Cambridge BZA grants majority of Jan. 9 zoning requests; one condo case continued to April 10

The Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeals heard a full docket on Jan. 9, 2025, granting relief on multiple residential renovation projects and a rooftop telecommunications installation, accepting one formal withdrawal and continuing a condominium application to April 10.

Key outcomes (votes and short notes):

- BZA 281576 (723–731 Cambridge St.): Chair read a withdrawal letter from proponent Manny Barrows; the board accepted the withdrawal (voice vote) and closed the case.

- BZA 2853591 (100 Ota St., Unit 1): Petitioner Michael McKee and his wife Janet asked to continue after disclosing they lack written condominium-association approval and must revise an ownership-information form; the board continued the case to April 10, 2025, and required new sign posting, a signed waiver to statutory notice requirements and that new submittals be filed by 5 p.m. on the Monday before the continued hearing.

- BZA 1144543 (1 Brattle Square): The board approved DISH Wireless’s special permit for two rooftop canister antennas and an equipment shelter (5–0). Conditions include conformance with submitted photo simulations, maintenance, filing federal emission reports with the Inspectional Services Department within 10 business days of federal filings, and automatic termination of the permit if federal licenses are suspended or revoked.

- BZA 1143353 (190 Lexington Ave): Ross Kenyon’s renovation (minor GFA changes, dormers, bays, patio steps, roof decks and accessibility provisions) was granted (5–0) conditioned on drawings and supporting statements.

- BZA 1143317 (102 Scariapa/Sciarapa St.): Homeowner Carolyn Park described contractor-caused foundation failures; the board granted the special permit (4–1) to proceed with reconstruction and modest plan changes, noting the hardship of defective prior work; Chair Monteverdi recorded a dissenting vote in line with his prior position.

- BZA 1143415 (207 Lexington Ave): Architect Chris Taylor’s application to create an ADU and alter basement windows/wells was granted (5–0) under sections for accessory apartments and special permits.

- BZA 1143409 (11 Perry St.): Attorney James Raffety argued the case required a variance because the structure is not yet a dwelling; the board granted the variance (5–0) conditioned on the submitted drawings.

- BZA 1143807 (216–218 Banks St.): NCP Management and Analog Studio presented a façade and openings renovation with two dormers and no net unit or GFA increase; the board granted the special permit (5–0) on condition of the dated drawings.

- BZA 1145003 (177 Hancock St.): Applicant agreed with board members to add covers over left-side light wells to prevent falls; the board granted the special permit (5–0) conditioned on drawings and the requirement that the left-side wells be covered to support pedestrian loads.

The meeting also included an informational update: City Council adopted modified dormer-language amendments that expand allowable dormer length (effectively allowing dormers as long as the roof minus 3.5 feet at each end), a change Chair Monteverdi said will increase as‑of‑right dormer sizes in many neighborhoods.

What’s next: Affected petitioners must comply with the conditions attached to each approval (submitted plans, ISD reporting for the DISH case, and any required waivers or postings). The continued condo case at 100 Ota Street is scheduled for the April 10, 2025 hearing; failure to submit required materials may lead to an adverse ruling.