A heartfelt plea for a retirement home took center stage at the Quincy Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on May 13, 2025, as a local resident shared her dreams of building a home by the water. The resident, who moved from Ireland 50 years ago, expressed her desire for a first-floor bedroom and bathroom to accommodate her future needs as she ages.

“I’ve saved very hard and worked very hard all my life for this,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to making the house her permanent residence. At 70 years old, she hopes to settle into her new home before Christmas, highlighting the urgency of her request.

The resident reassured the board that she has no intentions of turning the property into an Airbnb, countering concerns from neighbors about potential disruptions. “I can assure you, at 70 years of age, I’m not opening an Airbnb,” she said, underscoring her focus on creating a family-friendly environment for her relatives who visit from Ireland.

Support for her proposal came from community members, including a longtime neighbor who vouched for her character and intentions. “She just wants to live there herself,” he remarked, reinforcing the sentiment that her plans are rooted in personal rather than commercial interests.

The board also heard from a representative of the Department of Public Works, who confirmed that there were no objections to the project. However, some neighbors expressed concerns about zoning regulations and the potential impact on the neighborhood.

As the meeting concluded, the resident expressed her hope for a timely decision, stating, “I’m just hoping that if you’re making more appointments for the board that I’m not gonna be put out, you know, months and months.” Her plea encapsulated the emotional weight of the meeting, as she seeks to fulfill a lifelong dream of a peaceful retirement by the water.