The board’s review began with Application A2411 from Anoir Massud and Usman Raman, who sought a special permit and several variances for altering and extending a non-conforming single-family structure on Malden Street. Represented by Nancy O’Neal, the applicants proposed a vertical addition to convert the property into a two-family dwelling. O’Neal emphasized that the building’s footprint would remain unchanged while adding two stories to the existing structure, increasing its height to 34 feet, which exceeds the allowed height of 30 feet. The proposal was typical for the area, with many neighboring properties configured as two to three-family homes. The sloping terrain of the property presented challenges for lateral expansion, making the vertical addition a practical solution.

During the public hearing, Al Abas, a neighbor on Malden Street, expressed strong support for the project, citing the applicants’ quiet and clean lifestyle. “I lived with him for many years and he’s like a very quiet neighbor, very clean, no loud music,” Abas stated, highlighting the necessity of the project for the Raman family, who faced difficulties in the housing market. His endorsement was reflective of the general community support, bolstered by letters from direct abutters citing the familial nature of the project and its potential to help the Raman family remain in the home.

The board discussed practical considerations such as parking arrangements, confirming they were adequately planned. The ward counselor, Cogliandro, had no concerns regarding the project after a site visit. Following the deliberation, a motion was made to approve the special permit under standard conditions, including the need for recording with the county registry of deeds and exercising rights within a specified period. The board members voted unanimously in favor of granting the special permit.

Another application was A249, submitted by Jason and Megan Simons, seeking a special permit to modify and expand an existing non-conforming single-family structure on Endicot Avenue. Jason Simons presented the application, expressing confidence in the documentation provided. There were no proponents or opponents during the public hearing, and the ward counselor expressed favor for the application. The board approved the special permit unanimously, outlining standard conditions similar to those applied to Application A2411.

Application A2410, presented by Nancy O’Neal on behalf of the Neighborhood Developers, requested a six-month extension for the exercise period associated with previously granted variances for a mixed-use building on Ocean Avenue. The extension was necessary due to delays in federal funding impacting the construction timeline. O’Neal confirmed that only a six-month extension was sought, despite a board member suggesting a year. With no public opposition, the board approved the extension unanimously.

The meeting also addressed Application A242 from Jason Jones, who requested variances to construct a single-family dwelling at the intersection of Walnut Street and Richard Street. Specific details about the application and public comments were sparse in the transcript, but the board discussed the matter, focusing on minimum rear and front yard setbacks. The board’s deliberations and decisions on this application were pending further details.

A public hearing also took place for another application from Jason Jones, who sought to build a house on Pacon Street. Jones stated his application spoke for itself and refrained from additional comments. Proponents, including John Papo and JJ Jones, expressed support for the project. Papo raised concerns about the condition of a nearby curved sidewalk and the state of Richard Street, though these issues were outside the zoning board’s jurisdiction. JJ Jones highlighted the family’s long-standing ties to the area and the personal significance of the construction. With no opponents present, the board approved the zoning board of appeals (ZBA) variance application, subject to standard conditions like exercising rights within a year and obtaining a site plan review before applying for a building permit.

The board also reviewed a special permit application from Philip J. Consolo, who sought to renovate a pre-existing non-conforming single-family structure on Rice Avenue by adding a second floor. Represented by Lumar Kus, Consolo requested a continuance due to the need for an updated plot plan. No proponents appeared, but Chris Clock, a resident on Wadsworth, expressed concerns about the property’s current state, describing it as “just a pile of sacks” and infested with rodents. The board agreed to continue the matter to a future meeting, scheduled for August 28th, due to the absence of a suitable plot plan.

The final application discussed was from DeBellis Delar Roa Palino, requesting a variance to construct a roof sign for the business Ttakaria on Revere Beach Boulevard. The revised design featured individual letters instead of a bulky sign, with Councilor Janino expressing no objections. The board discussed the non-lighted nature of the sign, which would use existing spotlights for illumination, and its aesthetic integration with the area. The board approved the variance request, subject to standard conditions, including the necessity of site plan review approval.