Salem Street Construction Delayed

It appears that the owner of 92-96 Salem Street (aka 1 Wiget Street) attempted to have plans passed by the City of Boston Board of Appeal, last week, for a zoning variance related to the proposed demolition of a one-story structure on the back portion of the parcel along Wiget Street and construction of a five-story vertical addition to the main building at 92-96 Salem Street without going to the NEWRA and NEWNC community groups for discussion.

The owners attempted to by-pass the neighborhood failed as the Board of Appeal denied approval of any plans until the owner Nichola D’Amore presented his proposal to the neighborhood.

NEWRA did send a letter of opposition to the Board and the Mayor’s Office based on the applicant not providing the neighborhood the opportunity to review his proposal. NEWRA also sent a letter to the owner.

The owner has not approached NEWRA for community review despite filing the appeal in January 2012 and having his April 10 hearing deferred.

NEWRA’s request is consistent with the consensus from a discussion by Neighborhood Services, the Board of Appeal staff, NEWNC and NEWRA, at a meeting at City Hall on April 12, 2012.

The letter requested the Mayor’s Office and the Office of Boston City Councilor Sal LaMattina and the Boston Redevelopment also recommend/or request denial of approval.