Carolina Linares seeks variances to expand Marlborough Street residence from two to four units

In a recent meeting of the Chelsea Zoning Board of Appeals, significant discussions centered around a proposal to convert a two-family residence at 8284 Marlborough Street into a four-family dwelling. The petitioner, Carolina Linares, presented her case for the necessary variances and special permits, citing the need for renovations and the financial burden of maintaining the aging property.

Linares explained that the current structure is costly to upkeep and that adding two additional units would facilitate necessary renovations. The proposal includes the demolition of an old garage to create five parking spaces, which, while still below the city’s code requirements, would provide one space per unit plus an additional space. This aspect of the proposal sparked concerns among board members and community members regarding parking availability in the area.

The planning board had previously recommended approval of the project, albeit with conditions. However, the meeting revealed that there were objections based on parking concerns, which had not been formally recorded during the session. The board acknowledged this oversight and emphasized the importance of addressing community feedback in their decision-making process.

The proposal requires nine variances, a number that raised eyebrows among board members. While some variances pertain to minor adjustments, the cumulative effect of these requests necessitates careful consideration. Board members expressed the need to balance the demand for affordable housing against the potential impact on parking and neighborhood dynamics.

As the meeting progressed, board members sought clarification on the specifics of the proposal, including the current layout of the units and the rationale behind the request for two additional apartments instead of one. Linares indicated that the height of the building, as permitted by code, justified the addition of two units.

The discussions highlighted the ongoing tension in Chelsea between the need for increased housing density and the challenges posed by limited parking and community concerns. As the board prepares to deliberate on the proposal, the outcome will likely reflect broader trends in urban development and housing policy in the region.

The next steps will involve further examination of the variances requested and consideration of community feedback, as the board aims to reach a decision that balances development needs with the interests of current residents.