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Quincy ZBA approves two-family at 795 Hancock Street with conditions on fencing and bike storage
Summary
The Quincy Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance for a two-family duplex at 795 Hancock Street, requiring limits on fence height and an accommodation for bicycle storage; neighbors and city departments raised questions about parking, impervious area and maintenance.
The Quincy City Zoning Board of Appeals on Feb. 25 approved a variance allowing construction of a two-family dwelling with five off‑street parking spaces at 795 Hancock Street, subject to restrictions on fence height and a requirement for bicycle accommodations.
Attorney Patrick Foley, representing the applicant, said the vacant 4,400-square-foot lot in the Business B zoning district will be developed as a two-family home with two-bedroom units and five total parking spots. Architect Brian Saluti described the proposal as “a 2 and a half storey residential duplex” with a 29-by-36-foot footprint and porches matching nearby buildings.
The board took public comment. John K. Bridal of 121 Clay Street asked, “Why five parking spots for two dwelling units? It seems like overkill,” expressing concern that extra spaces could encourage long-term storage of vehicles at the corner. Michael Grama, a nearby resident, spoke in favor, saying the design “blends in with the neighborhood.”
A Department of Public Works letter read into the record asked the applicant to specify how much impervious area will increase, to provide existing-site plans showing utilities, grading and drainage, and to explain how surface runoff will be discharged and treated. The DPW also requested as‑built plans and digital files after construction.
Board members discussed bicycle storage and ground-floor storage for items such as bikes and strollers. One board member noted that “in light of us allowing a fifth parking space, I’d like to see some ground-floor storage” for bicycles, and the applicant agreed to accommodate bicycles. The board moved to approve the petition with the stated restrictions; the motion passed unanimously on voice vote.
The approval included the requirement that any fencing not obstruct traffic sightlines and that the final plan show bike storage or other ground-level storage accommodations. The applicant also provided a landscape plan prepared by Karen Gosling showing cherry and lilac plantings and low hedges along the porch.
The board placed several standard conditions on the approval, including satisfying DPW review items and recording any required site easements or maintenance agreements. No numeric vote tally was recorded in the transcript; the assembly answered “Aye” when the chair called the question.
The project now proceeds to the permitting and building‑plan stage, where the DPW and other city departments will require detailed grading, drainage and paving specifications before issuance of a building permit.
