The Zoning Board of Appeal on Tuesday approved construction of a modern three decker at 34 Dorset St., but with the condition BPDA designers work with the developer to add a pitched roof and maybe some dormers to make it look more like most of the other houses on the street - and even the housing development across the street.

Although two neighbors said they supported developer Adam Sarbaugh's proposal, more than 100 other nearby residents signed a petition opposing the proposal. One resident who testified said that neighbors felt the building would be too large - it would be the second largest on the street - and added that aesthetically, the building just wouldn't fit in on a street with mostly slanted roofs.

She noted that even the Bellflower Apartments across the street have pitched roofs. However, the new three-unit building would be next to an existing three decker.

Sarbaugh's attorney, Nick Zozula, said he was not sure why Sarbaugh went with a flat roof, but said it was likely it was so he could get full living space on the third floor, which might not be possible with a slanted roof without requiring another variance, for overall height.

The board unanimously approved the plans. Member Joe Ruggiero moved approval subject to BPDA design review. He said the space issue might be solved with a combination of a pitched roof and dormers.

The proposal calls for three parking spaces.