Somerville Zoning Board Approves Linden Street Curb Cut, Sends Carport Proposal Back

Zoning Board · Meeting of April 15, 2026

Somerville's Zoning Board of Appeals approved a contested curb-cut variance at 12 Linden Street and continued a three-part carport variance at 92R Orchard Street to May 20, at its April 15 remote meeting. The board voted 4-1 to grant the hardship variance for 12 Linden Street, with Attorney Mike Ross arguing the property's mirrored paving pattern created an unusual condition warranting relief and Ward 2 City Councilor J.T. Scott appearing in support, saying "we're getting two spots for giving up one." Member Olivia Mobay voted no, saying she viewed the hardship as a miscommunication between private parties rather than a property-driven condition.

The board unanimously continued three variance cases for a proposed four-car parking canopy at 92R Orchard Street, directing architect Benny Burr and petitioner Melissa Moore to return with abutter letters, vehicle turning diagrams, and a redesigned structure addressing the board's objections to the 18-foot proposed height. The board also voted 5-0 to approve a major amendment to a 2018 special permit at 56 Franklin Street, authorizing an as-built walkway canopy and a fifth garage door that Attorney Anne Vigorito said brought the property closer to the six-space requirement under the old zoning code.

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Source: the Zoning Board meeting of April 15, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.