Applicant withdraws plan to convert 115 Newbury Ave to two-family after board objections

An application to convert 115 Newbury Ave from a single-family dwelling to a two-family building was withdrawn during the Quincy Zoning Board of Appeals meeting after board members criticized the scale of the proposed conversion and neighbors objected.

Philip Baker of Rocker Design, the applicant's representative, described a reduced-scope project compared with an earlier proposal and said the plan retains the existing rear deck footprint while adding dormers to create additional attic space. He told the board the proposal would provide one two-bedroom unit on the first floor and a second unit occupying the second and third floors with three bedrooms. Baker said recent engineering comments led to adding a catch basin and cultec chamber for rear-yard drainage.

Several board members said the building was too large for the lot and out of character with the area. Chairman Marty Akins and other members described the project as "too much house or too small a lot" and repeatedly said the lot was better suited to a single-family house. Owner Hannah Pham told the board she wanted to maximize space for family reasons and proximity to transit, but the board majority expressed concern about neighborhood fit. After discussion, the applicant withdrew the petition without prejudice and the board acknowledged the withdrawal.

The record shows the petition was withdrawn by motion and approved by voice vote; the transcript contains no roll-call vote.