NEWRA/Abutters Trash Battery Street Proposal

A request by the owner of 16-18 Battery Street to change the legal occupancy from nine residential units to ten residential units, construct a one-story addition and a roof deck was opposed by abutters and the North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) by a 26 to 3 vote at last week’s monthly meeting held in the Nazzaro Community Center.

According to Attorney Daniel Toscano, the owner will be spending $500,000 on renovations and the building would be under 55 feet. Construction would also include a head house that would be set-back on the property so it won’t be viewed from the street.

Abutters claimed the property is not well kept and a roof-deck will be most likely used for parties, adding to the neighborhood’s problem of loud noise, especially late night and early morning.

One abutter claimed the addition would block his family’s view of the Old North Church.

Residents also claimed the proposed residential units would be short-term, at a cost of over $175 a day.

The community organization also voted 21 to 9 against a proposal by Joyce Pedi to change the legal occupancy at 104 Prince Street to five residential units, construct a one-story addition and make renovations to existing units.

One abutter claimed the building has a Floor Area Ratio for three floors and is currently four floors and it would block sunlight to his abutting unit where he lives and works.

However, NEWRA members voted to support another request by Pedi to construct a one-story addition to 102 Prince Street by a vote of 17 to 13.

Both proposals are under 55 feet and no roof decks are part of the plans.

Some residents requested the owner makes some room in the property for recycling, but currently there is no room.

Greenway Conservancy Executive Director Jesse Brackenbury advised NEWRA of upcoming Greenway events and its new two-year contract with MassDOT that includes the additional maintenance of six North End parcels.

Since the meeting went beyond the 9pm deadline for the closure of the Center, the North End Beautification Committee was not able to update NEWRA on their Christmas season activities and their plans for 2015.

The next NEWRA monthly meeting will be held Thursday, January 8 at 7pm in the Nazzaro Community Center.