Harvard Street retaining-wall and parking proposal continued to Jan. 14 after applicants fail to provide plans

The Zoning Board continued a public hearing on Dec. 10 for case 2021-0963 (Harvard Street) after the applicants were unable to present usable photographs or drawings. Board members and planning staff said they could not determine whether the proposal—described by the applicant as repairs, an extension and some relocation of a retaining wall plus the addition of two parking spaces and new stairs—was a minor modification or a major change requiring a fuller hearing.

Interpreter Juan Bernal relayed that the applicant’s family had produced photos but the files were not available to staff at the meeting. Homeowner representative Gloria Brea said workers had stopped construction after an inspector visited and one neighbor complained; Brea said the inspector “did not have much knowledge of what was happening.” The board asked the applicants to meet with planning staff, submit photos and drawings in advance, and return to the Jan. 14 hearing prepared to show the proposed location and dimensions.

Chair Janice Detarta told the applicants the board needed to see drawings and photos to judge impacts, and that adding new stairs, two parking spaces or a new retaining wall would likely be considered a major change. The board scheduled the matter for the Jan. 14 meeting and recommended the applicants consult with planning staff beforehand.