Summary

Zoning Board Approves Housing and Business Projects

WorcesterFeb 2, 20263 min read

At a glance

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The Board approved eight applications with conditions, recommendations, and waivers, including projects adding or supporting housing, restaurant alcohol service, and a tire installation center. It also approved a 4-1 variance for a 44-unit conversion at 172-174 Shrewsbury Street, with 17 parking spaces proposed where 27 are required.

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Zoning Board of Appeals

Topics discussed

TransportationCommerceHousing

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What this means

The approvals allow several housing projects to move forward, including 44 units on Shrewsbury Street, six attached homes on Milton Street, six units at 22 Cumberland Street, and 12 attached units on Malden Street. The Board also approved an amendment allowing alcohol service at Bella Pizzeria, subject to conditions, and approved a tire installation facility at 540 West Boylston Street with indoor-only service and bay doors closed except for vehicle access. The Milton Street approvals address construction that occurred without complete permits and require further Planning and Code Department oversight. The Board continued the 56 Pleasant Street hearing to February 23, 2026, and extended its constructive grant deadline to March 17, 2026.

Key decisions

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Approved the 172-174 Shrewsbury Street application 4-1, allowing conversion of the existing building into approximately 44 residential units with approximately 17 parking spaces, subject to conditions, recommendations, and waivers.
Approved the 143 Highland Street application 5-0, amending the prior decision to allow alcohol service and parking relief, subject to conditions.
Approved the combined 26 and 28 Milton Street applications 5-0, providing after-the-fact zoning relief for six attached single-family homes and an existing retaining wall, with additional permitting and oversight required.
Approved the 540 West Boylston Street application 5-0 for a tire sales and installation facility with approximately 58 parking spaces, indoor-only service, no general vehicle repair, and bay doors closed except for vehicle ingress and egress.
Approved the 22 Cumberland Street application 5-0, allowing two additional units in an existing four-unit building, for a total of six units, with nine parking spaces and required site conditions.
Approved the 12 Malden Street application 5-0 for approximately 12 attached residential units with approximately 36 parking spaces, subject to conditions including additional landscaping and further site plan review.
Approved a six-month extension for the 342 West Boylston Street variance, moving the expiration date from February 11, 2026, to August 11, 2026.
Continued the 56 Pleasant Street public hearing to February 23, 2026, and extended the constructive grant deadline to March 17, 2026, by a 5-0 vote.
Approved the December 29, 2025, and January 12, 2026, meeting minutes by a 5-0 vote.

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