Commission OKs demolition-delay waiver to allow garage conversion into accessory dwelling at 19 Haviland Street

The Worcester Historical Commission on June 5 approved a demolition-delay waiver to permit partial demolition of a garage at 19 Haviland Street so the owners may construct an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

Paula Rosenblum, who identified herself as the owner of 19 Haviland, told the commission she and her husband had sought an ADU “for our daughter” after recent changes to state ADU law. Rosenblum said the structure will be built behind the existing garage and that the project will alter the garage roofline so the two structures can tie together. “We’ve tried to be as sensitive as possible to the design of the house, the garage. It should fit in very well,” Rosenblum said. She identified Dan Benoit as the architect and Wayne Fritz as the contractor.

Rosenblum said the new unit will be about 715 square feet and would not be visible from the street as it sits behind the garage. Commissioners clarified that the commission’s jurisdiction covered the demolition of the garage wall and roofline changes but not the ADU’s interior design or permitting, which is handled through the building permit process. The commission opened public comment, heard none, and approved a demo-delay waiver by roll call vote. Staff said it will prepare a written decision for upload to the permit portal.