ZBA approves 5‑unit retail building on Hancock Street with parking and fence conditions
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Summary
After lengthy public comment focused on parking and delivery impacts, the Zoning Board approved Elizabeth Wong's proposal to demolish existing buildings and construct a single‑story, five‑unit retail building at 652–656 Hancock Street, conditioned on a white privacy fence, customer‑only parking, and a minor setback change for the corner unit.
The Zoning Board of Appeals voted Nov. 18 to allow a planned single‑story retail building that would replace two small commercial structures at 652–656 Hancock Street in the Wollaston business district, subject to three conditions aimed at protecting nearby uses.
Attorney Edward Fleming presented the application for Elizabeth Wong, describing a plan to demolish two existing buildings and erect a single‑story storefront structure with five retail units (ranging from about 572 to 876 square feet) and seven parking spaces tucked behind the building. Fleming said the mixed‑use proposal seeks relief from front and side setback requirements and parking minimums for Business B zoning, arguing that the proposed layout matches the pedestrian orientation of Walliston and that 7 spaces are a reasonable compromise compared with the zoning requirement of 17 spaces.
Engineer Chi Minh described planned stormwater controls, including subsurface collection and deep‑sump catch basins with oil traps, to retain runoff and improve on‑site water quality. Architect Mark Sullivan described a white‑brick facade and storefront glazing designed to fit the character of the corridor while bringing retail frontage closer to the sidewalk.
Supporters, including local business owners and residents, urged the board to approve the project as a way to revitalize the commercial corridor and to add pedestrian‑friendly storefronts. Stuart Rowe cited a city parking study showing significant daytime availability and advocated for limiting parking to customers only. Several business owners and the funeral home operator raised concerns about insufficient parking and the proximity of a service/dumpster area to funeral‑home operations; they asked for a privacy fence and clearer rules to prevent employees from occupying customer spaces.
Board members and Councilor Dan Minton suggested modest design shifts to improve pedestrian visibility and safety at the corner and recommended that parking be restricted to customers only and that any employees park elsewhere. The applicant agreed to conditions including constructing a solid white privacy fence along the side adjacent to Hamill Leiden Funeral Home, restricting the rear parking to customer use only, and stepping back the corner commercial unit to match the adjacent unit's setback for improved sightlines.
On a motion to approve ZBA 2546, the board voted in favor with the three conditions. The applicant indicated agreement with the restrictions and said they would inform future tenants that the lot is for customers only.
