Boston Zoning Board of Appeals Greenlights Multiple Community Projects Amidst Parking Debate
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Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
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Meeting Date:
06/13/2024
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Recording Published:
06/17/2024
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Duration:
53 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Suffolk County
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Towns:
Boston
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent Boston Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, a series of community-oriented projects were given the go-ahead. The board tackled a diverse agenda, from the approval of a new beauty shop and fitness center to the extension of residential spaces and parking provisions. Amidst these approvals, a particularly notable discussion unfolded around the proposal for creating off-street parking on Central Avenue, where concerns over curb cut dimensions and parking allowances were debated in light of existing parking issues in the area.
The meeting commenced with case boa 159 2730, where the board approved the change of occupancy on Chelsea Street from retail to a beauty shop, alongside its existing residential units. The Maverick Central Neighborhood Association’s support played a role in the board’s unanimous decision.
Following this, the board shifted its attention to boa 156 9956, involving the change of use and occupancy on Doyon Street to a fitness center. The applicant’s attorney, Ryan Guzda, presented minor cosmetic upgrades and a letter of non-opposition from the Neighborhood Association of Back Bay, which the board took into consideration before granting approval.
Case boa 58446 brought forward the transformation of a retail space at 314-318 West Second Street into a tattoo studio. Health and safety compliance was emphasized, and with the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services confirming the community process completion, the board approved the change unanimously.
The board also unanimously approved the relocation of a bedroom at 118f Street (beway 157 6558), a measure introduced to improve livability due to noise concerns from nearby Broadway. The Cityside Neighborhood Association’s absence of opposition contributed to the board’s decision.
In addition, the extension of a parking lot on Northampton Street for 18 vehicles (boa54 8719) was approved, with Christopher Kennedy representing Northampton Parking LLC. The parking lot was deemed beneficial for the neighborhood, and the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services deferred to the board’s judgment.
The board also carried a motion for a project at 111 to 113h Street, allowing a retailer to expand inventory variety, which included public testimony and support from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services. Concerns about the sale of miniature single bottles were addressed in the testimonies.
Further residential improvements were sanctioned, involving additional rooms at a house on Colus Park and the extension and elevation of the top floor on Adams Street for additional living space. Both proposals had the backing of their respective local civic associations and were approved without concerns.
A project on Da Street, aiming to align the rear building with the front and create three-bedroom units, was approved. However, the board encountered a issue with the case on Central Avenue, where the proposal to create off-street parking for two vehicles faced debate due to the BPDA’s recommendation for denial based on curb cut and parking concerns.
Despite these challenges, the board approved the proposal with a condition for the BPDA to conduct a site plan review, ensuring that the parking spaces are positioned closer to the front of the property, allowing for green space in the rear.
The board also addressed a significant proposal to change the occupancy from three units to five and to renovate an existing building with two three-story additions. Due to the size of the proposal, the board deferred the decision to the full board. Another property set to be converted into two condos, with increased square footage on the second floor and basement, was approved with a proviso for BPDA design review, concentrating on the third-story massing.
Lastly, a proposal received the green light to finish a basement and connect it to the first-floor apartment, with the Alon Civic Association’s support and a stipulation that no building code relief be granted.
Michelle Wu
Zoning Board Officials:
Giovanni Valencia, Norm Stembridge, Shavel’le Olivier, Sherry Dong, David Aiken, Katie Whewell, Hansy Barraza, Raheem Shepard, Alan Langham, Dave Collins, Arthur Jemison (Chief of Planning)
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Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
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Meeting Date:
06/13/2024
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Recording Published:
06/17/2024
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Duration:
53 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Suffolk County
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Towns:
Boston
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