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Neighbor raises safety concerns as ZBA approves conversion to seven units at Stafford Road
Summary
The Zoning Board approved a variance allowing conversion of commercial first‑floor space into three apartments at 1190 Stafford Rd., creating seven units in the building. An abutter warned of fast traffic and noted his elderly father was struck there last year; the board said apartments may be less intensive than some by‑right commercial uses.
The Fall River Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance on June 18 to convert first‑floor office space at 1190 Stafford Road into three residential units, bringing the total to seven units in the existing building.
Attorney Peter Felino told the board the site sits in both BL (local business) and R4 (two‑family) districts and that the building’s form and the split zoning constitute the hardship that justifies a variance under the zoning ordinance. He said parking can be provided and argued the proposed residential use is consistent with surrounding multi‑family patterns.
During public comment Paul Lopes, whose father lives nearby, urged the board to consider pedestrian safety at the intersection near Stafford Road. “My dad got hit by a car over there last last October walking across the street,” Lopes told the board, noting the area’s heavy traffic and his view that adding apartments could add to vehicle movements. Lopes pointed to a nearby school and described the intersection as “very, very dangerous.”
Board members and the director of planning and engineering, Dan Duper, discussed traffic and parking but noted that a range of commercial uses could also generate traffic by right in a BL district. Duper observed that three apartments could be a lower‑intensity use than some commercial tenants and that parking requirements were addressed in the applicant’s plans.
The board voted to approve the variance in a recorded roll call. The motion carried with unanimous affirmation by the five voting members, who also encouraged the applicant to finalize parking and permit plans in coordination with the planning and engineering staff before building permits are issued.
The decision is subject to standard site‑plan review and building permits.
