Two propose height additions, one on Charter Street and the other on Salem Street were overwhelmingly opposed by North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) at the July 11 monthly meeting at the Nazzaro Center Hall which was completely full of abutters, members and others.
Revised plans by 97 Salem Street Realty Trust to erect a five-story addition above an existing single-story dwelling at 97 Salem Street were opposed by the membership 26 to 7.
Abutters turned out in force to stop plans for a change from one commercial space and for residential units to eight residential units.
Before changes were made, the applicant’s original plans called for one commercial space and nine residential units were presented to NEWRA about a year ago.
The new proposal has not been sent to City Hall because the applicant wanted to go before NEWRA before filing his plans.
Abutters expressed concern about fire access, sound, light, privacy, and the blockage of windows from sunlight and air.
Plans also called for a height addition to 42 feet, and FAR increase to 3.5 and a fourth-floor roof deck (open space).
There are still several zoning issues, including parking, that the applicant still needs to address.
A second height addition proposed by 48-49 Charter Street was also overwhelmingly opposed by NEWRA.
The applicant proposes to erect a one-story addition to the rear of a building located at 48-49 Charter Street by legalizing the present basement occupancy that would change the total occupancy from six to eight residential units and add a one-story addition.
Once again abutters opposed the project based on loss of light and air, site and privacy and more.
However, they did apparently support the plans to renovate the building without the height increase.
NEWRA received an update from the North Square design firm featuring the four informational sculptures that will be placed in Square where Sacred Heart Church and the Paul Revere House are located.
Residents viewed a presentation on some of the proposed plans and seem to like them.
An amendment to NEWRA’s notification system (not a city policy) was fully supported by the membership.
The amendment calls for notifying neighbors in writing via certified mail or first-class mail (USPS Certificate of Mailing must be provided) in advance of the NEWRA meetings.
Notification by leafleting is not acceptable. Personal contact with impacted neighbors is encouraged.
Notification must include the following:
• An explanation of the proposed action.
• Information on how the neighbor can contact the applicant.
• Notice that the matter shall be taken up by NEWRA for discussion and/or vote at the Zoning Licensing and Construction Committee (ZLC) meeting and the NEWRA Membership meeting at which the neighbor may present his/her views.
• The date, time and location of the above NEWRA meetings.
• Contact information for the designated NEWRA representative that the neighbor can contact with questions or concerns regarding the proposed action.
The written notification must be distributed so that it is received by neighbors no less than fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the ZLC meeting at which time the application will be presented.
Prior to NEWRA action on the request, the applicant must provide to NEWRA:
• A copy of the written notice (or notices) given to neighbors.
• A list of the neighbors who have been notified and the method of delivery. At a minimum, the list shall provide a street address and unit number for each neighbor. Where applicable, explain why an address does not include a unit number.
The next NEWRA monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, August 8, at 7 p.m. at the Nazzaro Community Center.