Residents expressed deep concerns about the proposed building’s height and proximity to neighboring properties, which they feared would lead to reduced sunlight and increased noise and pollution. A speaker characterized the area as a “pollution canyon,” noting that the construction of a 49-foot tall structure just three feet from the property line could block light and trap exhaust fumes. This raised fears of potential health impacts for residents, given the project’s location on one of the busiest streets in the city. The opposition was vocal, with residents submitting letters to the board and raising issues about the development’s scale and its deviation from zoning objectives, such as ensuring adequate light and air and lessening congestion.

The development’s impact on the historic nature of nearby streets and local infrastructure capacity also drew scrutiny. Alison Shepard, a resident, argued that the proposal did not align with the zoning code’s intent to promote health and safety. She questioned the affordability of the units and the city’s ability to accommodate the additional residents. Concerns about traffic, road noise, and the potential disruption during construction were echoed by other attendees, highlighting the broader community’s apprehension.

In response to these concerns, developers and representatives attempted to address the board’s and residents’ questions, emphasizing compliance with many zoning regulations and the intent to create a project that aligns with the city’s housing goals. However, the discussions revealed a clear division between the developers’ assurances and the residents’ apprehensions about the project’s potential impact on their neighborhood.

Beyond this proposal, the meeting also covered several other zoning requests, including a proposed development at 105-1115 Park Street, 12 Essex Street, and Ellsworth Street, seeking special permits and variances for a new building with 100 residential units and seven retail units. Anthony Rossi, representing the petitioner, detailed revisions made to the proposal, reducing the number of units from 120 to 100 to address community feedback. The project, which includes 50 parking spaces and 12,000 square feet of open space, received unanimous approval from the planning board after incorporating more two- and three-bedroom units.

Traffic management and parking were topics of concern for this project, with a traffic study presented by Scott Thornton indicating a moderate increase in trips during peak hours but no significant congestion. Plans to potentially convert Ellsworth Street to a one-way street were discussed as a safety measure due to its narrowness, with Rossi assuring that a detailed construction management plan would address the impact of heavy equipment on traffic.

The meeting also touched on the Grand View Road project, where variances were sought for lot size, frontage, and setbacks to construct a two-family dwelling. Concerns about parking, water runoff, and the potential conversion to a two-family dwelling under new laws were raised by residents.

A separate proposal for a variance on Grand View Road was rejected after deliberations, with board members expressing skepticism about the project’s compliance with zoning standards.

Additional cases addressed during the meeting included a request for expanding a liquor license at a residentially zoned store, with conditions set by the planning board to limit sales to liquor and convenience items. Another project on Congress Avenue proposed extending a driveway for better tenant access, though concerns about traffic and parking regulations were noted.

The meeting concluded with a proposal by Treetop Investments LLC for a 15-unit residential building requiring multiple variances. The project was referred to the planning board for further review, with concerns about parking adequacy and tenant displacement during construction remaining unresolved.