Brookline, Massachusetts Development News
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Planning Board Hearing - Media
Published: Jul 23, 2026
Zoning Amendment for 26 Pleasant Street Under Review for 96-Unit Residential Development
The Brookline Planning Board heard a presentation on a citizen petition for a zoning bylaw amendment for 26 Pleasant Street, proposing an overlay district to allow for a 96-unit, seven-story (85 feet) residential building. The proposal aims to replace a 60-space surface parking lot with housing, incorporating features like a pocket park, roof deck, and landscaped open space. Key aspects discussed include reduced unit count (from 103 to 96), revised setback standards, open space standards, parking requirements (0.5 spaces per unit), and unit size variations. The project is eligible for a 50% majority vote at town meeting under the housing choice criteria, even with a potential ground-floor commercial option. Significant public comment focused on tree preservation, the scale of the building, and the impact of development on the neighborhood. The board's role is to provide a report and recommendation to town meeting.
Planning Board Approves Fourth-Floor Addition at 31 Harvard Street
The Brookline Planning Board reviewed a proposal to add a fourth floor to a mixed-use building at 31 Harvard Street, increasing the building's gross floor area by 1,332 square feet for an additional dwelling unit. The project, which is a buy-right project under the Harvard Street form-based zoning and does not require zoning relief, was subject to site plan and design review. The proposal includes adding a trash enclosure, extending a back stair, and creating a small permeable area at the rear of the property. The board discussed materials for windows and siding, ensuring compliance with the bylaw. The project was approved with conditions, pending the Board of Appeals' approval of any required special permits.
Brookline Considers Streamlining Zoning Relief Process for Single and Two-Family Homes
The Brookline Planning Board discussed a potential zoning amendment to streamline the approval process for single and two-family dwellings requiring zoning relief. Currently, these projects go before both the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), creating a duplicative process. The proposal suggests making the Planning Board the special permit granting authority for these cases, excluding full demolitions and variances. This change aims to expedite reviews, save homeowners time and money, reduce staff and ZBA caseloads, and potentially decrease mailing costs. The ZBA generally supports this shift, preferring to focus on legal issues rather than design review. The proposal would be filed by the planning department for consideration at the fall town meeting.
Brookline Planning Board Endorses ANR Plan for 43 Fair Green Place
The Brookline Planning Board reviewed a plan for 43 Fair Green Place, an Approval Not Required (ANR) subdivision. The proposal involves subdividing one lot into three and building three single-family houses, following a land swap previously recommended by the board. The land swap was intended to improve lot configuration, provide better frontage, and increase separation between properties. The board's role in an ANR is to endorse the plan, confirming that approval is not required under subdivision rules, typically by verifying frontage on a public road. The board moved to endorse the plan, with a unanimous vote.
Michael O'Connor Appointed to Brookline Avenue DAT
The Brookline Planning Board formally appointed Michael O'Connor to the Brookline Avenue Design Advisory Team (DAT). O'Connor represents the Park and Recreation Commission on the DAT. The appointment is relevant as the project site backs onto the Emerald Necklace, a significant public parkland.
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