Arlington ZBA Closes Hearings on Porch and Industrial Warehouse Addition, Reelects Officers

ARLINGTON — April 28, 2026 — Arlington's Zoning Board closed public hearings on two applications Tuesday, including a potentially significant industrial variance in the Dudley Street corridor. The board voted 7-0 to close the hearing on a front-porch special permit at 27 Brand Street, where homeowner Audrey Harmon sought coverage over crumbling 1991 front steps that encroach about 4.9 feet into the required 25-foot setback. Chair Christian Klein recused himself from the second item — a three-variance application by Santini Realty Trust to add a warehouse to the three-story commercial building at 26 Dudley Street — citing a personal interest, leaving Vice Chair Patrick Hanlon to preside over a 6-0 vote to close that hearing. Attorney Frederick Gilgun argued the lot's trapezoidal shape and Millbrook proximity justify variances reducing the side-yard and rear-yard setbacks from the required 10 feet to 5 feet, with the board conditioning any final approval on the applicant obtaining parking relief from the Arlington Redevelopment Board and an Order of Conditions from the Conservation Commission. In administrative business, the board unanimously approved minutes, adopted a pergola decision for 51 Greeley Circle, and reelected Klein as chair, Hanlon as vice chair, and Colleen Ralston as clerk; written decisions on both public hearings are expected at the May 14 meeting.