The East Broadway project presented by Mark Lass, on behalf of homeowners Brandon and Brena Beck, involved a comprehensive historic renovation and the construction of a new garage with a second-floor addition. The existing structure, previously a real estate office, would see its large plate glass window replaced to restore the historical symmetry of the building’s façade. The design also includes a corridor connecting the original structure to the new garage, preserving a rear yard area for family use and providing a single parking space.

Despite minor zoning violations regarding off-street parking requirements, which stipulate 1.5 spaces for single-family dwellings, the board was impressed by the project’s design and its compliance with district height regulations. The applicant argued the new garage’s repositioning would improve existing conditions by placing it further from the property line than its predecessor.

Public testimony reflected community support, with representatives from the mayor’s office and the City Point Neighborhood Association endorsing the project. The association’s president, Lan O’Conor, underscored the rarity and significance of unanimous approval, emphasizing community pride in the development. Sigy Johnson from the mayor’s office noted a comprehensive community engagement process, acknowledging concerns about rodents and parking that had been addressed, resulting in ten letters of support, including three from properties within the 300-foot abutter radius.

In another significant decision, the board deliberated on a proposal for a property on Harbor View Street. This project faced challenges due to previous rejections over accessory parking space violations and insufficient open space utilization. During discussions, the applicant agreed to reduce the number of proposed parking spaces from three to two, in response to board concerns about front yard parking and to ensure compliance with city guidelines.

Neighborhood feedback was mixed, with one neighbor opposing the project due to concerns about encroachments and damage to property boundaries. The applicant committed to constructing a new fence to delineate property lines clearly and agreed to remove pavers exceeding their boundaries. With conditions to limit parking and enhance surface permeability, the board approved the project, emphasizing the importance of maintaining neighborhood aesthetics.

The meeting also addressed a proposed renovation for a church on Street, which sought to amend previously approved plans by adding a usable basement space. This addition would feature bathrooms, an office, a meeting area, and a kitchen, with a handicap lift for second-floor accessibility. Public testimony confirmed neighborhood support, and the board approved the project unanimously.

Among other cases, the board reviewed a request for a digital sign at 51 to 53 Brooklyn Avenue. This proposal sought to replace static billboards with a digital sign, adhering to BPDA design requirements. Despite concerns about potential promotion of alcohol or gambling, the project garnered support from local businesses and organizations, including the Kenmore Square Association. The board approved the sign installation, mandating a BPDA design review for compliance.

Another notable case involved a request for a two-story addition on Windham Street. The proposal faced opposition from some neighbors concerned about potential impacts on emergency access and neighborhood density. Despite these concerns, others supported the addition, citing the critical housing shortage. Due to the complexities of zoning classifications and setback implications, the board deferred the decision to allow further review, scheduling a subsequent meeting for continued deliberation.