The Zoning Board of Appeal on Tuesday rejected plans by Mark and Cynthia Edwards to add a ten-unit condo building to the back of their existing two-family home at 55-57 River St. in Mattapan Lower Mills.

Board members agreed with nearby residents that the project, even when reduced from their original plan for 14 new units, was too large and out of context for the site on a residential block in an area filled with older homes. The proposal called for ten parking spaces.

"The context of this is just too big," Gary Tondorf-Dick, who owns a couple of neighboring parcels, said, pointing to the way the building would be just four feet from its rear lot line, rather than the required 20-foot minimum. He said he and other neighbors suggested a smaller rowhouse-style building of just six units, which he said would also eliminate the "big box" feel of the rear building.

"It's more commercial, more urban, not really in the context of this neighborhood," he said, adding he had nothing but praise for the renovation work the Edwards have done on some other homes in the neighborhood.

The Edwards' attorney, Joseph Feaster, though, pointed to the city's stated goal to increase its housing inventory, and said the reason for the unusual configuration was to preserve the two-family house, which neighbors wanted preserved.

The River Street Civic Association backed the proposal, as did City Councilor Brian Worrell.

Board member Hansy Better Barazza moved to deny the project without prejudice, saying the overall density was excessive and it left too much of the lot covered with building and asphalt. "Six [units] seems more doable," she said, adding she's not convinced simply sticking a modern box behind a colonial is the best architectural choice for a neighborhood filled with older homes.

The board voted 5-2 to reject the proposal: Barazza, Norm Stembridge, Shamaiah Turner, David Collins and Jeanne Pinado voted for rejection; Sherry Dong and Giovanny Valencia voted against.

The vote to deny without prejudice means the Edwards can return to the board in less than a year with a differing plan.