The Scituate Zoning Board of Appeals signaled a firm boundary on neighborhood density Thursday night, expressing deep skepticism over a proposal to turn a former federal post office into a fourth residential unit. Attorney Adam Brodsky, representing BCG76 Glades LLC, argued that converting the former United States Postal Service (USPS) unit at 76 Glades Road into a one-bedroom apartment would be less intensive than its previous commercial use. To support the claim of pre-existing multi-family use, Brodsky presented Sanborn Fire Insurance maps from 1918 and a 1939 map labeling the structure as a rooming house. The LLC is just trying to make productive use of the property, Brodsky told the board, suggesting that a modern five-bedroom single-family home might have a greater impact than the proposed four-unit configuration.

However, Building Commissioner Bob Vogel raised a significant legal hurdle based on an opinion from Town Counsel. I would not characterize the USPS post office as a commercial use due to its status as an operation of the federal government, Vogel read, noting the counsel viewed the post office as an institutional use rather than commercial. Vogel warned the board that extending the grandfathering to a fourth unit was very problematic from a building code standpoint, particularly regarding fire sprinklers and emergency egress. Chair Ka echoed these concerns, stating, My objection is that multi-family doesn't belong in that district and it's already crowded down there regarding parking. A board member agreed, noting that while three units seemed established by history, four is too far.

Public sentiment mirrored the board’s hesitation. A resident of 68 Glades Road voiced frustration over the neighborhood's lack of infrastructure for more residents. My main concern is the parking, the resident said. In the summer, you can't even find a place to park. I can't find a spot at my own house. Seeking time to address the legal and parking concerns, the applicant requested a delay. Motion Made by [Unidentified Board Member] to continue this matter to the May 21st meeting. Motion Passed (2-0-0).

The board was more amenable to a substantial expansion at 30 Standish Avenue, where Katherine and Christopher McCort sought to alter a pre-existing non-conforming dwelling built in 1912. Representative JD Gibbs explained that the project, which includes a residential addition and a 9-foot by 22-foot porch, would result in a 47.7% increase in the building's area. Currently, the structure is 4.2 feet off the property line as a side yard setback, Gibbs noted, explaining that the new construction would maintain that existing non-conformity rather than increase it. Bob Vogel described the application as pretty straightforward, though he noted the Building Department would require specific fire ratings due to the proximity to the lot line. Motion Made by [Unidentified Board Member] to provide the alteration of a pre-existing non-conforming single-family dwelling... finding that such alteration is not creating new non-conformities and... is not substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood. Motion Passed (2-0-0).

In a rare move for coastal development, the board also approved an administrative amendment for 72 Glades Road that will actually shrink the footprint of a previously approved project. Bob Vogel informed the board that the new owner of the property adjusted the design to reduce the massing of the second and third floors. The result is about 20% smaller in square footage, Vogel said, confirming that the change from 3,870 square feet to 3,100 square feet did not alter the height, setbacks, or the first-floor podium design. Motion Made by [Unidentified Board Member] to [approve] an amendment per the design plans received on March 18, 2026, that reduces the total finished living area... to 3,100 square feet. Motion Passed (2-0-0).

In other business, an application regarding South River was deferred to a future session. Motion Made by [Unidentified Board Member] to continue the application... to the April 16th meeting. Motion Passed (2-0-0).