NEWRA Opposes Commercial Street Roof Deck Expansion

The first time a request by Allison Bonney to increase the size of the roof deck at 536 Commercial Street from 15o square feet to 367 square feet was presented (Nov.12) to the North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA), NEWRA voted to defer a vote to allow time for the applicant and abutters to work on an agreement.

Apparently, no agreement was made and abutters turned out at NEWRA’s January meeting strenuously objecting to the proposal based on privacy issues.

Abutters claimed that the proposal was not a neighborly process, which Attorney Daniel Toscano challenged. He noted that plans have been change based on abutters suggestions.

NEWRA voted not to support the proposal 25 to 8.

The Puopolo family received support from the Association (25-2) to change the legal occupancy of 4 Cleveland Place from a two-story single-family dwelling to a four-story plus mezzanine three-family dwelling with the addition of a new private roof deck for the upper unit. Height will not exceed 55 feet.

Newly elected At Large Boston City Councilor Essaibi George was the guest speaker.

The Alliance of Downtown Civic Organizations (ADCO) Urban Renewal Zone Community Letter-writing Campaign provided information and points to enable community members regarding the impending ten-year renewal Urban Renewal Zones (URZ).

Residents were encouraged to write letters to the Boston City Council on the issue.

Noted was Lewis Wharf which is located in the URZ.

The next monthly NEWRA meeting will be held on Thursday, February 11 at 7pm in the Nazzaro Community Center.