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BMZA approves community center and multiple variances for 820–826 Westwood Ave
Summary
The board approved a conditional use for a community center (clubhouse) to serve adjacent Dukeland Townhomes and granted variances for a larger shed, reduced rear and side setbacks, and one front ADA parking space because of the site's wooded topography and resident access needs.
Planning staff recommended approval of a conditional community center and variances for 820–826 Westwood Ave, a consolidation of eight unimproved row‑home lots adjacent to Dukeland Townhomes. Justin Walker presented planning's recommendation and outlined the variances: a larger 12×20 shed that exceeds the permitted 120 sq ft encroachment, rear and interior side yard reductions, and an ADA parking space forward of the front building line due to site constraints.
Applicant attorney Drew Tilden and representative Gabriela Happi said the clubhouse and adjacent play area will be for Dukeland residents, that the shed sits on an existing paved area and the single front ADA space is necessary to provide access for residents with mobility constraints. "This clubhouse is going to be exclusively for the use of Dukeland residents," Tilden said. Planning and the applicant noted outreach to the council member and HABC; after discussion the board voted to adopt planning's findings and approved the conditional use and the variances. Staff will draft a written resolution to memorialize conditions and findings.
Why it matters: the decision creates an on‑site amenity for public housing residents and resolves multiple technical setbacks and parking exceptions prompted by the site's topography and existing paved areas.
