Board approves conversion of basement commercial unit to residential at 1249 Beacon; waives one parking space

The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved special permits to convert a garden‑level commercial unit at 1249 Beacon Street into a residential unit, increasing the building to five residential units and three commercial units and triggering an affordable‑housing payment.

Attorney Robert Allen, representing the owner, told the board the conversion would make the building more conforming in the M2 district and that the site is well served by transit and nearby amenities. "It's exactly what we want in this town," a board member said during deliberation.

Planning staff recommended approval and the planning board voted unanimously to endorse the change subject to conditions including submission of final stamped floor plans and elevations and required affordable‑housing documentation. The building department said it had no objection and that compliance with state building code (means of egress, light, ventilation, fire and life safety) would be reviewed with the permit application.

The board found the special‑permit standards under section 9.05 were met and approved the waiver of one parking space based on the property's proximity to public transit and local services. The board recorded the vote as unanimous and read the conditions into the record.

The decision is conditioned on submission of final architectural and site plans stamped by licensed professionals, completion of affordable‑housing payment obligations as described in the planning staff recommendation, and recording the board's decision prior to permit issuance.