BZA approves garage for 50–52 Washburn Ave condominium; board recommends level‑2 EV charging

The Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeals on Feb. 27 granted a variance allowing owners of Units 50 and 52 at 50–52 Washburn Ave to build a two‑car garage on existing parking spaces, approving the request 4–1.

Applicants Asha Jane and Jerome Kimbrough told the board the building currently has four outdoor parking spaces, two per unit, and proposed enclosing one space to create a two‑car garage for additional storage and weather‑protected electric‑vehicle charging. They said outdoor charging has posed problems in winter—freezing of plugs and range loss—and that running conduit to a compliant location near the house would be costly. The applicants said electricians had quoted roughly $20,000 to route service to some locations shown in the record.

Multiple letters in the file endorsed the proposal. Neighbors submitted letters of support (Monica Toft, 63 Washburn; tenants at 61 Washburn; and Eric Leslie and Jenny Chang at 1 Washburn Terrace), and one resident, Max Danielson of 55 Washburn Ave, spoke at public comment in favor. The applicants provided a letter of support from the co‑owner of the two‑unit condominium; the board noted the association’s agreement was included in the record.

Board discussion focused on whether the proposal met the legal variance criteria, especially the requirement that a literal enforcement of the ordinance would create a hardship owing to the shape, soil or topography of the lot. The applicants argued the square shape of their lot and the location of the existing curb cut would force a garage placed to meet the setbacks into the center of the yard, converting much of the green area to driveway; placing the garage to the side would preserve open space and retain two parking spaces while enabling protected EV charging. Applicant materials included a plan showing permeable pavers and “green parking” mesh to expand green area while preserving occasional vehicle access.

Board members Steven Ng, Virginia Keesler, Zaria Miranda and Daniel Hidalgo supported the application. Chair Jim Monteverde opposed, citing concerns about setting precedent for covered garages built primarily to facilitate vehicle charging. Monteverde suggested caution about approving structures whose primary justification is EV charging rather than lot‑specific hardship. Steven Ng and others said the cost and condominium ownership arrangement made alternative service routing unusually difficult and thus relevant to the hardship analysis.

The motion to grant relief under Sections 5.31 (table of dimensional requirements), 4.21 (accessory use) and 10.3 (variance) was approved on condition that work conform to drawings titled Washburn Condominium, prepared by Chess Engineering and dated 10/29/2024; the board also incorporated the supporting statements on file. The board recommended the petitioner pursue a level‑2 charging solution where feasible.

The record documents: proposed garage location on existing parking, proposed permeable materials to increase green area, and applicants’ statements about electric‑vehicle charging needs and quoted electrical‑service routing costs. The board’s approval includes standard permitting conditions; the petitioner will coordinate with ISD for required permits.

Votes: 4 yes (Zaria Miranda, Virginia Keesler, Daniel Hidalgo, Steven Ng), 1 no (Jim Monteverde).