Boston Zoning Board Approves Beacon Hill Mixed-Use Project Over FAR Objections

BOSTON — September 23, 2025 — Boston's Zoning Board of Appeal approved more than a dozen housing and mixed-use projects at its September 23 meeting, highlighted by unanimous approval of a contested five-story, 12-unit building at 155-159 Charles Street on Beacon Hill. Attorney Joe Hanley of McDermott, Quilty, Miller and Hanley represented developer Egeria in seeking a floor area ratio variance of 5.7 — well above the neighborhood median cited by opponents at roughly 3.3 — for the project replacing a CVS-occupied one-story structure at the corner of Charles Circle and Cambridge Street; the board approved it with a proviso requiring a housing agreement before permits issue and Landmarks Commission review of plans. The board also unanimously approved attorney Derek Small's proposal for a seven-story, 22-unit mixed-use building at 228 Bowdoin Street in Dorchester, where owner Gary Webster Sr.'s Down Home Delivery and Catering restaurant will remain as a ground-floor tenant despite the project seeking an FAR of six against a required one and a height of 69 feet against a 40-foot limit. At 33 Crescent Avenue in Savin Hill, the board approved a nine-unit residential building over a 28-to-six civic association membership vote in opposition, with board member Mr. Langham recused, leaving a six-member panel that voted unanimously in favor.