A nonprofit group seeking approval to build a "shrine" to Irish-Americans and early workers on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in West Baltimore passed a key hurdle yesterday when Baltimore's Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals granted a zoning variance for the project.

The 4-0 vote means Railroad Historic District Corp. has authority to move ahead with plans to rehabilitate "alley houses" at 918 and 920 Lemmon St. for a small museum and archaeological garden that would celebrate the history of Irish immigrants who came to the United States during the Irish potato famine of 1845 to 1852 and worked for the B&O; Railroad's Mount Clare shops.

Opponents had questioned plans for an attraction on such a narrow street, half a block from the B&O; Railroad Museum.

Pub Date: 10/28/98

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