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Neighbors oppose large rebuild at 39 Westland Avenue; ZBA holds application for more information
Summary
Attorneys and the applicant asked to rebuild a cramped Westland Avenue lot; multiple neighbors testified that the proposed house increases lot coverage, risks flooding and blocks views. The board voted to hold the application to July pending clearer overlays and revised plans.
Thomas Lynch, attorney for the Fakuri family trust, presented a multi-variance application June 9 to rebuild the house at 39 Westland Avenue. Lynch said the design reduces some nonconformities, adds two off-street parking spaces and largely follows the existing footprint while providing two levels of living space above an open ground level for parking.
Several neighbors opposed the plan at public comment. A neighbor identifying themselves as owner of 37 Westland Avenue said the proposed house is "too large for the lot" and urged redesign to comply with zoning rather than seek multiple variances. Anthony Zervos, a neighbor, warned the proposal would "completely subvert the comprehensive zoning plan" and said the requested rollbacks — including a front setback reduced to 5 feet and lot coverage increased to 79% — would worsen stormwater runoff, privacy, and fire-safety risks.
The applicant's architect and attorney said much of the ground level would remain open (parking and pilings) and that coastal-area construction standards and city-engineer review would govern drainage and pilings. Board members asked the applicant to provide an overlay showing the existing house compared with the proposed structure at all elevations so the board can judge how much the second- and third-floor projections extend beyond the current building.
After extended discussion about projections, sight lines and drainage, the board voted to hold the 39 Westland Avenue application open to the July meeting so staff and the applicant can supply clearer plan overlays and additional documentation.
