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Board approves Galvin plan for seven townhouses at 576 Quarry Street amid mixed neighborhood reaction
Summary
The zoning board granted variances allowing Galvin Development to build two buildings containing seven townhouse-style condominium units at 576 Quarry St., citing removal of a blighted structure and proposed drainage and parking upgrades; neighbors raised concerns about density, privacy and precedent.
The Quincy zoning board on June 23 approved Galvin Development’s request to raise the existing structure at 576 Quarry Street and construct two buildings containing seven townhouse-style condominium units.
Attorney Edward Fleming told the board the 21,550-square-foot parcel is blighted and described the application as similar in character to a previously approved nearby project at 580 Quarry Street. Developer Sean Galvin said the plan provides two-car garages and additional on-grade parking so each unit will effectively have about four parking spaces, and that an underground retention system was designed to hold about 21,000 gallons for stormwater management.
The petition sought a use variance because multifamily dwellings are not permitted in the parcel’s Residence A zoning, plus relief for left-side and rear setbacks. Fleming said the left-side setback averages about 14 feet (with a portion under the 13-foot requirement) and the rear setback was measured at 15.8 feet versus the 20 feet required.
Neighbors and local residents split on the project. Christine Grundy of 68 Robertson Street praised the quality of the developer’s prior work at 580 Quarry Street and said she was “very favorably impressed” and supportive of the use. Paul Burke of 37 White Street said prior variance-driven development had improved a blighted lot and noted the project could help restore Quarry Street; he also relayed a developer remark that the condos would “go for 750,000 or maybe less.”
By contrast, abutter Sharon Tullow of 128 Willard Street urged the board to deny the variance, arguing that Massachusetts variances are intended to address unique physical hardship and should not be used to effect a permanent increase in residential density. Tullow said granting the relief would harm privacy, massing and buffering for nearby single-family homes.
Board members asked technical questions about the 30-foot easement that limits building in the front of the lot, drainage peer review at the planning board level and how the proposed units would relate to adjacent properties. Several members complimented the developer’s track record but requested mature buffering and additional landscaping to address neighbor concerns.
A motion to allow the petition was made, seconded and carried. The board’s approval follows the zoning decision; planning and engineering reviews were discussed as follow-up steps to verify drainage and dimensional compliance.
The board’s action removes a long-standing blight on the block, but opponents said they will watch for implementation details and any impacts on neighborhood character and traffic. The board adjourned following a brief final item.
