NEWRA Rejects Construction at 135 North Washington Street

By Phil Orlandella

A proposal to construct a six-story building with 13 residential units, ground floor retail space and an elevator at 135 North Washington Street was rejected by the North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) at its January meeting which was open to the public.

NEWRA denied the project for several reasons including height and density and use related violations identified in the City’s Inspectional Services Department (ISD).

A month before at its December meeting the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) voted 3-1 to support the proposal under the condition that the developer meet with abutters and other residents to address their concerns and issues and to return to the neighborhood group with the results.

The owner did return to NEWNC’s January meeting announcing he has revised his plans changing the number of residential units from 13-6 and reduce the space between an abutting building.

He also agreed to meet with abutters and other residents to deal with concerns that include air quality, starting and ending times, days of construction, parking, street closures, clean-up and other concerns to everyone’s satisfaction.

He also plans to live in the building.

NEWNC President Kevin Fleming thanked the owner for participation in the community process and welcomed him into the neighborhood.

The owner plans to return to NEWRA with his revised plans and community commitment to gain the group’s support.

In addition, both groups have supported three restaurant requests for full liquor licenses in accordance with the City’s 2025 legislation that allows for full liquor license upgrades.

Wicked Craft Company, 54 Salem Street, Rocco’s Cucina and Bar, 45 Commercial Street and Pizzeria Regina, 11 Thatcher Street received support for their filings.

Kevin Williams, artist and Emily Rose, project coordinator, Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture advised NEWRA of plans to place a new six-foot sculpture at Copps Hill Terrace to commemorate the Legacy of Phillis Wheatley Peters the first black woman to publish a book of poetry.

She is buried in an unknown grave in Copps Hill Burying Ground.