Charlestown City board approves variance for 112–114 Spring Street with parking stipulation

The Charlestown City Board of Zoning Appeals voted to approve a variance for 112–114 Spring Street, allowing the applicant to subdivide the lot and build three single-family homes. The motion included a stipulation that the developer provide additional parking on the Audubon corner to address on-street congestion.

Derek Holmes, who identified himself as the property owner at 1015 Water Street, said the proposal would create three single two-bedroom houses and that "All 3 new homes proposed at 750 square feet." Board members repeatedly expressed concern that Spring Street is already narrow and that on-street parking creates hazards for pedestrians and could impede emergency vehicles.

A board member said they had driven the block and observed cars parked on both sides, noting that "There barely 1 car can get through it at a time." The town attorney cautioned against unilateral site investigations by individual members and recommended coordinated fact-finding if the board wished to reassess street conditions before future actions.

During discussion, Holmes said each house would have a driveway intended to accommodate two vehicles and that he could attempt to address a nearby truck's parking location. The board moved to approve the variance with the condition that Holmes widen or add parking at the Audubon corner; a motion to approve was seconded and the board voted in favor.

The board did not specify enforcement details for the parking stipulation at the meeting. The town attorney noted the board's authority is limited to the materials and evidence presented, and any follow-up enforcement or curb changes would involve the relevant municipal departments.