Board approves subdivision plan for 469 Washington Ave with conditions and abutter agreement

The Zoning Board approved variances and a special-permit package for 469 Washington Avenue to allow a three-lot subdivision and construction of two-family dwellings after the petitioner described drainage improvements, parking design, and agreed to a negotiated resolution with an abutter over a shared concrete wall.

Attorney Anthony Ross and manager Hector Prieto presented the project and explained a plan that includes eight pocket parking spaces (some tandem), dry wells and additional drainage to mitigate runoff, and a proposed relocation of a dumpster during construction. The proposal anticipates two condo associations after subdivision, with common-area rules to prevent obstruction of shared access.

Abutter counsel John Mackey described a negotiated agreement with the petitioner under which the petitioner will remove and reconstruct the existing concrete wall to the true lot line and repave the disturbed area; Mackey asked that the board include the agreement as a condition. Planning staff and the board discussed whether the ZBA had authority to mandate easement changes; the board concluded it could accept the petitioner’s voluntary commitment and recommended memorializing the agreement as part of later subdivision documents.

Planning recommended approval with conditions including exterior-lighting standards, permeable pavers, design of retaining walls and drainage details, and restricting residents from participating in on-street parking sticker programs. The motion to accept the case with conditions passed by voice vote.