in utility/storage areas. Paiva said the owner was present at the hearing.
Neighbors spoke in opposition during the public comment period. Resident Dave McCarthy (48 Whitney Road, Ward 1) said the proposed floor plan “looks like the setup of an apartment” and urged the board to require a different design for the tight corner lot. Other commenters said the building mass and square shape were out of scale with surrounding single‑family homes and raised concerns about parking and the property’s tight garage radius. Several board members said the revised submission did not change their view that the design remained too large for the site.
After discussion, Paiva asked to withdraw the application; the board voted to allow withdrawal without prejudice. No formal variance or special permit was granted at this meeting.
Because the case was withdrawn, the board did not adopt conditions or issue permit details. The applicant may refile or return to the board in a future session.
Meeting context: the item had been on multiple prior agendas and was presented under a continuance; public opposition focused on neighborhood fit, size and perceived potential for multi‑unit use. The record shows the applicant revised interior ceiling heights to meet the 35‑foot maximum and removed an exterior stair as requested by the board prior to withdrawing the application.
