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Zoning board votes: approvals for several special permits, one denial and multiple continuances
Summary
On Nov. 1 the Chelsea ZBA approved special permits for Felipe’s Driving School (Eastern Ave), Watts Street units and Treetop Investments at 816–818 Broadway, approved a modification at 157 Washington, failed to grant variances for 9 Madison Ave, and continued several cases to Dec. 9.
At its Nov. 1 meeting the Chelsea Zoning Board of Appeals recorded the following formal actions and outcomes:
- Felipe's Driving School LLC (2025‑12471, Eastern Ave): Special permit to establish a driving school in first‑floor space that lacks required off‑street parking — APPROVED with standard planning conditions (landscape, lighting, drainage plans).
- Watts Street Investment LLC (2025‑1383): Special permit and variances to create two residential apartments in existing basement space — APPROVED with standard planning conditions.
- Treetop Investments (2025‑11816, 816–818 Broadway): Revised redevelopment plan for demolition and construction of a residential building (revised to 12 units, 12 parking spaces, two affordable units) — APPROVED with planning and site conditions including landscape, lighting, drainage plans and design review; the board required signage and parking screening as part of conditions.
- 9 Madison Avenue (2025‑18, Usman Aslam): Special permit and variances to build a two‑family home lacking lot size and parking requirements — MOTION FAILED for lack of four affirmative votes after extensive neighborhood opposition on parking and public‑safety grounds.
- 157 Washington Ave (modification of 2022 approval): Applicant requested a major modification to add two attic units (dormers) to previously approved project; the board voted to approve the modification and extend prior conditions with added design review and no street parking stickers for tenants.
- Several cases (including 19403–405 Broadway and Cary Ave matters) were continued to the Dec. 9 ZBA meeting for further review.
All approvals were recorded subject to the planning department’s standard and site‑specific conditions; applicants must submit required plans to the Department of Permitting and Land Use Planning and in some cases return to the board after design review.
