Universal Hub is reporting that on Tuesday, the Zoning Board of Appeal unanimously approved plans to convert a notoriously narrow Main Street storefront into a small residential unit.

The proposal, brought forward by Charlestown residents Elena and James Melconian, would transform the first floor of the two-story building at 233 Main Street—just 8½ feet wide and 46 feet long—into a roughly 313-square-foot studio apartment with a kitchen and shower. The second floor of the building is already used as a similarly sized studio.

Their architect, Timothy Shanahan, told the board the space has long struggled to function as commercial real estate, cycling through multiple failed businesses over the years. Drawing on more than five decades of living in the neighborhood, Shanahan said there hasn’t been a successful business in the space for decades.

The Boston Planning Department opposed the request, citing concerns about the loss of commercial space, the building’s location near a coastal flood-resilience area, and the lack of open space.

Shanahan pushed back, arguing that Charlestown has limited options for small, more affordable residential units and that this conversion would help fill that gap. He also noted the property’s proximity to the Bunker Hill Mall and Whole Foods.

ZBA member Giovanny Valencia said he was comfortable approving the change, pointing out that other first-floor residential units already exist nearby. The board ultimately voted unanimously in favor of the conversion.

You can read the full details here.