The Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA) met virtually on November 17, where they approved the proposed project at 34 and 36 Rossmore Road. The project was cited for multiple zoning code violations, including excessive Floor Area Ratio, insufficient front and side yard, insufficient lot area for additional dwelling units, and others.
The project has been heard several times by organizations like the Stonybrook Neighborhood Association and the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC), and the design team has worked alongside residents to address issues and make changes accordingly.
The project consists of the demolition of the existing building at 34 Rossmore, which has already been done, and erecting two three story, three dwelling units on the lots at 34 at 36 Rossmore Road, explained architect Elaine Scales. Each unit will have two bedrooms.
There will be a shared driveway in between the two buildings that will lead to two parking spots for each building, Scales said. She said there will also be an easement for the shared driveway, but that was not part of the plans presented.
Lindsey Santana from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services said that an abutters meeting was held on August 6, and the “applicant worked closely with abutters and the community.” Councilor Matt O’Malley was also in support of the project, the JPNC and SNA have expressed support, and the ZBA reported that they received one letter of support as well.
Jennifer Uhrhane, a member of the SNA and a resident who lives near this proposal, said that the developer, Liam Lydon, and Scales have worked with the community and “listened to everyone’s concerns and implemented changes accordingly to achieve a good project for the neighborhood.”
The ZBA voted to approve this project with BPDA design review and requiring the applicant to have an easement between the two buildings on the shared driveway.