On Wednesday, the Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals denied a request that would have expanded an iconic and historic building in Onset village.

Though the owner of 197 Onset Ave., which houses the Quahog Republic restaurant, said the expansion would benefit the village, concerns voiced by neighbors and opposition from the board killed the project – for now.

Lenord Cubellis, who purchased the property in 1992, told board members he had plans for a 395-square-foot addition on the building’s first floor for commercial space, specifically an office for real estate company Eagle Property Management. Changes to the second floor included a “modest expansion” that would convert one of the three studio apartments located there into a one-bedroom apartment. The remaining apartments would remain studios.

Five neighbors attended the meeting to oppose the project, which they said would change the character of the area, block water views and turn the space behind the Lillian Gregerman Bandshell into a “public toilet.” The latter because the expansion would create an alley behind the bandshell that might be used by people to relieve themselves.

Zoning Board member Karl Baptiste also voiced his opposition to the project, saying parking and other quality of life issues had to be considered.

Cubellis said he planned the expansion with an eye toward opening the restaurant year round to bring some vitality to the village, which “needs more life in the winter.”

An architect with 35 years of experience, Cubellis said his design took into account the village’s character, but without the variance he would consider a different design approach to expand the building.

Zoning Board member James Eacobacci agreed with Cubellis.

“I hate to throw the petitioner’s words back in his face, but I’m going to,” began Eacobacci. “You said, ‘I’ll put the addition on one way or another.’ I suggest you find the other way.”

Though the board was against the expansion, members did not vote to deny the request. A motion to approve the request was brought forth by Chair Nazih Elkallassi. However, no one seconded the motion and it was never voted on.