Planning board backs two-family conversion at 2 Lisa Lane

Robert Lara, who identified himself as a 15-year Chelsea resident, told the planning board he is seeking permission to convert his single-family home at 2 Lisa Lane into a two-family duplex to house relatives and expand local housing options. “So my name is Robert Lara. I'm a resident of Chelsea 15 years, and I am trying to convert my 1 family into a 2 family,” he said as he described raising the roof to create second-floor bedrooms and adding a rear emergency egress.

Alex Train, representing the property owner, said the building is about 1,500 square feet and the conversion would create two two-bedroom, one-bath units with parking accommodated by an enlarged driveway. The board asked about curb cuts, tandem parking and how the project would preserve green space; the applicant said the curb cut will not change width and that landscaping and modest yard adjustments would recapture open space.

Neighbors Santiago and Joanne Vasquez spoke in favor of the plan, and a board member moved to recommend approval with standard conditions including a requirement to submit the lease or sale agreement to the department, lighting that meets International Dark-Sky Association standards, and ineligibility for on-street parking stickers for occupants. The motion was seconded and carried.