Neighbors press ZBA for parking study as Lancer Insurance seeks removal of off‑street parking condition

The Zoning Board of Appeals heard a contested application from Lancer Insurance Company to remove a prior condition requiring the company to provide 10 off‑street parking spaces at 373 West Park Avenue for use by its building at 370 West Park Avenue.

John Petrilli, representing Lancer, said the lot has not been heavily used since hybrid work patterns reduced on‑site staff and that the company plans to use the parcel for building utilities or to accommodate displaced parking from a planned renovation. He said the developer with whom the company is under contract does not intend heavy new retail uses that would increase on‑site parking demand.

Neighbor Alan Pilevsky and other speakers urged denial. Pilevsky summarized written opposition to the proposal and said removing the parking condition would appear to facilitate additional residential density on the vacant lot; he told the board, "This application should be denied," and argued removal would exacerbate parking shortages and street congestion.

Board members and counsel debated whether remote‑work patterns since COVID reduce existing parking demand but noted future changes to building uses could reinstate higher demand. Counsel advised that an expert parking study would create a record the board could rely on if the decision were challenged. The board asked the applicant to submit a parking study and related documents; the hearing was kept open pending receipt and review of that evidence.

What's next: The applicant was asked to provide a parking study to be added to the record; the board left the hearing open until that study and any other evidence are submitted and reviewed.