Fall River Zoning board approves Special Permits on proposals for over 25 new residential units, removal of 6 commercial units

Multiple proposals brought in front of the Fall River Zoning Board of Appeals last week will bring more housing to the city and remove some commercial units.

FALL RIVER PLATE II LLC, represented by Attorney Peter Saulino, sought a Special Permit to convert the existing first-floor commercial spaces at 1703-1729 Pleasant Street into six residential units while retaining one commercial unit on the ground floor. Additionally, the applicant sought a Special Permit for a reduction in parking aisle width and a reduction in the number of parking spaces in accordance with § 86-445 of the City of Fall River Zoning Ordinance. The property is located in the B-L (Local Business) Zoning District and an HD-3 (Housing Development) Overlay District. 

The client has had difficulty renting out 6 of his 7 commercial units with Shear Genius Barbershop remaining.

The store fronts will be replaced with windows and doors.

The Board granted the Special Permits.

GRK INVESTMENT TRUST, represented by Attorney Peter Saulino, requested approval to restore the multi–family use of two properties: a six-unit building at 1298 Rodman Street and a three-unit building at 1300 Rodman Street. The proposal also includes subdividing the land into four lots, with the two multi-family homes remaining on one lot, and three new lots being created for proposed three–family dwellings. Variance/Special Permit relief are required to reinstate the prior use, as well as to waive lot coverage, side yard setback, and parking requirements per § 86-445 of the City of Fall River Zoning Ordinance. The property is located in the R-4 (Two Family) Zoning District and an HD-3 (Housing Development) Overlay District.

Both multi-family homes have been unoccupied for 2 years and need renovation. The city has ruled that the reported 6-family was previously a 3 family, not a 6-family.

 Residents in the area spoke against the proposal stating that the area already has too much traffic and accidents and there is not enough parking for the proposal.

Before a vote was taken by the Board, the petitioner tabled the matter to November’s meeting.

HYDE DEVELOPMENT LLC, represented by Thomas P. Killoran, sought a Special Permit to construct seven townhouse buildings at 0 South Beacon Street, comprising a total of twenty-one residential units. The property is situated in a CMD (Commercial Mill) Zoning District and an HD-1 (Housing Development) Overlay District. Additionally, the applicant requested a Special Permit to allow parking within ten feet of the front property line.

The project would include 50 parking spaces.

The Board approved the Special Permit.