The board approved a height variance for the construction of a 145-foot radio tower, a key component of the city’s new emergency 911 center on Street. This decision followed a detailed presentation by Tom Skowski, Chief of Planning and Community Development, who emphasized the necessity of the tower for enhancing public safety and ensuring communication reliability during emergencies. He explained that the tower would not only serve Revere but also extend its benefits to neighboring areas such as Chelsea and Winthrop by creating redundancy in emergency responses.

The public hearing saw City Councilor Paula Jenzio express support for the overall McKinley School project, which includes the new 911 call center and additional city offices and classrooms. However, Jenzio voiced concerns over the late-stage introduction of the tower’s height as an issue, which surprised both her and local residents. She mentioned receiving inquiries from early childhood educators worried about potential safety risks from the radio waves emitted by the tower. Although Jenzio had previously advocated for a project delay to address these concerns, she acknowledged the long-standing communication issues highlighted by police and fire officials.

After considering the presentations and public input, the board moved to vote on the height variance request. Members unanimously supported the motion to approve the construction of the 145-foot tower, recognizing its critical role in emergency response infrastructure.

In another significant matter, the board deliberated on an application by Andrea Garcia seeking variances to convert a single-family dwelling on Fenley Street into a two-family residence. Garcia requested permission for front yard parking and proposed changes to the landscaped front yard area and driveway width. She explained her plan, which involved adding two parking spots in the front yard, developed in consultation with city engineers.

The proposal faced staunch opposition from neighboring residents. Robert argued against the variance, citing concerns about overcrowding and the preservation of open space. He emphasized the potential for increased vehicle congestion and noise, given the existing parking capacity. Similarly, George M. Manzone from 141 Fenley Street reiterated the need to maintain the neighborhood’s single-family character, arguing that the lot size was insufficient for a two-family dwelling.

John Macharia, residing on Fenley Street, also opposed the conversion, sharing experiences of crowded streets and disturbances, and expressed a desire for stable, long-term neighbors. The board discussed the proposed parking configuration and deliberated on the potential impact on green space and neighborhood character.

Ultimately, the board voted unanimously against Garcia’s variance request, aligning with the community’s desire to maintain the area’s existing character and prevent potential overcrowding.