Petition 341‑25 asked the committee to amend Special Permit 65‑96 to allow a second surface parking stall within the 25‑foot front setback at 63 Hyde St. Planner Kat Kimmitt explained the lot is undersized and that the proposed 10×25.7‑foot stall would provide a dimensionally compliant space with an oversized depth to increase separation from the front lot line. The petitioner, Shen Yue (Chenyu) Zhang, described removing a staircase to install the stall, creating a new curb cut and a small side retaining wall; he said materials will match existing stonework and that they could consider pervious paving.

Neighbors and the immediate abutter Janet Lowenstein spoke in support. Councilors pressed the petitioner on pedestrian visibility, retaining walls, tree impacts and whether the replacement planting plan or tree‑warden permits had been completed; the petitioner said a certified arborist recommended removal of a large tree (32‑inch trunk reported) with replacement plantings and willingness to pay required tree‑replacement fees. Planning confirmed the existing sidewalk and 5‑foot clearance to the street; the petitioner offered optional measures (backup camera, motion‑sensor lights) to mitigate safety concerns.

The committee closed the public hearing and approved the amendment by roll call, 6–2 (Councilors Downs and Kelly opposed). The approval includes standard plan‑reference, building permit and final inspection/certificate of occupancy conditions; no impervious‑surface or mandatory backup‑safety devices were required in the draft conditions.