Neighbors object to 5 Bennett Street special‑permit proposal; council continues hearing

The council continued a contested special‑permit application for 5 Bennett Street after multiple abutters told the council the latest proposal would increase flooding, reduce open area, remove mature trees and create parking and retaining‑wall challenges.

Attorney James Giuliano, representing Treetop Homes LLC, said the project would replace the existing four‑family dwelling with a new four‑unit structure after raising the building; he noted the lot is nonconforming in area and setbacks and asked for a continuance to coordinate with the planning director and neighbors. The applicant provided unit square footage estimates and said the design aims to improve safety and bring the building up to current code.

Neighbors described remaining trash and debris on the property, cited previous failed attempts at maintenance, and questioned whether the plan’s reduction in open area — from about 45 percent to roughly 18 percent in the new plan — would worsen flooding and stormwater runoff. Sasha Hernandez, Adam Carignan and other abutters urged the council to demand clearer plans for retaining walls, drainage mitigation and how parking would be managed in winter. Margaret Pinkham and others said the proposed building appeared oversized for the lot and warned it could function like a rooming house.

Councilors pressed the petitioner to show what is different from prior proposals and requested neighborhood meetings before the next hearing. The council continued the public hearing to Nov. 19 and referred the matter to the special permits committee for more detailed review.