Planning Board gives negative recommendation on 723–731 Cambridge St. variances, urges applicant to align with Cambridge Street plan

The Cambridge Planning Board voted to issue a negative recommendation to the Zoning Board on the variance requests filed for 723–731 Cambridge St. (BZA Case 281576), but the board also encouraged the applicant to work with Community Development staff to revise the proposal so it better aligns with the Cambridge Street Community Plan.

Board member Tom Sinevich framed the discussion around the Feb. 2023 Cambridge Street planning study, which he said reflected input from roughly 1,400 neighbors and concluded with 15 points guiding future development. He urged the applicant to consider those recommendations before asking the BZA for variances. "I would suggest that your proposal come in alignment with that plan," Tom said. The chair noted the proposed project included replacing eight housing units with a hotel use and requested variances for floor‑area ratio, setbacks, reduced bicycle parking and a loading zone. Daniel (CDD) and Eric (CDD urban design) both offered help to the applicant in mapping the approvals required and recommended collaborative pre‑filing work to avoid a premature denial at the BZA.

After discussion, Tom moved and Dan Anderson seconded a motion for a negative recommendation on the variance requests as submitted while explicitly encouraging the applicant to continue working with City staff. A roll‑call vote recorded all members in favor. The board recommended that the applicant coordinate additional outreach and technical review (including traffic and project‑review pathways) prior to further action at the Zoning Board.