Hearing on Meadow Street addition continued after parking and pool concerns

The Quincy zoning board continued a petition for an addition at 37 Meadow Street on April 28 to allow the applicant time to revise parking and site plans.

Architect Owen Thomas told the board the design reduces second‑floor square footage and reconfigures rear landscaping to keep hardscaping below the city's 40% paving threshold by using permeable pavers. "We reduced the paving to have the green space that I've noted on the plans," Thomas said, adding the applicant plans a pool cover with a safety code release.

Board members and neighbors focused on parking: the proposal currently shows a 16‑foot‑deep compact parking space, which several members said is too short for typical family cars and could block the sidewalk near an elementary school. One board member said a 17‑ or 18‑foot depth or a minor set‑back of the front entry could yield a full‑depth space without major foundation work. The applicant agreed to explore small shifts to the front wall to gain depth rather than more expensive structural changes.

An abutter expressed concern about the pool in the back yard, noting family safety; the architect said pool safety features would be provided and that the pool does not require zoning relief if the green‑space requirement is met.

The board continued the case to May 26 and asked the applicant to submit revised plans by the board’s deadline to show changes that address parking and site layout.

What happens next: Applicant to submit revised site and parking plans before the May 26 hearing so the board can reconsider relief requests and any requested waivers.