The board first addressed application A2420 from Daniel and Andrew Sia, representing the Sia Family Realty Trust, who sought multiple variances to file a planned unit development application for a five-story, 30-unit apartment building. Attorney Larry Sone presented the proposal, highlighting the need for relief from several zoning ordinances related to lot area, frontage, setbacks, building coverage, usable open space, and parking requirements. The project’s architectural designs were introduced by Mr. Sekanoff and Mr. Blazel, who emphasized the residential nature of the building and its compatibility with the surrounding structures.

During the public hearing, Amanda McGi, a resident of 18 Green Street, voiced her opposition to the project. She criticized the building’s size as disproportionate to the existing single-family and duplex homes in the area and expressed concerns about increased traffic congestion. McGi also pointed out that the parking plan was misleading, as the spaces proposed would be shared with Commonwealth Auto Body, exacerbating parking issues. Another resident, Sean Mle, echoed these concerns, particularly about the building’s height and the potential for it to block sunlight for surrounding homes. He also questioned the adequacy of the waste management plan.

In response, the applicant’s representative emphasized that enforcing the zoning laws would lead to hardship for the owner and that the variances sought would enhance the property’s value and tax revenue for the city while minimizing neighborhood impact. The board discussed the building’s entrance and exit location, which would be on Lee Burbank Highway, a modification agreed upon with the ward councilor. A motion was then presented to approve the requested variances with specific conditions, including that the rights authorized by the variance must be exercised within one year and that a site plan review approval was necessary before applying for a building permit. The board voted unanimously in favor of granting the variances, subject to the stated conditions.

The meeting then transitioned to application A2421 from Robert Greco, Trustee of Franklin Holdings Realty Trust, for a special permit concerning the construction of a single-family dwelling on Liberty Avenue. Attorney Nancy O’Neal from D’Ambrosio LLP represented the applicant, emphasizing that the home would be occupied by Mr. Del Greco’s son and was intended for lifelong residents of Revere. The property, being an undersized lot, required variances for lot sizes and frontages. O’Neal argued that denying the permit would impose an extreme hardship on Mr. Del Greco due to a 10-foot grade change across the property, complicating construction.

Public comments revealed mixed sentiments. Several proponents supported the project, noting the current laws in Massachusetts and potential future changes that might allow for more extensive developments on the lot if the single-family home were not built. Opponents raised concerns about the legality of the foundation, water drainage issues, traffic congestion, and the building’s height. Patricia Fango, a resident on Liberty Avenue, highlighted previous legal challenges and the foundation being deemed illegal. Richard DePerry described the proposed building as a “32-foot building” that would tower over neighboring properties.

The board discussed the legal status of the foundation, with the property owner’s counsel clarifying that it was constructed following a legally granted permit, later revoked due to a change in zoning laws. A board member emphasized the importance of accurate information and transparency regarding the legal history of the property.

A motion was made to approve the proposal, subject to standard conditions for any granted special permits, such as the requirement for the rights to be exercised within two years and obtaining site plan review approval before applying for a building permit. The board members voted in favor of granting the special permit with the specified conditions.