The board’s review of the proposal for the establishment of a charter school on Bergen Avenue was a key item on the agenda. The co-founder of the charter school, Katherine Han, detailed the school’s mission to focus on diversity within its student body and the intention to relocate to the newly proposed site. The project architect, Jason Jamura, testified about the retrofitting plans for the existing building to make it suitable for educational purposes, which included discussion about signage and safety measures such as access control and security cameras. Despite concerns about the lack of metal detectors and a security guard, the board was satisfied that the primary concern was the consistency of the project with the master plan. The board voted favorably on the motion to accept the project as consistent with the master plan, and the applicant agreed to conditions set by the historic preservation and planning staff.

Further emphasizing the commitment to educational development, the board also engaged in a section 31 review for University Academy Charter High School. The school’s representative, Mr. Lugo, presented the school’s plan to build a new STEAM center, which would include labs, a technology room, and enhanced safety measures like a new egress for student safety. The project architect, Mr. McChesney, outlined the addition of a new stair tower and renovations to create new science labs, a music room, and a computer technology room. The board found the plans to be broadly consistent with the master plan and the Westside Redevelopment plan, and accepted the case as consistent with these plans.

On the residential development front, the board discussed a minor site plan for 17 Berkeley Place, presented by 17-19 Berkeley LLC. The proposed project entailed an 11-unit residential building with one affordable housing unit and an accessory dwelling unit at the rear of the property. Notably, the plan included no variances and adhered to the height requirements of the new R1 zoning. During the public comment period, concerns were raised about ensuring that the affordable unit remain in the principal building. The board called for a deed restriction to enforce this, and the applicant complied with the board’s directives and the affordable housing overlay requirements. The site plan application was eventually approved, with a motion to accept the proposal as presented.

Other cases considered during the meeting included a request for extensions on previously approved site plans. A second one-year extension was granted for the site plan on Carbon Place, attributed to the resolution of a lawsuit and the introduction of a new partner, necessitating revisions to the project. Another extension request for the site plan on Westside Avenue faced scrutiny from the board. The applicant’s attorney cited financing, permitting issues, and personal reasons for seeking three one-year extensions. The board approved a one-year extension with the possibility of future requests.

Additionally, several cases were carried over to future meetings, including adjournments for cases P22 D227 and P2024 D60, which concerned the PowerHouse Arts District Redevelopment Plan, and case P23-94 for a site plan on Lubeck. The board’s handling of these cases was procedural, with announcements made during the correspondence section of the meeting.