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Quincy zoning board approves two-family conversion at 38 Walker St., requires first-floor bathroom
Summary
The Quincy City Zoning Board on June 9 approved a variance to convert 38 Walker Street from a single-family to a two-family dwelling, agreeing to Plan B that places a half bathroom on the first floor near the enclosed porch rather than in the basement.
Chair Marty Akins convened the June 9 meeting of the Quincy City Zoning Board and the board heard an application to convert 30 (listed in the file as 38) Walker Street from a single-family dwelling to a two-family dwelling with an enclosed front porch and separate entrances for each unit. The applicant — identified by the board as Zhao Lu — presented two options: Plan A, with a half bathroom in the basement, and Plan B, with the half bathroom on the first floor near the enclosed porch.
The applicant described the proposals in detail, saying, “So plan a is that we place a half bathroom on the basement... plan b the difference is that place the half bath on the 1st Floor, near the entrance, near the enclosed porch.” Board members pressed the applicant on unlabeled basement space, storage, and laundry locations and sought clarity about how the rooms would be used.
Several board members expressed concern that plumbing in a basement could make it easier for future owners to convert basement space into a bedroom. Vice Chair Chin summarized that concern: “our concern is not just how you present the way you would use it, but future owners and their use.” Another board member said the current drawings appeared to show an empty area that could become a bedroom if a bathroom were present: “This looks like you want a bathroom with a bedroom.”
The applicant said the basement would be used as family space and that Plan A was more convenient for how the current owners use the house; he also said they would accept conditions the board imposed. After deliberation the board voted by voice in favor of Plan B — approving the conversion with the half bathroom located on the first floor and a laundry room incorporated but with no bathroom in the basement. The board recorded the motion to allow the variance to convert the dwelling and to enclose the front porch consistent with Plan B; no opposition was recorded during the hearing.
The decision resolves the immediate application; the board did not record a roll-call tally in the minutes, and the approval was taken by voice vote. The applicant indicated he would proceed under the conditions set by the board.
