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ZBA approves parking/stair variance at 153 Franklin, a rear porch at 380 Beechmont and conversion of 302 Union to a daycare
Summary
The board approved area variances for 153 Franklin Avenue (front‑yard parking and stair setback), a rear screened porch/deck at 380 Beechmont Drive, and a conversion of 302 Union Avenue from office to a day care; the latter drew questions about pickup logistics but was approved as consistent with neighborhood needs.
In a series of shorter votes the Zoning Board approved three separate, mostly uncontroversial items:
• 153 Franklin Avenue: The board granted area variances to permit an at‑grade front‑yard parking space and to locate an exterior stair within the front setback. Architect Gail Asher told the board parking is constrained in the downtown area and that the design includes wrought‑iron trellises and pavers; the board found the request met the balancing test and approved the variances.
• 380 Beechmont Drive: The board approved a rear screened porch and deck that requires a modest rear‑yard variance (proposal includes a 10‑by‑19 screened porch and an adjacent deck). Members noted existing evergreen screening and found the changes would be compatible with neighboring yards.
• 302 Union Avenue: The board approved a change of use from an existing nonconforming office to another nonconforming use—a day care (Sue's Prep Group). Attorney Jonathan Malani and prospective operator Ryan Gill described weekday hours (approximately 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.), plans for serving primarily neighborhood families and an expected enrollment of about a dozen children; the board asked about pickup/drop‑off logistics and whether a dedicated drop zone would be needed, noting any conversion of public parking would require other city approvals. The board found the proposed use more consistent with neighborhood character than the existing nonconforming use and approved the conversion.
