--------- Good evening. The city of Boston zoning board of appeal hearing for May 15, 2025 is now in session. This hearing is being conducted in accordance with the applicable provisions of the open meeting law, including the updated provisions enacted by the legislature last this year. The new law allows the
board to continue its practice of holding virtual hearings through June 2027. This hearing of the board is being held remotely via the Zoom webinar event platform. This meeting is also being livereamed. Okay. Thank being recorded. Thank you. In order to ensure this hearing of the
board is open to the public. Members of the public may access this hearing through telephone and video conferencing. This the information for connecting to this hearing is listed on today's hearing agenda which is posted on the public notices page of the city's website boston.gov. Members of the public will enter the virtual hearing as
attendees, which means you will not see yourself on the screen and you will be muted throughout unless administratively unmuted when asked to comment. Board members, applicants, and their attorneys or representatives will present will participate in the hearing as panelists and they will appear alongside the presentation materials when speaking. Panelists are strongly encouraged to
keep video on while presenting to the As with our in-person meetings, comments and support will be followed by comments and opposition. The order of comments is as follows. elected officials, representatives of elected officials, and members of the public. The chair may limit the number of people
called upon to offer a comment and the time for commenting is time constraints require. For that reason, the board me prefers to hear from members of the board uh members of the public who are most impacted by a project. That is those individuals who live closest to the project.
If you wish to comment on an appeal, please click the raise hand button along the bottom of your screen in the Zoom webinar platform. Click it again and your hand should go down. When the host sees your hand, you will receive a request to unmute yourself. Select yes and you should be able to talk. If you are connected to the hearing by
telephone, please press star 9 to raise and lower your hand. You must press star six to unmute yourself after you receive the request from the host. Those called upon to comment will be asked to state their name and address first and then can provide their comment. Wrong direction as with
Nope. Keep going. In the interest of time and to ensure that you have enough time to do so, please raise your hand as soon as Mr. Stebridge reads the address into the record. Do not raise your hand before the relevant address is called or the meeting host will not know to call on
you at the appropriate time. Okay. Mr. Stebridge. Good evening, Madam Chair. President. Good evening, Miss Bter Brazza. Good evening, Madam Chair. Present. Good evening, Mr. Stebridge.
Yes, we will begin with the for the hearings scheduled for 5:00 pm. First, we have case BOA 170 5409 at the address of 8 Concord Street.
If the applicant and or their representative are present, they please explain to the board. Do we know if the applicant for 8 Conquered Street is on? Yes, I'm here. Okay, great. Thank you. I'm the owner I'm the owner of the house and I also
have um my contractor um Allan on the line. Great. Whoever is presenting, if you could just state your name for the record. Are you presenting? Um, we weren't really expecting to present. We were just gonna be answering questions. Uh, I
don't know. I've never done this before. Okay, that's okay. But someone needs to briefly tell us what uh what you're using. I can. Um, so I live at 8 Conquered Street. Um, I know that, you know, we have to say that we're adding a
dormer, but there is an existing dormer there already, and we're just proposing to expand it. Um my I live there with my twin boys and the one of them is using this as a bedroom and he's almost 6 feet tall and having to duck under ceilings
is not really working for our family. So, um, what we're proposing is doubling the size of our dormer, which would exactly match the house to the left of our our house, which, um, I have I know
that there were some photos that I had submitted, but I don't know if that you have those on file, but it would basically be, you know, both of our houses would end up being twins from the front. So, that's really it. And then in the back, I'm just, you know, completing
the walls to um, you know, create a second bedroom. Okay. Thank you. Are there questions from the board? Hearing none, may I have public testimony? Madam Chair and board members, good evening. Sig Johnson with the mayor's office of neighborhood services. This petitioner completed the
ONS community process. Our office hosted an abutters meeting at which no concerns were raised. With that background, we defer judgment to the board. Thank you. Thank you. There's no other hands raised. Okay. With that, may I have a motion? Madam Chair, I'd like to put for a motion of
approval with a provisal that the project be reviewed um through the BPD uh especially since the project is under a neighborhood design overlay district. Okay. And just for the applicant sake planning department, uh is there a
second? Second. Mr. Stebridge. Yes. Miss Better Brazo. Yes. Chair votes yes. The motion carries. Good luck. Ma'am, can I ask a question because I've never done this before. Um what does that mean? What the um the first person
said, the proviso just means that the Boston planning department will uh your project will undergo design review with the Boston planning department as part of its uh approval. So that's that part of your approval process. Okay. And then so what are what are the next steps just
so that I can kind of stay on top of this like what can I expect? I'm gonna ask you to call staff. I don't know Caroline if you have a person she can call or just to call the ISD number. Yeah, she can call the CBA office. Um we can assist her. All right, great. Thank
you. Next we have case BOA 1693892 with the address of 28A Shaman Avenue. It's the applicant andor their representative present. Would they please explain the case to the board?
Good evening. Our lead Tamaha present on the call for the proposed change of use of 288 Shamad Avenue. Um good evening everyone. Thank you to the board for seeing us. Um, our ask here today is that we convert our retail location back to its original uh, use, which is a
restaurant. Um, long ago in the early 90s and late 90s, this was a Lebanese restaurant. It turned into a flower shop and a yoga studio. Um, our family is looking to convert it back to a restaurant. The same um, concept, Lebanese food, tapas. And um we're here
today for um a conversation with the board regarding this process. Okay. Sir, do do you have cuz I I did receive this. Do you do you have a a slide deck that shows the actual plans and whatever violations that you have to
address? Uh that was that should have been emailed to you guys uh from the city. I think Eva messaged you guys today and should have it. Uh I can pull it up. Thank you. that that would be helpful. So, yes, if one of you could just tell us. Yeah, I'll walk you through it. So,
this is um Madam Chair, this is the existing restaurant right now. Um what we've done is we've renovated the entire building. Um and we've uh you know, the building hadn't been touched for a long time. This is what it was before. We've um enhanced the back front all of the property to look something like this.
This is our proposed vision of the restaurant. Open concept Lebanese restaurant. um upscale tapas with a focus on Lebanese and Mediterranean flavors, vegetarian menu with a small dining room downstairs. Um this was So this was on two levels. Two levels. Yes.
So one of the reasons that the two-level design happened is uh we went through the city of Boston road action plan. uh knowing that some of the issues going there, we decided with our team that it was best that we put the kitchen on the main floor, not downstairs in the basement or any kind of um usage there
to mitigate that infestation or anything that might occur. Um so that was one of the options. That's why the multi-level uh design. We could have put just the kitchen downstairs and uh you know made it full dining upstairs, but we wanted to be cognizant of the um areas of liability with that. So we put the
cooking facility upstairs. It'll be right to your left. Um so that way that was one way to to kind of mitigate that. Um also um it just create a little private dining space that neighbors and people can use um for
functions and events because you know we're family oriented type of eating culture where you can come in order a bunch of plates and share them. So we want to create spaces that uh groups and families can use together. Great. And just um quick question what's the seating capacity for both? Um, right now
we we don't have an official seating capacity. We were kind of um coming to you guys. I think that right there would show up a total of 40 seats. That was based on what was there before. Um, also one thing we've done is we've eliminated corners, spaces, and stuff like that. We've kept it very open. Also to kind of
make sure that there's no random areas that things can kind of build nests and stuff. So that's why you see the open format on both floors. Great. Other questions from the board? Yeah. Um, is the existing is the storefront existing? Are you doing any
uh and it looks like there's a step down? So, your entrance is not accessible. Um, so, you know, I guess the question is, are you doing anything to modify that storefront? Uh, yes, ma'am. We we we um have that oneep ledge outside and it's a short sidewalk.
There's no way to add a ramp or anything. We have put an ADA bathroom in there just in case, but like all our neighbors, um it's it's I've been speaking to, you know, the city about the front. We we are going to update the front. We have a we have after this probably another call with them, but
there's nothing to do to mitigate that one step. It is holding the building up basically. Okay, great. Thank you. No further questions. You had said that I believe you have 40 40 seats at this point. Are you planning on changing
that, adding more or something? We we wanted to come to you guys first to see this process. We we do intend to bring in a design team to tell us it might be less. We will anything we do will come to you first. But um we haven't gone that far. We don't want to jump ahead without you know talking to everyone
first and making sure that you know this was something that we can move forward with. Um when we do hopefully get the blessing and move forward, then we'll get a finalized number and a finalized plan detailed to everybody with the exact numbers.
Fair enough. Okay. And your egress uh in the basement goes out outside to next. Yes. To the alley. I've we've also made the door bigger. Um if you know those areas back there, the stairs the doors were very small. They're under four feet. We made the door the biggest
possible. Also, we took extra precaution out there. If you know that alley, it's all dirt. Um, we've dug it out and put a a concrete slab there to eliminate um any kind of water coming back in, clean up the alley, and also make it an easier egress out the back for in case of an
emergency, god forbid. Okay, great. And we also have an egress up to the roof and egress from the front. And can I ask what hours uh of operation you have? I Yeah. So, so right now the proposed operations are going to be um open for
preparation. We're not planning on doing lunch right now. So, it' be traditional 5 to 5 to midnight uh Monday to Thursday and then like our neighbors till 2:00 a.m. on Friday to Sunday. Um so, let's open it up to public testimony. Uh I I do want to May May I
sorry interrupt you. May I just add that uh we went through the neighborhood meetings and we listened to the neighbors. We discussed all the concerns including noise in the alley, the exhaust and uh again rodents and trash. So I just want to mention that uh during the neighborhood meetings we did address
those and we offered solutions to some of the neighbors who are bringing things up and we are happy to accommodate what we need to do to get this into a restaurant space. So, we're going to hear a lot about uh you know, these type of things and we just want to assure you that we've heard these. We've put an action plan together and we're ready to
address them and tackle them as we need. Thanks so much. That that's helpful because we we did get a lot of uh feedback for, you know, in opposition and in support. Uh but the the opposition I think commented on some of the things you just addressed which were trash, rodent, I think some alleyway,
you know, people smoking in alleyways, um things like that. So th those were those were uh echoed many times during the last meeting from uh some of the neighbors and uh we've assured them we'll do our due diligence and do everything we need to do. I just uh we
are a new restaurant. We have a track record at our old restaurant the south end of being very you know neighbor friendly and I just want to you know reiterate the sentiment that we are a new restaurant and anything someone else is doing is not a reflection of us and
we would like to be you know I think it would be injustice to be judged on someone else's actions whereas we deserve the right to you know get an opportunity. Thank you. Thank thank you. Uh is the other applicant want to say
more or can I um to to piggyback on that just before we start um respectfully I I don't own or operate the restaurants to our right or left and wrongfully so I don't want to represent and answer any questions on their behalf. Um last call I was we were responding to questions
that didn't pertain to us and I feel that it's it's it's as trying to be a good neighbor. I would just like to not respond to questions about any of the restaurants that are around us because I don't know their policy and procedures and a mistake by my part. I tried to field all the questions and try to, you know, talk through them. I I'd really
like to kind of focus on our business because I don't want to do them any disservice by responding on behalf of any of the other great businesses in the South End. Thank you. And so we're going to open it up to public testimony. And uh as noted, please focus on whether you're in support or opposition to this project.
and briefly state your reasons. Uh, thank you. Good morning, madam or good afternoon, madam chair and members of the board. My name is Eva Jones and I'm here today on behalf of the mayor's office of neighborhood services to express our support for this proposal at 280 Sham A. Uh, a well-attended abutters meeting was
held on March 27th, 2023 where constituents raised concerns including noise from trash removal, excessive drinking, restaurant noise from the back alley and double parking. Our office received four letters in opposition from this from abutters where concerns mirror these or those in the meeting. In
response, the applicant has committed to several mitigation efforts including rubber acoustic matting, fortifying the rear with concrete to reduce pests, taking trash out the front, a rooftop exhaust system to reduce noise and smell, managing the front area of the restaurant to reduce loitering and
double parking, and putting shades on the front windows to reduce light pollution into the neighborhood. Support was also expressed throughout the process, including at the Abutters meeting. Residents EP emphasized the return of Lebanese culture to the south and praised the applicant's long-standing community involvement and
noted that similar smaller restaurants have operated successfully in the area, suggesting that this one should be of no issue. Uh supporters also praised the applicant's past record of running successful establishments in collaboration with neighbors. My office has received 33 letters in support
including nine from abutters uh a petition with four signatures and a letter of support from representative Moran. Additionally, the proposal was reviewed with the Bradford Bradford Neighborhood Association who did not take a stance but as a result of this engagement. Some members of the association who are
abutters have provided a letter in opposition with 21 signatures regarding the proposal and noted ongoing issues from food establishments in the back alley including trash, uh, rats, exhaust, odors, and staff smoking as well as gate damage to the back alley
and in the front of the establishment cited late night disruptions like double parking and noise. All concerns that were also expressed in the Abutters meeting. The Pilot Blocks Neighborhood Association and adjacent civic association also provided a letter of support citing the applicant's history
of responsible business operations through his other properties and his community engagement as well as the commitment to be a good neighbor. At this time, the mayor's office and neighborhood services believes that this is an appropriate use for this location and believes that the applicant has taken the mitigative steps required to
work with the community and my office would like to again express our support regarding the proposal at 280 Shaman Avenue. Thank you everybody for your time and consideration. Thank you. There's nine hands raised. So we'll start with Be quick. Be be quick folks,
please. Hi, this is Siri Kalin, 26 Bradford Street Director Butter. I appreciate the applicant's long service to the community. I understand the historical use of that property, but we've been there for 15 years. For 15 years, it's been a very different kind of use. I still have a lot of concerns
about adding extra noise and other um the other impacts on the alley. So, I I shared my concerns in in a letter and I'll just leave it at that. I understand that there have been some discussion or or representations made about how these would be addressed. How do those get
formalized in anything that's under consideration? For example, trash service in the alley and and the noise from trash service in the alley. So, I know there's a lot of people who are looking to speak, but that's the that's the genesis of my opposition. Thank you for the time to address. Thank you,
ma'am. Spencer. Hello. Um, my name is Spencer. I live at 255 Sham Avenue. And I just wanted to express my um complete and full support of this project. I think um you know part of the charm of living in our neighborhood, living in the south end is being
close to these businesses, people who don't live it like they want it there. Someone else talking. Um sorry. Um so yeah, I think this would be a great addition to our neighborhood and I think that you know we could use um these different restaurants and you know I'm
in full support of somebody that's already part of our community um joining GS. Hi, my name is Gail Siamoto and I live on one of the um adjoining streets. I have a procedural comment I want to
make. Um we did were not notified and I believe none of my neighbors were notified by the board of appeal of this hearing. So I'm not sure that it can go forward uh procedurally. I only found out about it by speaking to uh somebody who was sort of in the know about this situation. We've been not we notified
routinely about other uh board of appeal hearings but we were not notified about this one. Um I have uh three substantive comments to make. First of all, I was at the uh a butters meeting. I did not understand or perhaps it wasn't presented correctly that there was going to be a lower level uh dining uh at this
establishment. I think there's a lot of concerns there for uh egress particularly given that the front of the building is below is below grade. Um, I agree that uh this applicant should not be um prejudiced by the um actions or
behavior of other restaurants um in the area, but I think it is a cautionary tale. And I think to have two restaurants on a relatively small commercial street where the it's mostly residential that both have 2 a.m. liquor licenses is too much for the
neighborhood to bear. It becomes more of a bar with food after say midnight. if they were to um bring that back to a midnight closing, I think more people would be um in support of it. Um I also at the Abutters meeting asked about uh
food delivery because that is one of the big issues for the other establishments um in the area. If you look at 311, every single night there are complaints about double parkers on Shaban Avenue for all of the other dining establishments. And the applicant said that they've been working on this plan
for over two years. And yet when I asked about dining and whether they would use um delivery services, they said they had not thought about that yet. And I find that to be a little disingenuous to work on this for this length of time. Please wrap up. We have nine other Yes. And and
to not have thought that. So if they would dial it back, I could support it. But at this point in time, I am opposed to the project. Thank you. All right. Subsequent speakers, again, please be brief and state your support or opposition. Yeah, I'll try to be uh brief, but I
live uh directly above like the proposed project and I think it'd be like a great I'm fully supportive of the project. I think um like I live like right above it, so like the Franklin Cafe also is right near there and like I usually don't hear any noise and I live directly
above it so I don't think like noise would be a big factor for me. So think it would be great. Okay, thank you. AJ. Hello. Hello. My name is AJ R. Stamon. I live at 284 Shamat Avenue, a few doors
down. I'm in full support of this project. I I don't see any issues moving forward. So, they have my full support and the neighborhood would definitely appreciate a new establishment. And all the concern about neighborhood double parking. You know, we have chilicates
directly across the street where you have a bunch of Uber drivers picking things up. you have people picking up food over at um the Franklin. I you know it's the city people double park all the time. I don't see that being a huge issue. So they have my full support. Thank you very much. I'm going to ask others to again just state your support
or opposition. Uh we want to get through everyone. Otherwise, I'm going to start asking people to put their comments in the chat. Thank you. Sean, this is Sean. Can you hear me? Yes. Okay. Yeah. This is Sean McConnell. I live right in back of um next to Sari
and we're a direct to Butters and I oppose the project. Um I think that it's too dense of an area to have another restaurant and um I'm concerned about, you know, uh pest pest and especially noise. Um uh and uh I think that with 19
people signing a letter from our street opposing the project, I just find it a little disrespectful to go forward with it. Thank you, Joseph. Hello. Uh my name is Joseph Morris. I live at 275 Shaman Avenue, so directly
across from the proposed location. Um I am in full support of the project. I lived above Nicole's Pizza. uh another one of the family's restaurants for three years. I've been at my current location across the street from the proposed location for seven years. Um I
can tell you from personal experience that the family runs their businesses with the utmost care and respect for the community and I am in full support. Council Mahia, did you want to weigh in on this? I see you commented.
Yes. Is it my turn, Katherine? I I I I said councelor Mahia. I'm sorry. You were Oh, keep going then. Go ahead, Catherine. Uh yes. So, I'm Katherine O'Neal. I live at 274, two
doors down from the proposed location, and I'm opposed. Uh my largest uh concern has to do with the late hours. Uh we have one restaurant here that's 2:00 in the morning. Most of the restaurants in the south end do not stay open that late and nothing else on this
immediate block uh closes stays open that late. We have really just little shops that you know there's a bookstore that stays open till 9:00 but this is not Thank you. Maline, can you can you elevate counselor Mia so she can speak? I did
elevator I believe. Okay. Yes, you did. and I appreciate the revelation, but I I just want to make sure that I know what I I just finished the hearing, so I'm not I'm here to speak on behalf of a a specific uh the Guidan Tamora project and I'm not sure if it's already been um
we're we're at 280 Shamadab. Is that the project you're speaking on? No, I'm the it's a guided Tambbora. Okay. Then then we'll keep moving then. We'll see you in a bit. Thank you. My name is My name is Meline. I live at 278 Shaw
directly above this location and I'm in full support of the restaurant moving in. Absolutely no concerns about noise level at night. Not an issue. Similar with trash and pests and F and Wallet
are absolutely amazing landlords. They care a ton about the community and I think this restaurant would be nothing but great for the South End community. Thank you. So, you know, there's still a lot of raised hands. So, if we're going to get to you, I only want to hear your your name, address, and whether you're
in support or opposition. We we've heard reasons. So, we're, you know, just just that. Eric. Hi, my name is Eric Waloff. Um, I live in the neighborhood where uh the owner's current restaurant is located, Nicole's
Pizza, which is also in the South End. Um, I submitted a letter on behalf of 30. You in support or opposition? Uh, I am in support. Thank you. We're going to keep going. Thank you. Bye. Hi, my name is V. I live at 278A Sham
right above the restaurant and I'm in full support. I have no issues. Thank you. We're going to keep going. Brandon, keep going. Muhammad. Hi, my name is Muhammad Schumer and I live right above the restaurant and I support I'm Lebanese so
a Lebanese restaurant would mean a lot to my community as well. Great. Thank you, Joseph. Yes. Um 16 Bradford Street. I'm opposed. This seems to be a location that is um looking for a business rather than a business looking for location.
there are vacant restaurants in the neighborhood and uh I have not heard why those uh places are considered. Okay, I think um we've heard quite enough uh sorry let's turn it back to our our me board members for any questions and
the applicant for a brief response. Any other questions from the board? Um, madam chair just asking the applicants um are they aware of the comments from the disabilities commission. I'm sorry uh Mr. Shambridge I'm not I
didn't hear the question properly. Um there are one of the inputs to this process is the disabilities commission for the city of Boston and they wrote um some comments in regards to your
proposal. Are you aware of those? I am not aware of those. Um, very briefly, the restaurant should ensure that a section of the bar is lowered for wheelchair access and that 5% of the tables are
accessible. Can the Sorry, I apologize. Uh, I have a bad connection. Mr. Stebridge, the even though we don't have ADA access, we have accommodated the lower bar, the tables, and uh, ADA bathroom. I would probably ask you to uh get in
touch with these people just so that you know what they're saying. Absolutely. Thank you, Norm. That's why I didn't bring it up because uh the tables were not fixed. Usually that could be accommodated. Uh and the only issue that I wanted to have clarity on was the
front entrance to see whether um that was being proposed or whether that was existing. So, most likely they're being grandfathered. Uh but thanks for bringing that up. And sure, can the applicant comment about hours? Just, you know, that sounded like one of the concerns. Yeah,
absolutely. Um, if it was brought up at the last time, um, that maybe a 1:00 a.m. or 12 a.m. license would work. More than happy to try that in a trial period, but this is what I want to make sure that we address and we address last time. If I have next door at open till 2
a.m., great establishment. I let people out at 12:00 or 1:00. I cannot be held responsible for people waiting outside to get into that establishment and then loitering. And what's going to happen is people will leave to go continue out there. And it'll add extra pressure and bottleneck into the establishment next
door. We are a fine dining restaurant. The kitchen is bigger than the bar. We own the property. Property value is very important to us. The restaurant buildout is an extremely intricate design. This is not a fast food place. Um, this is a fine dining place, neighborhood
location, cozy, warm, and inviting to everyone. It's not something that we're expecting high turnover. This is not respectfully like any other businesses that are um trying to pump volume out. Our kitchen is bigger than our bar. We plan on serving food that is top-notch,
top quality, made daily. We don't have a walk-in cooler. We're going to make everything daily. We're not storing large prepared foods. It is a culinary place that people are going to come enjoy and experience. With that being said, I don't know if I'm going to have
to have someone come pick up food. And um being told I'm disingenuous, it's not because I've been very clear with we want to try to go to 2 a.m. We've answered every question. We've gone outside and done meter readings on the noise way below ordinance. Um being told that we're ingenuous, not not not
accurate. being told in the group that our our tenants are compromised. Absolutely not. We're ethical. We're moral. We've been in the community a long time. We our reputation stands for oursel. Our work stands for ourselves. We don't have to compromise tenants and we don't have to play around. We ask for
2 a.m. We're not sugar coating it. If if it closes at 1, it's going to create a bottleneck of people leaving to the next open location. Secondly, how they choose to run their business and how their clients leave. Again, that's not how we run it. Thank you. app understand. Any
other questions from the board? Can can I just make one more comment just about the letters of support? I think uh neighborhood services might have not updated it. We have over 90 letters of support and I have a dropbox I can share with everyone from and at least 15 of Butters just so we're on the same page.
Thank you so much. Thank you. Are we ready for a motion? Yes. Please, Madam Chair, I'd like to put for a motion of approval. Is there a second? Second. Mr. Steambridge. Yes.
Miss Bzo? Yes. The chair votes yes. The motion carries. I want to thank the chair for your time. Thank you so much. Thank you to the board and neighbors. Next we have case BOA 169
9132 with the address of 150 Huntington Avenue. If the applicant and or the representative are present, would they please explain to the board, the applicant for 150 Huntington Avon? Yes. Hi.
Uh I'm the I'm the owner of the new business. Uh I just want to expand. Uh I think our case is easy because uh we just remove the the the provisal for the special name of the regular uh re
revolution juice bar. We just do the business like uh cocoa bubble tea. I think they are the same thing. We use we don't change anything. We just uh upgrade the plumbing system and the new counter. That's it. Gotcha. Thank you.
Uh any questions from the board? May I have public testimony? Madam Chair and board members, Sigy Johnson with the mayor's office of neighborhood services. Our office oversaw distribution of a flyer to every a butter within a 300 ft radius that comprised the community
process for this proposal. That flying solicited one letter of support and no other comments. The St. Pat neighborhood association is in non opposition. With that background, we defer judgment to the board. Thank you. Thank you. There's no other hands raised. May I have a motion?
Madam Chair, I'd like to put for a motion of approval. Is there a second? Second. Mr. Stebridge? Yes. Miss Better Brazo? Yes. Chair votes yes. The motion carries. Good luck.
Next we have case BOA1704531 with the address of 76 to 84 Boilston Street. If the applicant andor their representative present, would they please claim? Uh yeah. Thank you, Madam Chair, board members. Daniel Brennan here. I'm
assisting uh the restaurant owner getting the uh licenses and permit approvals. Uh Ahmed is also on the call. He's a restaurant owner. Um this is a a small space. Uh the actual street
address is 215 Trammont. Um it's in the Emerson Little Building. Um it's just 750 square ft. Uh proposed is um just a small little uh specialty
burger joint. Um no seating, no alcohol. Uh, we met with the Downtown Boston Neighborhood Association, distributed flyers. Um, no opposition that we're aware of. Uh, proposed hours 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. And,
um, that's all I have for you right now. Questions? Questions from the board? Hearing? None. May I have public testimony? Good afternoon, madam chair, members of the board. My name is Eva Jones. and representing the mayor's office of neighborhood services regarding 76 to 84
Boilston Street. Our office will defer to the board's judgment on this matter. A community process was conducted, including the distribution of a subcommittee flyer on 32125. We received no feedback from constituents regarding this flyer. Additionally, the proposal was discussed with the Downtown Boston Neighborhood
Association, which convened on 32625. At this time, the mayor's office of neighborhood services deferred to the to the board's judgment on this matter. Thank you everyone for your time and consideration. Vanessa Woo. Good morning, Madam Chair and members of the board. This is Vanessa Woo from Councelor Flynn's
office. Councelor Flynn is not able to support this um proposal at this time due to concerns regarding third-party deliveries and mopeds and public and pedestrian safety. Um he would like to urge the proponent to continue to work
with neighbors and stakeholders and the transportation department on concerns regarding regarding pickup and drop off. Thank you. Thank you. No other hands. Okay. Any other questions from the
board? I don't know if the applicant wants to respond to the concern about the takeout. Yeah, I mean that was discussed with the downtown neighborhood association. Um I didn't feel that it was a
opposition. There was a discussion about possibly um having a designated spot for delivery services um like Door Dash and such. I mean we are right next to Tate and Lepes that are doing the same thing.
Um, I don't know, um, if we need to find a designated spot for these delivery drivers, but it's pretty much in line with the other tenants in the building. Um, I'm a little caught off guard, actually. I didn't know that we were going to have any opposition.
Understood. Thank you. Any other questions from the board? May I have a motion? Madam Chair, I'd like to put forward a motion of approval. Is there a second? Second, Mr. Stebridge.
Yes, Miss Better Braza. Yes. Chair votes yes. The motion carries. Good luck. Thank you. Next, we have BOA 1695221 with the address of 43 Prebble
Street. The applicant andor their representative are present. Will they please explain to the board applicant for 43 Prebble Street on? Do you want to keep going? Um, we will return. Oh, sorry. Is Mr. Dempsey, are
you here for 43 Problem? He was on earlier. I'm not sure where he is. Hold on. Can you hear me now? Yes. Are you here for 43 Purple? That's me. Great. So, can you just state your name for the and address for the record and please tell us what you're seeking?
Sure. My name is Fran Dempsey. I'm the owner of France Auto Repair in South Boston. I've been there for 32 years and I was going to retire last year. So, I kind of let my used car license expire, but now I want I'm going to stay another
two to three years and I just want to renew my dealer's license. That's all. And all my all my neighbors, I have no problem with any of them. They love me. Are there questions from the board?
Yes. Um, it says that that you are requesting for an outdoor display of new or used motor vehicles. Is the display existing? Yes, I've I've I've had a license for 30 years. Okay, this that sounds good. Um, Madame Chair, we we did receive some
feedback recommendation but from BPDing additional drawings, but I'm I think I'm okay with continuing um the license that he's has received. That is just a display. Um, sure. Well, let's go through uh public testimony first. Um,
all right. So, with that, can we have public testimony? Madam Chair and board members, C Johnson with the mayor's office of neighborhood services. This petitioner completed the ONS community process. Our office oversaw distribution of anformational flyer to all of Butters in a 300 ft radius, which solicited one
letter of support and no other comments. Uh, with that background, we defer judgment to the board. Thank you. Thank you. Nessa. Good afternoon, Madam Chair and members of the board. Um, Councelor Flynn has no issues um with this case. Um, he would like to go on record and
support. Thank you. Thank you. There's no other hands. With that, may I have a motion? Madam Chair, I'd like to put forward a motion of approval with a provisal that the applicant submits um just a a plan or an elevation or even
photographs uh detailing the size and dimensions and location of the signage for BPD's records. Thank you. Is there a second? Second, Mr. Stebridge. Yes.
Miss Barza. Yes. Chair votes yes. The motion carries. Good luck, sir. Thank you so much. Thank you. Next, we have case BOA 168 9389. I got it.
8 Greenly Place. If the applicant and their representative are present, would they please explain to the board? Good evening everybody. Thank you for having us. My name is Bailey Chang and I'm here with my uh wife uh Susan. Uh
you may hear at moments uh uh uh some couping from our daughter and I apologize for that in advance. Uh the purpose of our uh uh our um request is to try to get a uh in a variance uh to
the 10 ft setback from the property line rule that is uh uh that is codified in the uh edicts of the city. Um currently as it stands we have a driveway on the southern part of our home in Jamaica
plane which can be seen on the plat shown right here. Uh that driveway is completely uh uncovered and there is a small um uh porch uh by which uh one is to gain egress into the uh first floor
on the side that is starting to deteriorate. Uh our hope is to make uh for the sake of uh our three children a uh all at once a covered area for us to park a vehicle under so that uh we uh
can load our children into the vehicle without exposing them to the vague reefs and vicissitudes of Boston's precipitation um while at the same time furnishing a safe area uh that can be closed off on
which the children can play um to support the parking of our vehicle underneath the proposed deck structure. It is necessary to encroach upon the uh setback that is uh uh that is uh demanded by the city
ordinance. Um this current uh southern uh uh uh boundary of our property which we most affected uh borders a uh property owned by Mr. uh uh Mr. Kurt of Curts and Motors. He is a good neighborhood friend
of ours and has uh expressed support for this project. Um we've also had uh uh we also have good relations with our other neighbors in the uh on Greenley Place uh who are also looking forward to potentially using the uh deck space for
a place for children to play. Thank you. Questions from the board. Hearing none. Can I have public testimony? Madam chair and members of the board, for the record, my name is Jeremy Benbury. I am the Jamaica Plane community engagement specialist for the
Office of Neighborhood Services. The applicant has completed the community process which consisted of an abutters meeting lightly attended and facilitated on March 5th where ABU is voiced inquiries that were addressed during the meeting such as time frame and road to control. Uh next, the proposal was presented to Jamaica Plane Neighborhood Council where they received a vote of
approval. Thank you for your time in the mayor's office of neighborhood services. Would like to defer to the board with interest. Thank you. Thank you. No other hands raised. With that, may I have a motion? Madam Chair, I'd like to put for a motion of approval. Is there a second? Second. Mr.
Stebridge? Yes. Miss Better Braza? Yes. Chair votes yes. The motion carries. Good luck, sir. Thank you. Next we have case BOA1564124 with the address of 21 Water
Waterloo Street. If the applicant and or their representative are present, they please explain to the board. Are you Mr. Lion? Are you here to speak? Yeah, I'm there. Can you hear me? Yes, we can. Okay. Hi. So, yeah, I'm the um
owner of 21 Waterloo Street. Uh it used to be a two family house up until Yes, I can hear you. Yeah, please proceed. Yeah, it was a two family property up until 2003 and uh the owner that had it
before me um decided to switch it back to a one family. Uh when I bought the house in 2023, I um proposing to convert it back to a two family house, but there's an issue with the open space requirements and the parking on the driveway. So, I'm
looking to get some relief from the zoning board to allow that. Um, I'm not changing anything to the envelope of the building. It looks exactly the same on the outside. All I did on the inside was put new egress doors into each unit. So, there's two for each one. It's um a
onebedroom on the first floor and then a threebedroom on the second and third floor. So, it's just a two-unit building like it was before. Are there questions from the board? Hearing none, may I have public testimony? Madam Madam Chair, members of the board,
for the record, my name is Jeremy Benbury. I am the Hide Park community engagement specialist for the Office of Neighborhood Services. The applicant has completed the community process which consisted of an abundance meeting very lightly attended facilitated on October 23rd where Wonder voiced support for the proposal. Next, the project was
presented to Reedville Watch Neighborhood Association where they voted to support the proposal. Uh we've received no letters at this time to our office. Thank you for your time and the mayor's office of neighborhood services would like to defer to the board for the agenda. Thank you. No other hands are raised.
With that, may I have a motion? Madame Chair, given that the zoning is to family, the request uh seems almost as a right. So with that, I would like to put forward a motion of approval. Is there a second? Second.
Mr. Stebridge. Yes. Metabraza. Yes. Chair votes yes. The motion carries. Good luck. Thank you. Next we have case BOA 1612451 with the address of 1251 to 1269
River Street if the applicant andor their representative present would they please explain to the board. Uh hi can you guys hear me? Yes we can. Yes, my name is uh Sha Sud and um I would like to take over the uh the
currently um it's a running business. Um it's called New York Fried Chicken and uh with u nothing's really going to change. It's the same um you know same business. We're not adding anything. We're not removing anything. Uh it just most likely going to be name change um
and uh um same food you know. Okay. Any questions from the board? May I have public testimony? Madam Chair and members of the board, for the record, my name is Jeremy Benbury. I am the Hide Park community engagement specialist for the Office of
Neighborhood Services. The applicant has completed the community process which consisted of an abundance meeting. I can My apologies. My You may want to just go off off video. Okay. Sorry. Thank you. That's okay.
Modern technology. All right. Do you want to try again, Mr. Madam Chair, members of the board? For the record, my name is Jeremy Benbury. I am the Hide Park community engagement specialist for the Office of Neighborhood Services. The applicant has completed the community process which consisted of an abundance
meeting uh facilitated on October 23rd. I'm sorry. I apologize for ma'am. A notification to a butters a flyer uh the the community process consisted of a notification to a butters by flyer of
the proponent's intent to add takeout. Uh the proponent presented to Hide Park Neighborhood Association where they voted to support the proposal. Uh thank you for your time and the mayor's office of neighborhood services would like to defer to the board for their judgment. Thank you. No other hands are raised. With that, may I have a motion? Madam
Chair, I'd like to put for a motion of approval. I have a second. Mr. Stebridge? Yes. Miss Bed Rousea? Yes. Chair votes yes. The motion carries. Good luck, sir.
Okay. Thank you so much. Next, we have case BOA 1666 99983, the address of 109 Baitman Street. If the applicant and the representative are present. Yes, Mr.
Tambridge. Good evening, Madam Chair, members of the board, attorney Derek Small of a business address of 51 Doppson Road. Um, with me today on the call is Mr. Stefan Gillings who is the owner of the property and madam chair we're here tonight seeking relief to
construct a new dormer and a new rear addition to the one family house. Um here the zoning subdist is a 1 6000. Our lot size is 6,137 square ft. The zoning violations are as follows. Lot width the
requirement is 60 ft. We have 50 which is a pre-existing non-conforming. Um excessive F. The required F in this zoning subject is uh 0.5. We are going to 58. Um the number
of stories um with regard to the dormer that is being placed requirement is 35 ft and 2 and 1/2 stories. We are at 32 feet in height, madam chair. And um they're considering ISD is considering that dormer bumpout on an extra story.
So that's why we're excited for that. Sideyard requirement is 10 ft. There are eight on both sides that again that's a pre-existing non-conforming and the front yard is modal. Again, this will remain a one family dwelling for my client and his family and they are going
to be moving in um his mom and his aging parents so that they can age in place. We'll open it up to any questions. Thank you. Any questions from the board? Hearing none, may I have public testimony? Madam chair and members of
the board, for the record, my name is Jeremy Benbury. I am the Hide Park community engagement specialist for the Office of Neighborhood Services. The applicant has completed the community process which consisted of an Abuas meeting held on January 16th where Abuas did voice opposing concerns stating the project has already been completed and
they cannot have it unbuilt. Abuas stated they were only attending the meeting because they thought they were trying to build even more without going through the community process. Next, the proponent presented to Hide Park Neighborhood Association where they voted in opposition to the proposal. To date, we have received one letter of opposition from the Hide Park
neighborhood association stating it was made clear during the meeting that work has already been completed and at this at this time and request the zoning board apply any measures within its authority to adjust this current violation. Thank you for your time and the mayor's office of neighborhood services would like to defer to the board with their judgment. Ma madam
chair if I may respond to that. Initially when he applied when the permit was applied for a permit was granted uh for the foundation and then um as work was being constructed um the dorma they replaced the roof and we put
a hip dorma on um again to get some more space in a head house knowing full well that we were going to have to come back uh to the ZVA um with regard to the dorma piece of it. So that's why we're here. We're here to to um to get the variance for the dormer. Again, um we
are still below the height and requirement within feet at 32 feet. And there again, ISD is considering that bump out of the dormer a extra story. Thank you. Other questions from the board? Hearing none, may I have a
motion? Madam Chair, I'd like to put for a motion of approval. Is there a second? Second. Mr. Sbridge. Yes. Miss better. Yes. Chair votes yes. The motion carries. Good luck. Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the board. Have a good
night. Next, we have case BOA 1655919 with the address of 4014 Washington Street. The applicant andor their representative present. Would they
please explain? I don't know if is Jen Allen the applicant or is the applicant for 40 Washington Street on Hi. Yes. Are you the applicant? I'm Jennifer Allen. I'm the attorney for the applicant. And then Filipe Duran is also
the owner and he's also logged in as well. Okay. Are you presenting or is he I'm presenting. um if he's able to speak in case you have any questions regarding any plans or anything that I cannot answer, he'll also be able to answer anything else. Great. Thank you. Please
proceed. All right. Thank you. Um so we are seeking relief from the zoning code for a variance for insufficient front yard setback which we are short a mere 5 ft from the requirement. We are seeking to add an enclosed canopy with
foundation that is approximately 18 by10 that will accommodate processing and pickup of takeout orders. It will allow my client to create additional services to the public, thus increasing the public good and avoid congestion inside the existing
restaurant. He already has a canopy at the entrance of the Eden area that extends out and this will be in conformity with that one which relief was a granted approximately 5 years ago. Um so the page just in case
so you're showing here if you scroll down a little bit more this shows what is currently and then if you continue down this is shows the proposed if you move up a little bit more down in the left corner right there that shows the
proposed um addition on the left side. So the addition that we are proposing is consistent with the character of the building and of the existing neighborhood. The building across the street comes right up to the curb along with additional buildings up and down
the street. There is no detriment to the existing space or the neighborhood. The addition will be made of glass, no different than the other addition, so it doesn't block driver sight lines while entering and exiting the parking lot.
Um, as you see on the plans, we're looking to add that new addition to the left side as there's no space anywhere else in the front to accommodate such a structure. It will be handicap accessible and as mentioned, it will
steer takeout patrons away from the main dining area so that those patrons can enjoy their dinner without interruption. In general, takeout business has increased tremendously all over the city and continues to increase. And in order
to accommodate that business while keeping his other customers safe, this new structure is for the public good and recognizes postco changes to this industry, which is what my client's here to do. Uh if relief is granted for this
addition, my client is also going to create additional parking in the rear of his lot specifically for takeout so that customers are not parking on the street, taking those spaces up or parking on side streets. This will also help
relieve congestion. We held a neighborhood community meeting and my client has been working diligently with the neighborhood for years on this and they have expressed their support and also expressed their concerns about parking and public safety which Mr. Duran is constantly working on and the
glass edition along with the takeout parking in the rear will help alleviate these concerns. Mr. Duran's a resident and has a vested interest in this community and has been here for over 20 decades. And we are happy to answer any other questions you have. I assume you
mean 20 years, not 20 decades, but any uh questions from the board? Uh I I have some clarification questions. Um, so, um, I'm just curious, why would you need a a handsync outside of the takeout
area? So, yeah. So, I'm a little bit confused. So, you have the ADA entry in this new area. It's also takeout area, but then you have a handsync, and then you have another new door proposed. So, it's just
like a a functional u kind of question. you have basically like four doors um right at the front. So, can you just kind of walk me through how one is to experience these two separate spaces?
And I'll let Felipe, if he's unmuted, speak about that. I know at one point because we have been working with uh building department, we've been here before that at one point there was a request for that. But with these new plans, I will let Felipe answer questions.
Good evening everyone. Good evening. Yes, we can hear you. Uh yes. Uh the the reason the sink is there uh we trying to play this sink in that area specific area because uh sometime the employee will need to wash their
hand. Uh and we that's the only reason that we place it up there just for uh safety measure. Uh it wasn't because it was necessary. We just put it up there for safety measure. I mean for employees to need to wash their hand right away.
And the four door we used to uh propose one door but we were working with RSD closely and they they recommend us to use two different door one door to get in and one door to get out. Uh that way
we can use the space more more efficiently. So is is your other vestibule. So which one is like your main entrance for your patrons? Basically the vestibule that we have existing uh existing that will be the
main entrance for that will be the main entrance. Yes. Okay. And then so the other new new vestibule this new takeout area is that for um pickup orders? It will be for pickup order. Yes. Okay. And so basically your existing clientele
would automatically know that this is where to go to pick up uh food. We wouldn't play some signs. Yeah. Okay. So the hand sink is it possible to put it inside the kitchen? Sure. Definitely. Yeah. There's no problem. Yeah. Because because my concern
is you're almost getting crosscontamination if you're if you're getting new new patrons coming in and out picking up. And then that's supposed to be like the wash as well for the employee. So I I you know this is not a
zoning question. It's more of um just to help you logistically uh for your project. And then I'm not sure if you are aware, but the BPD provided some recommendations in regards to um
advising that you actually provide a twoft kind of setback, front setback from from your property line. Um I don't really see that being an issue because your existing vestibule is already at the property line. Um, so you know, I I
take that as a recommendation, but it's not necessarily that something that we have to follow, but I just wanted to put that on the record. Oh, definitely. Yeah. Okay, great. I don't have any further questions. Thank you. Thank you. Can we have a public testimony, please?
Madam Chair and members of the board. Okay. Can we Let's defer to the counselors. Go. Yes, ma'am. My apologies. And and and thank you, Sher, because I've been patiently waiting here in this parking lot. I'm ready to go. I have to go get my kids. So, uh, members
of the board, uh, just really happy to be here. You don't usually see me showing up to these meetings or nor do I send my staff, but if and when I do is because I deeply care about a project and um, and that is usually my metrics in terms of where I show up. And so,
this is one of those projects where I I hold near and dear. um having grown up here in the city of Boston and and being a Latina, it's it gives me great joy to see immigrant-owned businesses really thriving um in our communities. And so I'm coming here to just state my full
support for Greedan Tamboda's application uh to the Sonian Board of Appeals to uh construct a front addition to that will accommodate and enhance takeout service. Um and uh that will also provide them an opportunity to actually serve more people. And if you
serve more people, then you're making more money and then everybody wins, y'all. Okay, let's just let's just keep it like that. Um, and this uh Guina Tamora has been a beloved uh cultural and culinary institution in our community known for its authentic
Dominican cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. It has served uh more than just a restaurant, a restaurant. It is a hub for families, neighbors, and visitors alike. This proposed addition is um thoughtful and um timely response to the evolving consumer needs and the
changing nature of the food service industry, especially as more customers seek convenient takeout options. The proposed expansion would not only support the restaurant's continued growth and stability, but also contribute to the vibrancy of our neighborhoods, especially supporting our
small business economy. Guidedan Tambbora investment in this project reflects their commitment to remaining active, responsive, and innovative um business that meets the needs of both local residents and Boston broader um dining community. I urge the zoning
board of appeals to approve this proposal and allow Guidan Tambura to continue strengthening its service model while preserving the cultural economic vitality it brings to our city. And I feel like I've been listening. So, I think I showed up on a really good day because most of the projects have been
approved. So, I'm just going to manifest that this one will too. Um, because we're on a roll here today. Thank you for your service. Thank you, counselor. Counselor Pepin. Hey, everyone. You got two counselors for this one. I know.
So, for the record, my name is Enrique Pepin. I'm the District 5 Boston city counselor. I have the honor of directly representing this business, but also just knowing the business owners and what this business means to the community. I would like to go on record in support of this just because I know that they've been working on this for
for a few years now. They've been going back and forth with the community about what's the best proposal and I know that the owners just have done a very good job of making sure that this business is kept up to date. It's a beautiful institution and they have amazing food there and on that this addition will
only just add and contribute to the community. So that's why I'm in support today and I would like for this to be moved forward. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you councelor Mr. Benry. Thank you madam chair madam chair members of the board. For the record my name is Jeremy Benbury. I'm the
Roslandale community engagement specialist for the office of neighborhood services. The applicant has completed the community process which consisted of two abuas meetings facilitated on October 22nd of 2024 and March 13 of 2025. The first ABUS meeting regarding extension of hours and an addition for takeout that was heavily
opposed with the butters voicing issues multiple times regarding the noise level. Other concerns were parking loitering and increased trash around the property. The second meeting was held with the removal of the extension of hours and proposing only the addition to accommodate takeout. Again, abundance voiced opposition regarding takeout,
feeling the addition would not address the parking concerns, but would make the issue worse. Other abundance voiced a neutral position. Next, the proposal was not required to present to a civic association. And to date, we have received four letters of opposition maintaining the opposing theme regarding noise and park. Thank you for your time
in the mayor's office of neighborhood services. Would like to defer to the board for their judgment. Thank you. We have one hand raised. Uh Jonathan Payne. Mr. Payne, can you Are you able to speak? Yes. Apologies. We are ready for the
next agenda item. So, not Oh, okay. Gotcha. All right. Thank you. Any other questions from the board? Oh, from the board only. Okay. See, that's why I don't show up in places because I think I can speak more than once. Let me be quiet. I did have a question, but I'm going to not be
disruptive. Sorry. Oh, no problem. Any other questions from the board? With that, may I have a motion? Uh, Madame Chair, I'd like to put forward a motion um of approval uh for
the project. Is there a second? Yes. Mr. Stebridge. Uh that would be a yes. Miss Better Braza? Yes. Chair votes yes. The motion carries. Good luck. Thank you. Congratulations. Thank you everybody.
Bye. Thank you. Next we have case BOA 1682527 with the address of 56 Willow Street. The applicant andor their representative present. You may please explain to the board.
Yes. My name is Larry Borren. I'm the owner's rep. And John, if you will unmute yourself and introduce yourself. John Payne is the owner. Hello, I'm Jonathan Payne and I'm Jane Kavanaaugh and we are the owners of 56
Willow Street. And I can just give a brief introduction and then hand it over to Larry to describe the the project. Uh we moved to 56 Willow Street in West Roxberry 3 years ago. Uh we re recently
welcomed our daughter Sila into the family and you might hear her in the background. Uh she's very happily eating dinner now. Uh and uh we uh love our home. We love our neighborhood. We'd love to uh raise our family here in West
Roxberry. And we are planning or hoping to add living space to our current home um to the second floor unit to add approximately 900 square ft uh so that we can stay here and have space to raise our family. And um so we are located
just one block from Center Street um near Roach Brothers, the grocery store and the Highland Street commuter train station. Um, and um, I believe there might be some uh, some photos or something that we could show in the deck, but um, I think at that point I'd
be happy to hand this over to Larry and he could describe the project in more detail. Okay. Um, there there is there a presentation, Chair Deng? Um, we gave one and we're not seeing we submitted one. We're not seeing it, but I'm happy to talk without it.
I what we have in front of us is what I think is what was submitted. Okay. I actually don't see it on the screen, but that's okay. I'm just going to kind of talk through it and I'm going to go quickly. There's a lot we there's a number of photos in here and we don't really need to dwell on them.
Um the I think the bottom line here is that all of the four violations that are cited um are pre-existing conditions really in two cases. You in one case you very clearly could argue that it's an
extension of the F. um it already was in in violation of that but we will make that we will be extending that and it is the an extension of a two family use which is a forbidden use. The relevant thing to say
here is the house was built in 1911 and if you're seeing images there then you um will see the original building permit. It was built as a two family home. Um the setbacks are actually shown on that permit. So, the three-foot setback from one of the side property
lines existed in 1911, which predates the zoning code. Um, none of that is going to change. Again, really the only thing that is being um extended is um it will be further in violation of the F.
Um we if you are seeing images then hopefully you see a photograph of Willow Street. Um, most of the other houses on this block also are two family homes, also built before the zoning ordinance and in a number of instances have done
what what John and Jane are proposing to do here, which is um expand the second floor unit by adding dormers. Um, at this that is uh really what will be visible from the outside. A dormer on
both sides of the roof, the norththeast side and the southeast, excuse me, the northwest side and the southeast side. Um, hopefully board members will be seeing both uh the best shot that we could take of the sides of the house and
then the architect's drawing of the new elevation with the dormers. Um as far as parking is concerned, nothing is changing. Um there is existing parking in the back of the house. Uh and I think the only other thing that I want to
mention is which will our the representative from the neighborhood leazison is going to explain in detail, but we went through the community process um and really the only comment was uh one neighbor showing up from across the street in support. Great.
Thank you. You're welcome. Any questions from the board? Hearing none, we'll take public testimony. Yes, madame chair, members of the board, Connor Newman with the mayor's office of neighborhood services. This time, the mayor's office deferred to the judge of this board. Some back
information the community process as you heard from the applicants representation and a Butters meeting was held. No concerns were raised in that meeting. They went on to meet with the West Roberry neighborhood council which was supportive of this proposal. We're unaware of any concerns at this time. With that, we'll defer to the board. Thank you.
No other hands. Thank you. Thank you. With that, may I have a motion? Madam Chair, I'd like to put for a motion of approval. May I have a second? Second. Mr. Stebridge. Yes. Miss Better Raza? Yes. Chair votes
yes. The motion carries. Good luck. Thank you. Thank you everyone. See some of you next week. Thank you. Have a good night. Good night, folks. Part: 2
Development Industrial Corporation of Boston board meeting. At this time, the Boston Planning and Development Agency is hosting public meetings in a hybrid setting for the health, safety, and accessibility of Boston residents. Hybrid means that our board meetings are conducted in person at city hall in our boardroom on the 9th floor and virtually
via Zoom and Boston City TV. For more information and updates, visit bostonplans.org. The open public meeting law requires that I notify the meeting notify the public that this meeting is being recorded. Please be aware that an audio and visual recording of this meeting is being made and broadcast by Boston City TV, which is a part of the
city of Boston's Office of Cable Communications at Exfinity Channel 26, RCN channel 13, and Verizon FiOS channel 962. It's also being live streamed at boston.gov/cable. If there's anyone in the audience uh who is recording this meeting, um we ask that you please
identify yourself now. Okay, hearing and seeing none. Thank you. To begin the meeting, we'll start a roll call. Uh, Miss Bennett, present. Mr. Shepard, present. Mr. Omali, present. And the chair is present.
Okay. Right. Item number one, request authorization for the approval of the minutes of the April 10th, 2025 board meeting. A motion is in order. So moved. Second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. I. Mr. Sheepard. I. Mr. Omali. I. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Item number two, request authorization
to extend the lease with the city of Boston Transportation Department for the use of suite 105 at 12 channel street and the Rayman Flynn Marine Park for a term of 5 years commencing July 1st, 2025 and ending June 30th 2030 with the one with one five-year
term renewal option. Moren, thank you, Madam Chair, members of the board. In autumn 2014, the bridge to Long Island failed, forcing the closure of the Boston Public Health Commission's Long Island Shelter. To address the critical shortage of beds and emergency
indoor shelter, the city of Boston renovated a city-owned building on Southampton Street, which was occupied by the Boston Transportation Department. As a result, BTD moved into 12 Channel Street and has been a tenant since then. BTD currently occupies suite 105, which
is approximately 10,000 square ft of space on the first floor. BTD's existing 5-year lease expires on June 30th, 2025. In addition to suite 105, BTD was permitted to utilize 50 parking spaces for personal vehicles and 20 parking
spaces for commercial vehicles, all subject to availability. Due to the public service nature of this occupancy, no fee was proposed. However, BTD pays Eversource for electricity used in the suite. At this time, staff proposes a 5-year term with a 5-year option term.
The lease term will commence on July 1st, 2025 and expire on June 30th, 2030. Due to the public service nature of the occupancy, no fee again is proposed. However, BTD will continue to pay Eva for electricity used. Staff is recommending that the director be
authorized to extend a lease agreement with Boston Transportation Department for Suite 105 at 12 Channel Street for a 5-year term with the 5-year option term. Thank you. And I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you, Marine. Uh, any questions or comments from the board? All right, hearing and seeing none. A
motion is in order. So moved. Second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. I Mr. Sheepard. I Mr. Omeali. I. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Thank you, Moren. Item number three, request authorization to issue an invitation for bids for the inspection, testing, servicing, and full preventive service.
Full preventive maintenance of fire alarm equipment at 12 Channel Street and 12 Dry Dog Street in the Raymond Al Flynn Marine Park for a contract term of three years with two one-year term renewal options. Lauren, good afternoon. I'm here before you today to request that the EDIC be permitted to solicit
bids pursuant to chapter 30B of the Massachusetts General Laws to advertise for inspection, testing, servicing, and full preventative maintenance of fire alarm equipment at the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Industrial Park. The scope of services includes routine inspections,
resets, and testing, as well as emergency services as needed. The IFB will be publicly advertised with local newspapers on the BPDA's website, the statewide combi system, the state goods and services bulletin, and through other
channels as appropriate. The resulting contract will be awarded to the responsible and responsive bidder with the lowest bid price. The awarded contract will be for a term of three years with two single auctioneers to be exercised at the sole discretion of the BPDA.
Funding for this project will be from the BPDA's fiscal year 26 operating budget and the cost is not expected to exceed $150,000 for the initial three-year term. I'm happy to answer any questions. Okay, great. Thank you. Any questions or
comments from the board? Pretty straightforward. Thank you. Uh uh hearing say none. A motion is in order. So move. Second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. I Mr. Sheepard. I Mr. Omali. I. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Thanks, Lauren. Thank you. Right. Item number four, request
authorization to execute the contract renewal with Blackbod for use of Financial Edge uh NXT software for 12 months commencing May 7th uh 2025 and ending on May 6th, 2026 in an amount not to exceed
$60,129.72. Amina, thank you. Good afternoon, Madam Chair, members of the board, Director Shen. My name is Amina Scott. I am the deputy controller for the planning department. Today, I'm requesting your authorization for the director to execute a one-year contract renewal with Blackbod to continue use of
our financial edge accounting software in the amount of [Music] $60,129.72. Blackbot continues to meet the operational and compliance needs of the finance department, particularly as we prepare for the FY27 budget cycle and
ongoing audit requirements. This renewal allows us to maintain financial continuity while continuing to elevate our long-term software strategy. We respectfully request approval to move forward with this 12-month renewal. Thank you, and I'm happy to answer any questions. Okay, thank you. Any
questions or comments from the board? Um, I think it's pretty solid system. Very familiar with it. Um, so great. Uh, hearing and seeing none, a motion is in order. So moved. Second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett, I. Mr. Shepard. Hi,
Dr. Lansmark. Hi, Mr. Omali. I and the chair votes I. Motion passes. Thanks, Amina. Item number five, request authorization to execute a contract with Greenman Peterson Incorporated for engineering design services in connection with streetscape improvement projects at the Rayman Flynn Marine Park
in an amount not to exceed $500,000. William. Thank you, Madam Chair. Members of the board, good afternoon. Uh, I am here requesting authorization to execute an engineering contract with uh Greenman Peterson, Inc., we know them as GPI for the Raymond Elf Flynn Marine Park streetscape uh improvements project.
This is part of an effort to transfer all of our roadways within the marine park to the city of Boston. We've been in conversations with them for about 18 months now. Uh through that engagement, we have identified some initial projects that will definitely have to happen before we make that transfer. Uh so this
effort is to do the final assessment of those projects, uh the design, permitting so we can get those into construction. We issued the RFP April 7th of this year. We had more than 40 interested parties download the solicitation. We only had one proposal received though, however, on April 23rd,
but that was from GPI, who we're very confident in working with. Their fee proposal was for $500,000. Uh that is the amount of the recommended contract uh amount today. $500,000. It'll be funded from the FY25 capital budget with funding from the city of Boston City of Boston's capital
plan. Happy to answer any questions you might have. Great. Questions or comments from the board? Yes, madam chair. Thank you. So is this mo mainly for sort of engineering work like might be changing how roads go. Will there be some trees sort of uh flowers landscape as well? Um mostly infrastructure related. We need
to make sure that the sidewalks are wide enough to meet current city standards. We have some intersections that we need to shorten the crossing distance just a little bit. Um and there are going to be some tree improvements that we can make as well. So really just bringing everything up to city standards. And this is phase one. uh as we continue with the dialogue with the city of
Boston, we anticipate more projects being determined as necessary. Uh but there's still a lot of negotiation around that. So, we're trying to get a head start on the projects there's agreements on. Great. Thank you. Okay. Um how do you um from a from a budgeting perspective um you usually come with a number that is really hard for me to
read like that's very specific. So, uh, so the 500, you know, the $500,000 again, you know, um, can you just give me some since we didn't get a bunch of like we had downloads but not a bunch of applications, right? Still one. Can you tell me a little bit about what you did to like market rate? Does that make
sense? Is this one that like, yeah, we think this is going to for the scope of work or do we expect like, you know, project changes and different things? I mean, obviously, absolutely. The entire budget is $5 million for this initial phase of work. We actually specified that the engineering fee should not exceed
$500,000. And as we implement these individual projects, we'll be tracking them on an hourly basis. And the contract has all of the design hours uh that will be charged to the project. Okay. Cool. All right. Any other questions or comments? Hearing and seeing none, a motion is in order. So moved. Second. Roll call for a vote.
Miss Bennett. I Mr. Shepard. Hi. Dr. Lansmark. Hi. Mr. Omali. I. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Thank you so much. Uh item number six, request authorization to execute a joint architecture engineering services contract with selected firms for House Doctor Architectural and Engineering
Services on an asneeded basis for EDIC owned properties citywide for a term of three years with 90-day extension options and for total combined contract amount not to exceed $1,800,000 with separate contracts for EDIC owned and BRA owned properties
awarded. Start. Madam Chair, I did want to take a moment and introduce you to our next presenter, Star Laws. She's the assistant deputy director for Capital Construction. She's been with us for three years in the program manager role. She's more recently joined us in this management role, and I hope you'll see more of her in the future. Yeah. I was
like, wonder why you're still standing there. I'm like, you're sorry. Oh my god, you're not star. Welcome. Hello. Good afternoon, Madam Chair, members of the board. I am here today to request authorization to execute contracts with selected firms for the house doctor
architectural and engineering services. Um these will come as a as needed uh basis for the br properties. We will last before you in December of 2024 requesting authorization to authorize this um RFQ work. The services help
support site assessments, ar uh engineering, design, permitting, and urgent repairs. And since 2022, the house doctor contracts have supported 48 projects across the portfolio. And this work would be at China Trade Center, the
Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park, and Charles Town Navyyard. The contracts are expected to expire at the end of June. Um, and these new contracts will be like before a three-year term, like with the optional
90-day extension. We advertised the RFQ February 24th um received 250 interested parties. From that, we had 70 qualified uh qualified packages come to us and on April 1st, the design selection
committee reviewed all of those. From that we have 25 firms across 13 categories and from that 25 8 are W MBEs. So we are very excited and proud about that. Um funding would start uh
the beginning of this fiscal year FY26 with the allocation of $600,000 with a total of 1.8 million across the BPDA I mean BRA and EDIC um for the three years. Thank you. And I'm
happy to answer any questions. Thank you. Questions or comments from the board? Um I do just want to say I'm such a big fan of the strategy of the house doctoring strategy and all and the way that uh we have made uh you know
um modifications to how we approach the maintenance and you know ongoing but also the reactive maintenance that we know our properties need. So um just communicating that there are no other further questions and comments. A motion is in order. So moved. Second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. I Mr.
Sheepard. I Dr. Lansmark. I Mr. Omealy I. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Thank you. Great job sir. And finally personnel Mike. Uh thank you madam chair members of the board. Madame secretary and director Shen. Uh we have one item for your
consideration on the EDIC agenda with the exact details included in the board memos. We have one contract in the urban design division Grace Ing. And that is it for any questions. Answer any questions you may have. All right. Questions or comments from the board
hearing? Seeing none, a motion is in order. So moved. Second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. Hi. Mr. Sheepard. Hi. Dr. Lans. Hi. Mr. Omali. I And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Thanks, Mike. Uh, all right. I need a motion to adjurnn this meeting. So move second.
Call for a vote. Miss Bennett. I Mr. Sheepard. I Dr. Lansmark. Hi. Mr. Omealy. I chair votes. I. Motion passes. Meeting adjourned. All right. We'll now move over to the next portion of the meeting. Thank you for joining the May 15th, 2025
Boston Redevelopment Authority board meeting. At this time, the Boston Planning and Development Agency is hosting public meetings in a hybrid setting for the health, safety, and accessibility of Boston residents. Hybrid means that our board meetings are conducted in person at city hall, in our boardroom, on the 9th floor, and
virtually via Zoom. And also by Boston City TV um all at the same time. For more information and updates, visit boston plans.org. The open public meeting law requires that I notify the public that this meeting is being recorded. Please be aware that an audio and visual recording of this
meeting is being made and broadcast by Boston City TV, which is a part of the City of Boston Office of Cable Communications at Expia channel 26, RCN channel 13, and Verizon FiOS channel 962. It's also being livereamed at boston.gov/cable. Now, if there's anyone
in the audience who is recording this meeting, we ask that you please identify yourself now. Okay, seeing none, um I would like to notify that uh the public that the board will enter into an executive session at the end of today's meeting. Um and this portion will uh
will not be public. So uh to start this meeting, I will begin the roll call. Miss Bennett present. Mr. Shepard present. Dr. Lansmark present. Mr. Ali present and the chairus I'm present. So, um, before we move, uh, before we go to the first item on the agenda, I want to
recognize that we have councelor Flynn um, and the audience and and offer you the floor, should you like to give any comments on any projects we have? Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to the board, to the director, to the chair, to the vice chair, and to the to
the secretary, and to the rank and file team at the planning department. I have great respect for the work that you do. um every day for the residents of Boston. I also want to acknowledge my former colleague, councelor Ali, who's
an outstanding colleague, but I also want to acknowledge a longtime friend that I've greatly admired in the city for 40 for 40 years, Ted Lansmark. Um madam madam chair, may I
speak on the downtown Boston site on Holly Street, please? Okay. Again, thank you to members of the board. I am here today in person regarding the Holly Street proposal in the downtown neighborhood that I
represent. In my opinion, the proposal was not yet ready for the board with outstanding issues that still needed to be resolved. I was working closely with the mayor's office. I was working with Sheila
Dylan as it relates to possibly having an opportunity for veterans, especially women veterans, giving them an opportunity um maybe to live at this
site. I'd also like to thank the development team for being receptive to this issue. The development team is in support of this. I think the I think Sheila Dillan's team is in support of this. And I and I think the BPDA team is in support of this. I'm just asking for
more time so I can try to see if there's an opportunity for us to get women veterans. The highest the highest concentration of veterans of homeless veterans in the country is women
veterans. I I think we have a moral obligation to support them. Um, I'm respectfully asking that the board defer voting on this proposal to provide for more time for my office to work with the proponents, the planning
department, the mayor's office. Um, and if you do not um, accept the deferral, I would ask if the BPDA team would work with me and the mayor's office um, to help me provide veterans an
opportunity to get into the this building when it is transferred from um, into residential apartment. I I do believe we have an obligation. I want to do everything I possibly can to give veterans an opportunity to live in this
wonderful building when it is opened. And I'm just asking the BP BPDA team to work with me and to um help me ensure that women veterans are part of this city. There should be a place in this city for women veterans. Um thank you,
Madam Chair, for for giving me a couple of minutes to speak about that. Oh, thank you. Um and uh duly noted and when we get to the pro that project number um we'll you know add this to our questioning and ask for um updates on how that how that's working out. Thank
thank you. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. All right. Um let's go with item number one. Request authorization for the approval of the minutes of April 10th, 2025 uh board meeting. A motion is in order. So move second. We'll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. Hi. Mr. Sheepard. Hi. Dr.
Lansark. Hi. Mr. Omali. I. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Item number two, request authorization to schedule a public hearing on June 12th, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. or at a date and time to be determined by the director to consider the proposed Boston University Party School of Global Studies Project as a
development impact project within the Boston University Charles River campus 2024 through 2026 institutional master plan. A motion is in order. So move second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. I Mr. Sheepard. Hi. Dr. Lans. Hi. Mr. Omali. I. And the chair votes I.
Motion passes. Item number three, request authorization to schedule a public hearing on June 12th, 2025 at 5:40 p.m. or at a date and time to be determined by the director to consider the cancer hospital building project and related improvements proposed jointly by Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Beth
Israel Deaconist Medical Center as a development impact project. A motion is in order. So moved. Second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. Hi. Mr. Shepard. Hi. Dr. Lans. Hi. Mr. Omali. I and the chair votes I. Motion passes. Item number four, request authorization to enter into a license agreement with
Africai LLC for the use of three vacant lots aka Blair lot um identified as a portion of 12 and four Palmer Street, 2180 through 2190 Washington Street and 2148 Washington Street for the temporary
installation of the Ascension Pavilion offering seasonal arts and culture and economics events commencing June 19th, 2025 and ending November 1st, 2025, please. Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the board. Good afternoon. Uh, the
Bar owns parcels of land in Nubian Square in Roxberry, commonly known as the Blair Lot. To create opportunities for community outreach, increase access, and diversify activation on the Blair lot. The BPDA introduced an application for community activation on its website
in 2022. Applications come in from multiple organizations, each with plans to support and manage a series of a series of art, culture, and economic programming. Africai LLC submitted an application to activate the Blair Law on the weekends, Friday through Sunday,
with a temporary installation of the Ascension Pavilion, which is a temporary outdoor performance space designed to inspire, engage, and build community. This multifunctional venue will serve as a hub for creativity and cultural exchange, offering flexible programming,
exceptional design, and meaningful experiences. Along with programming and performances, the Ascension Pavilion will also offer wine and beer garden provided by 67 Brewery, uh, food services provided by local businesses, and a children's musical garden, which
will be an educated space, an educational space designed to engage in creative play and music, uh, making workshops. The operations of the Ascension Pavilion will be managed by Event Core, a full-ervice production company. Event Core will also manage trash cleanup and
removal and implement a security plan to ensure a safe and secure environment for all attendees, staff, and vendors. Um, given the community oriented nature of the activation, staff recommends that no fee be assessed. Um, and we as staff
requests authorization to enter into a license agreement with Africa LLC for the requested dates of Junth, June 19, 2025 through November 1st, 2025. And I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Okay. Thank you. Questions or comments from the
board? Um, just think it's a great uh a great opportunity and a way to activate public land for public good and all of this stuff. Um this is uh so I do have one question on um uh uh liability perspective of like who and this is not
from a sense that like this is more of just I want to make sure we have quantified like who's responsible for what like how do we do that when we are you know um partnering with businesses and you know and different things like how does that work? We do request that they give us a certificate of insurance which um covers any liabilities and they
do have to list us as additionally insured in case anything might happen. So, we do give them a list of what they need. There's different options for licenses for um insuranceances. So, we do give them the proper insuranceances that they need to get for liability. Oh, thank you. Just curious. Um all right.
Uh if there are no other questions or comments, um a motion is in order. So moved. Second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. Mr. Shepard. Hi. Dr. Lansmart. Hi. Mr. Omali. I. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Thank you, Liz. Thank you. Oh, your next one. Oh, you got a couple here. Sorry. Okay.
Okay. Item number five, request authorization to enter into a license agreement with SUFFK Jewelers Incorporated for the use of 4760 ft of land located at 23 through35 East Lannic Street in Roxbury as employee and customer parking commencing
May 1st, 2025 and ending April 30th, 2026 with two one-year renewal options. Liz, thank you. Um, SuffK Jewelers, Inc. has been a presence on the corner of Washington Street and Nukem Street in Roxbury since 1910. 2535 East Blenn
Street is vacant land owned by the BPDA. Uh I mean by the BRA and is directly behind Suffach Jewelers. Uh SuffK Jewelers, Inc. has utilized the lot that consists of 15 parking spaces for customers and employees since 2005 through multiple license renewals. Um
staff is recommending a license agreement for one-year term commencing May 16, 2025 and expiring April 30th, 2026 with um two additional one-year option terms to be authorized at the sole um discretion of the director. The
fee for the use of the licensed area would be $4,11.17 per month. In the event that the above reference option that the option term is exercised, rent will be will increase 5% each term that it is
exercised. Uh the BRA will receive $48,134 during the initial term of the license. Thank you. And I am here to answer any questions you may have. Okay. Thank you. Questions or comments from the board? Is that that $4,000 monthly rate is that uh an increase over what
the current current rate is? What's 5%? Oh, so it's gone up 5% since for the last 10 years or so. That's correct. And that's it goes 5% every year they renew their option. It goes up 5%. Understood. Yeah. And I assume that's the going rate
for parking. And it's I assume it's a small lot that it's not really developable. So it's it's a small lot. It's already it's they've been using it for years. There's 15 parking spaces. Um yeah. Would we ever think of selling that? I think it's in the process. I'm
not I know an RFP um had gone out. Dennis knows what I'm getting more questions than you assumed over this. I'm just more curious on such a unique thing that Thank you. Um thank you. That is actually part of the parcel that's uh part of the Boston water and sewer
disposition. Ah so it'll be it and um the rate is about $275 a month which we think is pretty fair for a surface lot in in Roxbury. We think it's it's helping out the business and the customers and think it's a fair rate and they know that um when when the sites
are ultimately developed we will not be able to provide it anymore but they're aware of that. Okay. Very good. Thank you. Additional questions or comments hearing and seeing none. A motion is in order to move. Second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. Hi. Mr. Shepard. Dr. Lansmark. Hi. Mr. Omali. I. And the
chair votes I. Motion passes. Item number six. request authorization to enter into a license agreement with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority for the use of the Bunker Hill Community College Parking Lot number one in Charletown for employee parking equipment and material staging for 4
months commencing April 28th, 2025 and ending August 31st, 2025. Liz, thank you. Uh the BR owns the 3acre parking lots in Charleston which um are used by the Bunker Hill Community College as parkin for students. Um, the MBTA track
improvement program is a major track repair and replacement initiative to eliminate speed restriction and bring all tracks into a five-year state of good repair. The MBTA have been utilizing the BHCC Bunker Hill Community College parking lots throughout the year in weekly increments to accomplish the
Orange Line track repairs with multiple 30-day license agreements. Um, they requested uh continued use continued use until the end of August. Um staff is recommending a license agreement commencing April 28th, 2025 and expiring
on August 31st, 2025. Um a total of four months based on the public benefit that the proposed MBTA project will ultimately result in a safer transit experience for all residents and visitors of Boston. No fee is proposed. I am finished. Thank you. All right.
Questions or comments from the board? Hearing and saying none. A motion is in order. So moved. Second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett, Mr. Sheepard, Dr. Mr. Lmark, Mr. Ali, and the chair votes I. Motion passes. Thanks, Liz. Thank you. All right. Item number seven, request authorization to award final
designation status to the Harrison Troder Neighborhood Association Incorporated, for the sale and redevelopment of parcel S20, parcel ID 1233602, and parcel S21, parcel
ID20331601, in the Washington Park urban renewal area. Project number mass r-24. Benjamin. Thank you. Uh if we could just pull up the perfect and we go to the next slide. Uh thank you madame chair and members of the board. Uh we are
excitedly requesting board approval to award final designation status to the Garrison Troder Neighborhood Association for the redevelopment and sale of parcel S20 and S21 in the Washington Park urban renewal area in the Roxberry neighborhood. As you can see up on the screen, these parcels are an
approximately 6,000 square foot site located in the Washington Park renewal area. It is comprised of two contiguous assessor parcels of land located at the end of Hallworthy Street. After a robust community process, the BPDA initi issued a RFP for these parcels in July 2023.
Based on review and evaluation with the community, the proposal from the Garrison Fder Neighborhood Association was selected as the most highly advantageous one year ago. In May 2024, the BPDA BPDA board approved the tenative designation of the Garrison Trider Neighborhood Association for the
redevelopment and sale of the site. Next slide. On the property, the redeveloper envisions creating a Zen Garden named the Almarite Zen Garden after a retired Boston public school teacher. The site will be an area where students and staff from the Troder Elementary School located across Hallworthy Street and
community members at large can enjoy nature and learn about their community. The goals of the redevelopers proposed project are to one create and maintain a beautiful space for the community, two provide additional green space to enjoy and three transform the property into a zen garden. You can see the property as
is on the left and what it will be hopefully on the right. As you can see through this design, uh the developer will redevelop an underutilized vacant lot into a new community asset that is thoughtfully designed with the help of our urban design staff. Since re um yeah, since receiving its tenative
designation, the Garrison Troder Neighborhood Association has worked to finalize their design plan, operations, and maintenance plan, provide evidence of necessary financing, find a suitable contractor, and review a draft deed and land disposition agreement. In their
first application for CPA funds for this project submitted late last year, the redeveloper was awarded funds, and once the land is transferred, the funds will become available to them. Following this vote, the Garrison Troder Neighborhood Association anticipates finalizing, executing the deed and LDA with the
BPDA, reviewing, and signing agreements regarding the CPA funds, and then start construction later this summer, later this year. Thank you. And I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you. Questions or comments from the board? Um, such a great such a great project
and like just and such a great use of the um you know, the CPA funds that um just really excited for this. Yes. Um all right. So if there are no other questions or comments, uh a motion is in order. So moved. Second. Roll call for a
vote. Miss Bennett. Hi. Mr. Shepard. Hi. Mr. Lansmark. Dr. Lansmark. But still I Okay. Uh Mr. Ali. I. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Thank you. Thank you very much. All right. I'm going to read uh items number eight and nine.
Um uh I'll introduce them consecutively. Okay, we'll have one joint presentation and then I'll read the uh the votes separately um for us to uh vote on. All right. Item number eight, request authorization to extend the tenative designation of Garrison Troder
Neighborhood Association Incorporated for the sale and redevelopment of parcel S-12B in the Washington Park urban renewal area project number mass R-24 known as 16 through 20 Towns and Street in Roxbury for 1 year until May
31st, 2026. And then item number nine is request authorization to extend the tenative designation of Garrison Troder and Neighborhood Association Incorporated for the sale of parcel S-12C in the Washington Park Urban Renewal Area project number Mass
R-24 known as 48 Towns and Street in Roxbury for one year until May 31st, 2026. Scott. Thank you, Madam Chair and members of the board. I'm speaking jointly for board agenda items numbered 8 and 9. 16 to 20 Townsen Street, also
known as parcel S12B, consists of approximately 11,985 ft of vacant land and 48 Townzen Street, also known as parcel S12C, consists of approximately 17,199 square ft of vacant land. Both
parcels are located in the Washington Park Urban Renewal Area. On November 14th, 2024, the BPDA board approved a minor modification to said plan area, amending table A in chapter 6, section 602 of the plan to permit public and
open space uses on these parcels. The board granted Garrison Troder Neighborhood Association tenative designation as developer of 16 to 20 and 48 Townsen Street on May 16th, 2024. for 16 to 20 Towns and Street. Garrison Charter Neighborhood Association
proposes an organized urban open space for the community to enjoy nature with native plant species and a potential butterfly garden uh with plants for 48 Townsen Street. Garrison Troder Neighborhood Association proposes a
community garden for community and educational uses uses. The redeveloper proposes to grow fresh food on the property to address food insecurity in the community. and include raised pan plant beds for growing produce and herbs as well as a
storage shed for housing gardening tools and other equipment. Both 16 to 20 Townzen and 48 Townzen will feature potential flag zone flag stone paths and patios, benches and fences with locked gates to prevent access to the property off hours. Since
the May 2024 tenative designation awards, the project team has received the phase one environmental reports, further developed conceptual drawings, and executed pre-development licenses for the properties. During the next tenative designation period, the developer seeks to continue and complete
BPDA design review, submit applications for funding, and establish operations and maintenance plans for each parcel. Additionally, the redeveloper will negotiate deeds and land disposition agreements with VPDA for each parcel. Thank you. And I'm happy to answer any questions. Okay. Questions or comments
from the board? Okay. Uh hearing and seeing none, we're actually I'm going to reread um uh each one separately so we know what we're voting on. But like let's start with number eight. So this is request authorization to extend the tenative designation of Garrison Troder
Neighborhood Association Incorporated for the sale and redevelopment of parcels S-12B in the Washington Park urban renewal area. Project number mass R-24 known as 16 through 20 Towns and Street in Roxbury for 1 year until May
31st, 2026. A motion is in order. So move second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. Hi. Mr. Sheepard. Hi. Dr. Lansmark. Hi. Mr. Omali. I. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Item number eight, request authorization to extend the tenative designation of Garrison Troder Neighborhood Association
Incorporated for the sale of parcel S-12C in the Washington Park Urban Renewal Area project number Mass R-24 known as 48 Towns and Street in Roxbury for 1 year until May 31st, 2026. A motion is in order. So moved. Second.
We'll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. I Mr. Sheepard. Dr. Lansmark. Hi. Mr. Olly. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Thanks, Scott. Thank you. Item number 10, request authorization to execute a contract with Northeast Weather Services LLC in an amount not to
in an amount of $200,000 annually for landscaping and maintenance services in the downtown waterfront area for a contract term of two years with three one-year renewal options. Lauren, thank you. Previously, the board authorized
uh that an IFB be released uh to advertise for landscaping and hardscape man maintenance of the downtown waterfront properties. The BPDA issued the IFB on March 24th, 2025 and held a pre-submission site visit on April 2nd,
2025. Five bids responses were received by the April 16th deadline and the winner is Northeast Weathered Services. Their total price bid is in line with the initial budget estimate of $200,000 per
year. Additionally, this company has experience with similar hightra urban areas and is able to provide appropriate equipment for the services. Therefore, BPDA staff recommend that the contract be awarded to Northeast Weathered Services LLC as the responsible and eligible bidder with the lowest total
bid price. The awarded contract will be for two years with three one-year options to be exercised at the sole discretion of the BPDA. The cost is not expected to exceed $200,000 per year, and the funding for this project will be from the BPDA's operating budget for
each year. Great. Thank you. Uh questions or comments from the board? Hearing and saying none. A motion is in order. So moved. Second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. I. Mr. Shepard. Hi. Dr. Lansark. Hi. Mr. Olly. I. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Item
number 11. Request authorization to issue an invitation for bids for landscaping services at Shipyard Park in the Charlestown Navyyard for a contract term of one year with three one-year renewal options. Lauren. Thank you. Uh, this motion here is to request that the
BPDA be permitted to solicit bids pursuant to chapter 30B of the Mass General Laws to advertise for landscaping services at the Charlestown Navyyard. The scope of services will consist of planting and maintenance to include weeding, watering, mulching, pruning and removal of dead plants and
shrubs, daily removal of all trash from receptacles, power washing of shipyard park as needed, and snow removal from the contracted areas. The IFB will be publicly advertised with local newspapers on the BPD's website, the statewide combi system, the state goods
and services bulletin, and through other channels as appropriate. The resulting contract will be awarded to the responsible and responsive bidder with the lowest bid price. The awarded contract will be for a term of one year with three single auctioneers to be exercised at the sole discretion of the
BPDA. And funding for this project will be from the BPDA's fiscal year 26 operating budget. The cost is not expected to see exceed $150,000 annually with a contingency of $20,000 for snow. Thank you. Snow. It's
variable every year. You never know. Just any questions or comments from the board hearing and saying none. A motion is in order. So move second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. I Mr. Sheepard. Dr. Lansark. Hi. Mr. Omealy. I and the chair votes I. Motion passes.
Item number 12, request authorization to issue an invitation for bids for cleaning and maintenance of the China Trade Center located at two Boilson Street for contract term of three years with two one-year renewal options. Lauren, thank you. My last request today is to initi uh issue
uh solicit bids uh for the cleaning and maintenance of China Trade Center located at two Boilston Street. The scope of services will consist of furnishing all necessary labor and materials, equipment, and related services necessary to clean and maintain
the China Trade Office Building. The IFB will publicly be advertised with local newspapers on the BPDA website, the statewide combi system, and the goods and services bulletin and through other channels as appropriate. The resulting contract will be awarded to the responsible and responsive bidder with
the lowest total bid price. The awarded contract for this will be a term of three years with two single option years to be exercised at the sole discretion of the BPDA. Funding for this project will be for the BPDA fiscal year 26
operating budget. The cost is not expected to exceed $825,000 for the initial three-year term. Okay. Thank you. Questions or comments from the board? Hearing and seeing none. A motion is in order. So moved. Second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. I Mr. Sheepard. I Dr.
Lansmark. Hi, Mr. Omali. I And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Thanks, Lauren. Thank you. All right. Item number 13, request authorization to issue a request for proposals for engineering design services for the shipyard park waterfront repairs phase 3 flagship warf bulkhead. Yeah. In the Charlestown urban
uh Charles Town Navyyard. William. All right. Good afternoon again, Madam Chair, members of the board. Uh we are looking to issue a design RFP for the shipyard park phase 3 project. Uh we were last before you in December of last year to authorize the execution of the construction contract for the timber
boardwalk replacement that is now underway. That's phase two. Phase one, you'll recall, was the reconstruction of Pier 4 in the Navyyard. This phase, phase three, uh seeks to repair the bulkhead that's between peers four and five along Flagship Wararf. Uh this
project would provide it's an engineering design contract that we're looking for. provides surveying and assessment uh design for the work, permitting, uh construction administration with the bid documents and resident engineering. The estimate for this work is $750,000. That would be funded from the
FY26 capital budget with city capital dollars. Uh we do have a sizable investment from the city in this location. We are also pursuing uh an outside grant from the state for the Seaw walls program. Uh together we're hoping for $7 million to be able to invest in this area. Uh the RFP would be
issued subject to chapter 303 39M and I look to return this summer with a recommendation to award. Happy to answer any questions you may have. Okay. Uh questions or comments from the board? Just want to say I I know I made a little sound or whatever. I just did I went to a Google like search on
bulkheads and when I was reading this memo and so I'm just like oh my gosh bulkheads like this is just such really like uh important uh important work and like that just yeah let's see what we got underneath there and and um anyway absolutely we'd be happy to give you a
tour anytime you like as well. I'm just like woo the bulkheads. All right. Um okay so if there are no other further questions or comments uh motion is in order. So move second. Miss Bennett or no roll call for a vote Miss Bennett. I Mr. Sheepardi, Dr. Lansmark. Hi, Mr. Omali. Hi, and the chair votes I. Motion
passes. Item number 14, request authorization to amend the design services contract with Bar Bman Henry and Archetype Incorporated for the additional construction phase services in connection with the uh building
envelope repairs project at the China Trade Center located at two Boilston Street and to execute any further change orders that may be required to complete the work as deemed necessary by the director and an total aggregate amount not to exceed
$54,399.83. William. All right. Thank you. We know them as BH plusa. It's a little easier to say. They're our architect of record out at the uh the the China trade building. They're doing the masonry work that you'll recall last month, we authorized a construction contract amendment for for our
contractor APC. Now that we have that construction contract up to $6 million, we need to increase our design contract so that we have appropriate hours for the supervision and oversight of that work. This will be the second amendment. The original contract was for $100,000.
The amended contract was for $169,000. We're now increasing it with a base of 45,000 plus contingency. The total contract would be $223,39983. Uh that's less than 4% of the total construction contract which we're very proud about. That's a very reasonable number. So happy to answer
any questions you may have. Okay. Uh questions or comments from the board? Hearing and saying none. A motion is in order. So moved. Second. We'll call for a vote. Miss Bennett I. Mr. Shepard. Dr. Lansmark. Hi. Mr. Ali. I. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Item number 15. and request authorization to execute a
contract with Weston and Samson Engineers Incorporated to provide design services and construction administration for building envelope preservation and stabilization at the Chain Forge building 105 in the Charlestown Navyyard for a total contract amount not to
exceed $313,440. William. All right, I'm very excited about this one. I hope you'll understand why uh soon. We are looking to execute the engineering contract with Wesson and Samson. This project will seek to stabilize and preserve the exterior envelope and structure of
building 105, which is the chain forge building in the Charlestown Navyyard. The building has been vacant since the military abandoned it in the 70s. Uh it's been through a designation process. It's out again soon, hoping to redevelop it. Uh the last designation, one of the reasons why it wasn't successful is
there's extensive environmental remediation that needs to be done in addition to the structural preservation. Uh so we're hoping to do as much of that as we possibly can ourselves uh making the project more feasible uh to developers. So this effort is going to seek to inspect, assess, uh design some
needed improvements and repairs to stabilize the building. It will include uh permitting, construction docks, and oversee all of the uh implemented repairs that come from it. We issued the request for qualifications March of this year. Over 80 folks downloaded the solicitation. We received nine proposals
on April 14th. The most advantageous was from Weston and Samson with a bid price of $261,200. Uh the total contract recommendation is for $313,440 which includes a little bit higher contingency than normal at 20%
just because we don't know fully what we're getting ourselves into. Uh and this will be funded from the FY26 capital budget. Happy to answer any questions. Yeah, questions or comments from the board. so excited. I mean, I know we've been through this. Yeah. The chain forge
building. Thanks for sticking with it and for like taking this like strategic approach to like we're not going to give up on this building in this areas, right? Like um and uh anyway, I just think this is a let's just vote on
it. Actually, motion is in order. So moved. Second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. Hi, Mr. Sheepard. Hi, Dr. Lans. Hi, Mr. Omali. Hi, and the chair votes. I thank you very much. Good evening. Item number 16, request authorization to
execute a joint architecture engineering services contract with selected firms for House Director Architectural and Engineering Services on an as needed basis for BRA owned properties citywide for a term of three years with 90-day extension options and for a total
combined contract amount not to exceed $1.8 8 million with separate contracts for EDIC owned and BD brown owned properties awarded star. Hello again, Madame Chair and members of the board. My presentation for this item is exactly
the same as the EDIC portion. Um I'm happy to answer any questions you may have. Perfect. Any questions or comments from the board? Hearing and seeing none. A motion is in order. So moved. Second. We'll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. I Mr. Shepard. I Dr. Lansmart. I Mr. Olly.
I. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Thanks, sir. Thank you. Item number 17, request authorization and petition the zoning commission to adopt a text amendment to resolve language and clerical errors in the Boston zoning code. Cyrus, thank you. Uh, good
afternoon, Chair Rojas, esteemed members of the board, Director Shen, and Secretary Bohemis. My name is Cyrus Miselli, and I am a planner here with the department zoning reform team. I'm pleased to join you here today to talk about the uh proposed zoning amendment
to resolve language and clerical errors in the Boston zoning code. Very excited. The clerical error. Next slide. Sorry, I know this isn't uh the Boston Zoning Code represents approximately 4,000 pages of amendments
and additions that have been made over the last 50 years. Uh some of these amendments have contained small typos, formatting issues and inaccuracies which together have accumulated over time. Uh and the amendment before you today would
resolve a set of such errors that are currently existing. Uh these errors are identified and collected on an ongoing basis through staff review of the code. Uh notification from other peer department code users such as ISD uh and
public comment. This update and potential others in the future like it will not establish uh any new regulations and will not change the functioning of the code's existing regulations. Rather, it serves to improve the code's accuracy and ensure
proper accessibility to our city's rules and regulations. Next slide. There are two pathways through which clerical errors in the zoning code are removed or resolved rather. Uh first, there are uh administrative
updates which you can see uh the pathway for on on the left side of the chart here. Um, these updates resolve errors caused by inaccurate transcriptions of adopted zoning by Municode, which is the vendor that hosts the online and
externally managed version of the Boston Zoning Code. And because these resolutions bring Municode into consistency with lawfully adopted zoning, they can be submitted in MUN code directly. Secondly, there are updates that require formal adoption. These
updates resolve errors that exist in adopted zoning documents because the fixes change the actual content of our officially adopted zoning. Uh these resolutions must be approved by the board and adopted by the zoning commission before they can be implemented like this amendment before
you. Next slide, please. The proposed text amendment before you features resolutions to 15 existing errors spread across 20 different articles of the Boston Zoning Code. These resolutions amend incorrect formatting and section and footnote
references, clarify misrepresented language and terms, and insert missing or inaccurately transcribed content in the code. The process of identifying and drafting resolutions to these errors began uh at the beginning of the calendar year. Uh
and while the majority of the 15 errors identified were identified by staff, uh it's worth noting that three were brought to our attention by members of the public. Um the draft zoning amendment resolving these errors was publicly released on April 14th and was
followed roughly a week later by two virtual office hour sessions. uh one of which was held during the day and another in the evening. Uh these sessions were joined by three participants who had opportunities to ask questions about the amendment uh and each was in support of the proposed
changes. Uh and then before moving forward, I just want to reiterate that this proposed amendment uh does not establish any new regulations and doesn't change the functioning of our existing adopted regulations. Um and now we'll move on to some examples.
Uh beginning with citations, uh multiple tables across different articles of the code feature incorrect citations to applicable footnotes uh and sections. The proposed amendment resolves these by inserting the appropriate references.
Surprise. Um, you can see two examples of this highlighted on the screen, including one which corrects a footnote citation in the Fenway dimensional tables and another that fixes a section reference and the South Boston zoning that currently cites an irrelevant
section in the Roslandale article. Next slide, please. In addition to these citation issues, several other transcription errors exist across the zoning code. The proposed text amendment resolves these by correcting typos such as the one uh
that you can see at the top of the screen in our inclusionary zoning uh and also amending language inconsistencies including this one at the bottom of the screen which standardizes the naming conventions of these established residential subdists in East Boston.
Next slide. The proposed amendment also remedies existing formatting errors in the code which currently create consistency issues in zoning uh and confusion regarding what regulations apply uh and how they should be interpreted. You can see here it's a little small uh but in
the squares and street zoning uh that uh some of the highlighted bullet points, figure titles and graphic figures uh are placed out of order in relationship to each other. uh and the overall structure of the article uh and this amendment
moves them into the appropriate sequence. Next slide. Additionally, there are certain regulations within the zoning code whose meaning because of overly concise or confusing drafting can be misrepresented uh or difficult to determine. The
proposed update resolves instances of this by clarifying the language and intended meaning of these existing regulations. Taking a look at a couple examples. First, at the top of the screen, um, at the request of an East Boston constituent, a sentence has been added
to a footnote in East Boston's residential zoning to further clarify the occupancy requirements of an existing subdist. This move, while adding language, doesn't change the function or interpretation of the existing requirement. It just makes it easier for the typical reader to
understand what it says. Uh similarly uh the example at the bottom of the screen amends the name of an existing use item present in two zoning articles. Uh and this move was made to better align the name of the term with both its definition and also how it is defined
elsewhere across the code. Next slide please. Finally, uh, this amendment resolves several instances of missing content, uh, where adopted zoning has failed to be appropriately transcribed or implemented into the code. While these
issues such as the one pictured uh could typically be resolved through an administrative update uh meaning just you know an update with MUN code uh these corrections require a formal adoption process because they relate to sections and articles that have had more
recent amendments adopted which exclude and effectively supersede the previously adopted but missing content. Accordingly, uh the amendment here is relied on to remedy these conditions, which it does uh by inserting the missing regulations into
the locations specified in the relevant adopted zoning amendments. Next slide, please. To resolve and prevent errors in the future, uh the zoning reform team has been working internally and with MUN code to uncover opportunities for
process improvement in zoning adoption. The identified changes to our standard process include updating the document type used for amendment materials submitted to MUN code, altering the formatting of how updates to tables and figures are drafted in official zoning
amendments, and implementing standardized error related reviews of zoning amendments, both prezoning commission and post implementation online. And it's our hope that through these efforts uh you know that that we can continue to reduce the number of
errors that exist across the code moving forward. Next slide. And uh with that I'll I'll conclude the presentation. Uh thank you very much and available to take any questions. Yeah. Thank you. Questions or comments from the board?
I just want to uh just with a great appreciation. Um I think the example illustrations were fabulous ways to again clearly communicate what the intent of of this vote is and it's to um uh not change the functioning of the
zoning code, right? But recognize that we're humans and there's a lot of details and a lot of references and and to keep that maintaining it. And I also appreciate the slide from before the you know yes we're taking you know these preventative we auditor are we talking like controls and risks and stuff like
preventative controls right to be able to you know um to to manage this in the future there's always going to be you know exceptions but that's what these controls are for right um so um so bravo probably doesn't get the you know the
like cool you know sticker for the meeting but for me this is this is awesome and these tables and these things are really really clear. I appreciate the strike through what it is before and it's just yeah um anyway there are no other questions or
comments. Motion is in order. So moved second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett I Mr. Shepard I Dr. Lansmart I Mr. Olly I. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Thank you. Good work. Item number 18, request authorization to sign the municipal planning board
notification form declaring the intention of channelside acquisitions LLC care of related bill to file a chapter 91 license application with the department of uh environmental protection as co-licant for the floating dock at the channelside development
located at 244 through 284 a street. Alana. Uh, good evening, Chair Roas, uh, Secretary Polyus, members of the board, and Director Shen. My name is Elana Hayes, and I'm presenting to inform you that the proponent for Channelside Floating Dock Project at
244284A Street has submitted an application for a chapter 91 license pursuant to the Public Waterways Act through the Commonwealth Department of Environmental Protection. Chapter 91 is a Massachusetts general law intended to codify the public trust doctrine preserving the Massachusetts waterfront
for public purpose. Projects located on tidelands are in most cases subject to chapter 91 jurisdiction. These projects must either serve a water dependent use or preserve the capacity of the waterfront for future water dependent use. Chapter 91 is enforced by the
Commonwealth and projects subject to regulations must go through a licensing process with the Department of Environmental Protection. Part of said licensing process involves notifying the municipal planning board or local equivalent of a project's application for a license. This process involves a
signature of a form to be submitted with the proponent's application. Next slide, please. This form is separate from the public comment period on a project and neither indicates support of nor opposition to a project. The Massachusetts Department of Energy and
Environmental Affairs publishes notices of all projects submitted for review uh through MEPA, including chapter 91 license applications through the Environmental Monitor. These public notices include an advertisement of both public hearings and public comment periods during which agencies and
individuals may submit comments directly to DP on the license application for a project. Uh, next slide, please. The project at 244284A Street is expected to meet all stipulations set forth by the code of Massachusetts
regulations 310 CMR9 waterways with respect to projects on tidelands serving a water dependent use. This project is part of a larger series of proposed projects on the site all having undergone the article 80 process and part of the 100 acres master plan uh PDA
number 69. Uh this project was approved by BPDA board in 2023 and subsequently the proponent applied for and received a consolidated written determination from the department of environmental protection in April of 2024. The terms of the license application for this
floating dock project adhered to the stipulations and the proposal set forth in that CWD and the application for the floating dock license is one of nine total individual chapter 91 licenses for the project site. Next slide, please.
Uh the Boston planning department will serve as a co-licant and co-licy on this floating dock uh project license with channelside acquisitions. Uh this license is this license application is submitted under the proponents consolidated written determination again
issued April of 2024. Um, and per 310 CMR9 and the provisions of chapter 91, development may not extend beyond the state harbor line as established by chapter 232 of the acts of 1873 unless the Boston Redevelopment Authority or
similar agency serves as a co-licant on a project that fulfills the goals of the fourpoint waterers sheet activation plan uh, pursuant to statute uh, 2010 chapter 204 section 1 enacted by the Massachusetts General Court. There are no obligations placed on the Boston
planning department to fund or maintain this proposed structure. This is solely a project approval procedure for consistency with the long-term planning for the Fort Point Channel. The Boston Redevelopment Authority and Boston Planning and Development Agency have served as co-licants for similar projects including DOC projects at the
Boston Children's Museum and Independence Warf. So, thank you and I'm happy to take any questions about this project. Okay, great questions or comments from the board. Okay. Yeah. Um, hearing and seeing none, a motion is in order. So moved. Second.
Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. I, Mr. Sheepard. I, Dr. Lansark. Hi. Mr. Omali. I. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Thank you, Alana. Thank you. All right. Item number 19. um request authorization to issue a certificate of completion for the
successful completion of the 60 Guest Street project in Brighton in accordance with the board memo by and between the Boston Redevelopment Authority doing business as the Boston Planning and Development Agency and 60 Guest Street Owner LLC dated February 10th, 2022 at certificate of completion. So, um a
motion is in order. So, move second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. Hi, Mr. Shepard. I Dr. Lansmart. Hi, Mr. I. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Item number 20 has been removed. Item number 21, request authorization to issue a partial certificate of completion for the successful completion
of the 15 Neco Street building in the South Boston Waterfront neighborhood in accordance with section C.4 of the amended and restated cooperation agreement buying between the Boston Redevelopment Authority doing business as a Boston Planning and Development Agency and
AR-MA region number 74 LLC dated July 1st, 2021. Again, certificate of completion. A motion is in order. So move second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. Hi. Mr. Shepard. Hi. Dr. Lansmark. Hi. Mr. Omali. I. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Item
number 22. Request authorization to issue a certificate of completion for the successful completion of parcels and P located in the Raymond Alflyn Marine Park in accordance with section C.4 four of the cooperation agreement by and between the Boston Redevelopment Authority doing business as a Boston
Planning and Development Agency and MCP3 Foundry LLA Care of Marcus Partners dated February 26, 2022. Uh certificate of completion. A motion is in order. Motion is in order. Move. Yep.
Second. Uh roll call for vote. M Miss Bennett. Hi. Mr. Shepard. Hi. Dr. Lansmark. Hi. Mr. Omali. Hi. and the chair votes I. Motion passes. Item number 23, request authorization to issue a certificate of certification of approval pursuant to article 80 small
project review of the zoning code for the notice of project change in accord in connection with the proposed increase in residential rental units to 35 units including five IDP units located at 521 through 523 Cambridge Street. uh and to
enter into an amended affordable housing affordable rental housing agreement and restriction and to take all related actions. Camille. Thank you, Madam Chair. Good evening, members of the board, Director Shen and Secretary Paul Heimes. My name is Camille Platt and I'm the project manager for the 521 to 523
Cambridge Street project um in Olston, which the notice of project change is before you today. The approved project which was approved in June of 2023 by this board is located just west of the intersection of Cambridge Street and North Beacon Street in Olston. Um these are just the quick very very quick stats
on it. Um one of the major items is that they are increasing the amount of units by two. The project site is currently comprised of two parcels containing about 9,045 square ft of land. The proposal includes the demolition of both the existing two-story structure presently
used for office space and an existing one-story repair and service garage as well as the termination of use of a used car lot that spans across the majority of the property. Um you can go to the next slide please. Uh this is a very quick uh overview of the proposal
changes. So, the project will now have a total of 35 units as approved as opposed to the approved projects, uh, 33 units from the June approval, and we'll add another three-bedroom into the mix. So, rather than, uh, just two threebs from
the original approval, they're adding a third. The project includes a total of three studios now, 19 one-bedroom units, 10 two-bedroom units, and three three-bedroom units. The project still maintains as of their original approval zero on-site on-site parking spaces. Um,
and if you can go to the next slide, please. And this is an aerial view of the site. These were included in the original approval from June of 2023 as well, but just to put us back to where the location is. And then if you could go to the next slide, please. Existing conditions of the site.
Again, that is the twostory office use space. And then to the right of it, that is where the the used car lot currently stands. Uh you can go to the next slide. And very briefly, this is just one level of the proposed project. Just wanted to show that there. It's a it's a
six-story building that is proposed, but just wanted to show one one level of the project um here for for reference. Next slide, please. And then we're back here. So again, the expedited MPC was filed on March 28th of this year. No public meeting was requested by the city
councelor. Uh would like to thank the Olson Brighton community, councelor Breeden as well and staff who have participated in the approved project as well as this notice of project change. Thank you. Great. Thank you. Questions or comments from the board? So it's increased two units. They haven't
increased the IDP units, but they've made one of the ID one of the IDP units is now a threebedroom. So, in the original approval, there was a threebedroom and now there's also um a threebedroom. So, they actually increased from one threebedroom to two threeb IDP units. But, so the n did they
go up in the number of units or they swap out? Is it it's still five, but it's two three bedrooms. They swapped out and I believe the the um Jay Walsh who is the consultant might be on as well, but I don't know exactly which size bedroom they switched out for the other third or for the other three
bedroom would have been smaller. That's it. Yeah. No, listen. I I I think we all agree that that you know it you don't want to see just the studios or the one bedrooms be designated IDP. So I think this is a a positive change and certainly justifies the increase in units. Thank you. Additional questions
or comments hearing and saying a motion is in order. So move second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett, Mr. Sheepard, Dr. Lans, Mr. Ali. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Thanks Camille. Thank you. All right. Item number 24, request authorization to enter into an affordable housing agreement in
connection with the proposed creation of one IDP home ownership unit located at 841 Columbia Road and to take all related actions. Andy. Uh, thank you, Madam Chair, Director Shen, Secretary Bohemis, and members of the board. My name is Andy Feldman. I'm the housing policy manager with the mayor's office
of housing. Tonight, I'm here to request your vote on an affordable housing agreement for the proposed development at 841 Columbia Road uh in Dorchester. The development proposes to build six condo units. And while it did not trigger article 80 due to its size, the project team is voluntarily restricting
one unit as income restricted. Uh therefore, the vote in front of you tonight will allow the agency to enter into an agreement to dedicate this one unit under the inclusionary development policy. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you. Thanks. Uh questions or comments from the board hearing and seeing none. A
motion is in order. So moved. Second. We'll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. I Mr. Shepard. Hi. Dr. Lansi. Mr. Ali. I. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Thank you. Item number 25, request authorization to issue a certification of approve of approval pursuant to
article 80E small project review of the zoning code for the proposed development located at 9 Arch Street, also known as 16 to 18 Holly Street, also known as 31 Milk Street. Um to author to authorize a director to enter into a pilot agreement
for the proposed project to authorize the director to accept a quick claim deed for a certain temporary limited property interest in the project site and to take all related actions. Dylan. Good evening, Madam Chair, members of the board, Director Shen, and Secretary
Paul Hemis. My name is Dylan Norris. I am a project assistant with the development review division of the planning department. I'm here before you to present an applicant of the downtown office to residential conversion program. the proposed article 80E small project located at 16 to 18 Holly or 9
Arch Street in the downtown neighborhood of Boston as well as the proposed 121B agreement needed to effectuate the downtown residential conversion incentive pilot program. On October 28th, 2024, Dinosaur Milk LLC applied to Mayor Woo and the BPDA's downtown
residential conversion incentive pilot program. The program was authorized by this board on October 12th, 2023 and offers approved t uh approved applicants a tax abatement in exchange for converting their underutilized office building into multif family residential
rental units. The October board vote authorized the creation of a demonstration project plan area in the downtown Boston where the BPDA is able to act pursuant to Massachusetts general law chapter 121b and provide a contract for payment in lie of taxes pursuant to
said chapter based on BPDA staff review under article 80 and review under the pilot program. Uh the proponent before you has been selected to receive a pilot agreement based on the pilot program criteria. The program will upon uh approval at this board enter into a pilot agreement with the city of Boston
and the city of Boston's assessor. Um if approved, they will receive an average tax abatement of up to 75% of the assessed residential value for a term of 29 years. Terms are which are consistent with the October board vote. In order to comply with the rules and regulations
under Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 121B section 16, the BPDA must take a interest in the project site. In order to affectuate that, the BPDA and the owner of 16 to18 Holly will enter into a deed agreement which conveys limited rights to 16 to 18 Holly Street
property. Additionally, the owner and the BPDA will enter into an indemnification agreement to ensure the BPDA has no liability on said property. On March 11th, 2025, the planning department received a small project review under application under article 80 of uh the zoning code from the
proponent of which the planning department sponsored a virtual public meeting on April 30th, 2025 which was well attended and wellreceived. Uh you can go to the next slide. Uh the public meeting was advertised in local newspapers and a notice posted on the BPDA's calendar as
well as sent uh to the downtown neighborhood distribution list. The comment period for the small project review application ended on May 7th, 2025. Um, you can also go to the next slide here. So, the project site includes a
9,481 square ft of land located at 9 Arch Street, aka 16 to 18 Holly in the city's Midtown Financial District neighborhood uh with street frontages along Milk, Holly, and Arch Street. You can go to the next slide. Uh the project site includes an existing
11story commercial office condominium with a building footprint that takes the majority of the project site at approximately 9,380 square ft with an existing post office retail use on a separate condominium unit on the first floor which will remain. You can go to the next
slide and here's an additional view from Arch Street and the next slide as well. Thank you. The proposed project uh the proposed office to residential conversion proposes the adaptive reuse of the existing 11story office condominium or unit 2 from a commercial
office business use to residential apartments. Uh unit 2 will consist of approximately 86,730 residential uh gross floor area of residential rental space. Uh, and the project will also be providing 110
residential rental units on floors 2 through 11 with associated me amenities in the building's mezzanine and basement. The existing retail on the first floor, unit one, uh, will remain as a US Postal Service office uh, as well as the exterior of the building will be preserved to preserve the
historic facade. The UniMix is comprised of 40 studio apartments um as well as 52 one-bedroom units as well as 18 two-bedroom units. The project will also include approximately 100 resident bike uh bike parking spaces in a subterranean
bike parking room. The project is also in compliance with the inclusionary zoning requirements with 19 incomerestricted units as well as an additional three incomerestricted units made available for voucher recipients. Um thank you and that concludes the presentation. The proponent team is
available to answer any questions the board may have related to the project. We also have an appendicy with the typical floor plates. Thank you. Thank you. Um questions or comments from the board. So just so I have it right, this is this is the post office on Milk Street above
it. Yes, sir. It's been empty attorney Hanley for as long as you and I have been around. So this is really exciting to see and will remain uh Mr. Ali. So thank you. No, excellent. I I think I think, you know, it's exciting to see more and me more of these residential conversions come before the board and um
it's just a fantastic location and brings vibrancy and life and and the fact that there's a a significant number of affordable units as well is uh is terrific. So, thank you. Additional questions or comments? I want to recognize that earlier um we had councelor Flynn come to um to make some
comments on it. Um so um with related to that um can you know you or someone from the agency talk about kind of um the conversations that have been happening and all the things madam chair and just for the record attorney Joe Hanley McDermac Quilty Miller and Hanley
representing the proponent um very much appreciate councelor Finn's leadership and we had uh had very good uh dialogue with him and if you read the board memo uh that was provided uh to the members for this uh we are committed in writing
uh to pursue a veteran's preference. Uh that is uh something that we we share as an important component. Um Mark Duffton is actually part of the development team and is a veteran himself and as the councelor noted uh especially uh women
veteran and the homeless uh community is a big challenge and we hope to be part of that solution with uh in partnership with the BPDA. Great. Thank you. Um, you got up so I didn't know if you wanted to say something or you were just kind of
Thanks, Madam Chair. I'm Devon Cork, deputy chief at the department. I just wanted to add that we are also very supportive. I'm spoken with Sheila Dylan from the mayor's office of housing who also is very supportive of the veterans housing preference. We're working out the final details. It will take a few weeks to do so. Um, but we'd like to ask
your support to move the project ahead because it's important to line it up for some state funding uh to get its approval tonight. Okay, great. Thank you. Um and uh and appreciate the the addition to the memo and putting it in, you know, in codified there in writing.
I um I do want to just for you know, for accountability sake, we will take the vote, right? And it will should it pass, right? Um it would be um I do request that we just get an update on that's once that's all finalized, right? um at whatever meeting that makes sense
whether it's the next one. We still would need if if it was the pleasure of the board to proceed tonight, we would still need to do the affordable housing agreement and all those and the like. So you have our commitment. It's in writing and we look forward to working with Devon and Dylan and the entire staff
here. Okay, great. Great. So, um, all right. If there are no for any other questions or comments, I just like to acknowledge the counselor's leadership on this issue, which I'm familiar with from many years at BHA. And I just I think it's great, you know, whenever we can to uh insert this use into the
housing that we're building and really appreciate the developer and all the agency's openness to that. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Bennett. Okay. Great. Uh, additional questions or comments hearing seeing none. Oh, do you know were you going to I concur what the
colleague said? Okay. Motion is in order uh with enthusiasm. So moved. I second that. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. Hi. Mr. Shepard. Hi. Dr. Lansmark. Hi. Mr. Omali. I. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Um congratulations. Good luck. Um and thank
you for putting all that stuff in writing. Great. Item number 26, request authorization to enter an afford enter into an affordable housing agreement in connection with the proposed creation of two IDP home
ownership units located at 1159 through 1161 Washington Street and to take all related actions. Andy. Uh, thank you, Madam Chair, Director Shen, Secretary Paul Humis, and members of the board. I'm Andy Feldman, housing policy manager with the mayor's office of housing. Tonight, I'm here to request your vote
on an affordable housing agreement for the proposed development at 1159163 Washington Street. Um, this development proposes to build 14 units and while it didn't trigger Article 80 due to its size, inclusionary development policy does apply. Uh,
therefore, the vote in front of you tonight will allow the agency to enter into an agreement to dedicate two units under the policy. Happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you. Questions or comments from the board? Hearing and saying none, a motion is in order. So moved. Second. We'll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. Hi. Mr. Shepard.
Hi. Dr. Lansmark. Hi. Mr. Omali. Hi. And the chair votes I. Motion passes. Thanks, Andy. Item number 27, request authorization to issue a scoping determination waving further review pursuant to article 80B large project review of the zoning code for the proposed creation of a mixeduse
self-s storage facility office and retail development located or no including 17 car parking spaces and 12 bicycle parking spaces located at 120 through 134 Hampton Street. Enter into a cooperation agreement and take all related actions. Dylan. Thank you. And
good evening, Madam Chair, members of the board, uh, Director Shen, and Secretary Paul Hemis. My name is Dylan Norris, and I'm a project assistant in the development review division of the planning department. Uh, we're here before you today to discuss the proposed article 80B large project located at 120
to 134 Hampton Street in the New Market neighborhood of Boston. Uh the project site includes four parcels of land of approximately 29,603 square ft with an existing non-conforming records warehouse and vast unimproved surface area um on site.
The proponent today uh Casper Balman Group LLC is proposing an approximately uh a 105,000 gross square feet mixeduse self- storage facility and commercial development. This includes the change of use of approximately 73,000 existing
gross square feet of the existing sixstory uh building located at 134 Hampton uh which is currently an existing records warehouse in addition to the new con uh into the adaptive reuse. Um there will
be a new addition of a six-story 32,327 uh gross ft edition that will uh feature retail office and self-s storage uses in order to better activate the existing street corner. Um the development team filed their project notification form on February 21st, 2025, which was
distributed through the Roxberry and New Market neighborhood distribution lists. A scoping set session for city and state officials was held on March 20th, 2025. Uh the planning department also sponsored and hosted a virtual IG meeting on March 24th, 2025, as well as
a virtual public meeting on March 25th, 2025. The public and IG meetings were posted on the planning department calendar and website. Email notifications were sent to all subscribers of the Roxberry neighborhood update list as well as New Market and local elected officials and their staff were notified of the meetings. Uh, with
that, I'll now turn it over to my colleague, uh, Jason to present the zoning and planning context for which the project was reviewed by the planning department. Thank you. Good evening, members of the board, Director Shen, and Secretary Bohemis. Um, I am Jason McDonald, and I'm
reviewing the uh the zoning and uh planning context for this project. Um, oh, and nice slide. Uh the proposed project is located in New Market Industrial uh zoning district's creative industrial subd district governed by article 90. Uh the site presently has
four separate parcels um with an existing six-story warehouse on the largest parcel as mentioned before. The remainder of the site is paved surface parking. Um the site is on the edge of the mostly industrial uh New Market uh district and it borders on the
residential Roxberry uh neighborhood to the west end. Uh next slide please. The proposed project seeks a conditional use uh permit for self storage use. It also seeks uh zoning relief for building lot coverage, front setback and height. The dimensional
zoning violations are related to the adaptive reuse of the existing structure. Therefore appropriate for relief. Um self storage uh was made a conditional use uh to differentiate this use from active warehouse use. Given New
Market's industrial planning context, both plan new market and uh current zoning uh and current zoning encourages warehouse use due to the positive economic benefits derived from the direct job creation and a manner in which warehousing can support a range of businesses. In general, self- storage is
a use that is inconsistent with the job creation goals of plan new market. Uh with this background though, we are recommending a conditional use permit due to two exceptional circumstances. The plan emphasizes retention and adaptive reuse of the collection of masonary buildings uh such as this one
that are found in the arts industrial subdist and it's inj uh its adjacency to the residential neighborhood directly across the street. This edge condition is suited uh to this use which is less intensive industrial use than the uses generally envisioned in a new market
plan. Um and thank you. I'll turn over to the proponents team. Um, good afternoon, Madame Chair. Um, members of the board, Director Shen, Madame Secretary, um, attorney Nick Soul and McDermac, Quilty, Miller, and Hanley, uh, permitting attorneys and
zoning attorneys for the project. Uh, with me today is, uh, Kevin Debbler from ROI Architects, as well as Casper, Casper Balman from the Balman Group, who's the property owner, uh, and project developer. Uh very quickly just want to thank Dylan, uh Jason, Alexa,
and Ted who are here and the entire planning department staff for this project. It's been a truly collaborative effort. Uh all their input's been super helpful. Um so we really appreciate it. Also want to thank uh the elected officials uh the New Market Business Improvement District uh and we had a
very strong impact advisory group um for all their time and valuable input on the project. Um, and I'll just note quickly for the board that we did receive actually a letter of uh approve recommending approval from the IG uh signed by all the IG members, which is somewhat rare in an article 80 large
project. Um, so just wanted to highlight that for the board. Um, I think Dylan, can I just excuse you for one second? Can we just get the just do the shush thing out there? Sure. Um, I'm just sorry I it's distracting me. I'm like trying to do I know we set up the thing
to the thing. Yeah. Okay. I blame attorney Hanley for that. No, no, I you know I know we don't get to see each other a lot and I just That's why you have the the room the collab room. Yeah. Yeah. No, I know. I saw that. We were trying to Yeah. But
um I think proceed. Thank you. Okay. Um I think Dylan and Jason did a great job explaining the project. So we we don't need to cover this slide. If you go to the to the next slide, please. Um again, uh the site uh it's four parcels. It's about
29,500 ft². You could see it here. Uh it is 120 to 134 Hampton and a Howard Street address. Uh it's in the New Market neighborhood of Roxberry, but it does actually uh is across from some residential. Um there's just a lot of pavement uh impervious surfaces. Uh
underutilized space at the site which we're looking to activate. Uh they got we have frontage on Hamen on Howard uh and on uh Norfox as well. So, it's a corner space has a lot of visibility uh in that existing um storage building which you'll see in a minute is needed
is in is in need of some TLC which this project uh is proposing. Um next slide. I will now pass the mic over to uh Kevin Dler from ROI. Uh thank you uh Madame Chair uh Director Shen members of the board. I'm Kevin
Dler, principal and co-founder of ROI Architects. Um, I'd also like to thank uh Casper Balman for trusting us uh with his project. Um, so we're excited to present a project uh here that represents an important planning initiative the BPDA began well over 5
years ago. Uh, the plan new market study was a city and community-led process. Um, I was involved in that myself. Um, worked with Ted and and Alexa who are here as well. uh very hard on that. This this process worked itself all the way into existence through adoption of
article 90. Um New Market is Boston's industrial hub and it deserve the care and attention that went into the plan uh to make it a modern industrial neighborhood. So the goals of this project align with the plan which are preserving existing uses, mixing in new
uses uh with them and focusing on placemaking and improvements to the public realm. Uh next slide. This, as uh you know, Nick neck mentioned, was uh has long stood here as a as a warehouse. The Howard storage. Many of if you go up and down Hampton
Street, uh you've seen that it um has no virtually no windows um and has existed as this uh records storage warehouse for uh many decades. Next slide. The design concept really expresses the
opportunity of mixed uses and celebrates this corner and the edge of the in uh creative industrial subd district within the the plan new market area. all of these different uh colors diagram of the sort of prevalence of storage and a
little more storage in the addition, but the ground floor, especially at the corners where we're adding the uses that really activate the street um and then open themselves up a little bit more to the public um than the uses above. The conditional use change from uh warehouse
to self storage is actually a change that moves it a little bit more into an active storage use. Um, and I think that that is one reason why we look at this as just simply an opportunity um to to do something with this and express the
building as a as a part of this this plan new market goals. Uh, next slide. Um, the site plan has a lot of detail. I'm not going to go through every single bullet here, but it really just uh illustrates the extensive work being planned to increase permeability, shade,
and safety for the neighbors and uh occupants of the of the future uh mixeduse building. Uh next slide. In this section and the images on the right, we show the dimensions and the the quality of the materiality
um that will create an identity to the open space that we'll be surrounding. We're increasing sidewalks, um adding plantings. There literally are no living things on this site presently. U so we're uh converting all of the asphalt areas into active uses um and
creating uh what we think is a hopeful image of the future of New Market. Um next slide. And this section is very similar to the concept diagram. Shows the uh floors of storage that exist. the uh big
building on the right, the addition on the left, the ground floor retail will have a a fairly high floor to floor. Uh so that um space could be a number of different things and we've been really eyeballing trying to get a food related
business in there um for the uh future of of New Market where it would be much more occupied by people in this uh in this district. Um next slide. And the building materials really we're transitioning this from a brick building
um to a more of a modern metal skinned building. Um and the perspectives will show a lot of the the moves that we're making to try to make that transition, but the base will be brick. Um and all of the materials will be detailed in a in a very modern way. Um so it's
reminiscent of its its past but but definitely looking forward to the future. Next slide. Here we just start to show a lot of the um perspectives of different angles. This is uh one element on the uh right of the Orchard Gardens residential
neighborhood. So the building really kind of tries to tie itself into that two-story um scale across the street. Um the existing building is large. It's always had a big facade on on Amnen Street. We're sort of ghosting in the
original windows with the metal uh within the metal skin and then gradating the colors so that it goes from a more of a historic uh darker tone to a a much more forward-looking lighter tone with with a little bit of color again to kind
of uh call attention to the to creative aspects of of what this neighborhood could be. Um and you keep just keep rolling through these uh next few ones. Um, and then this is a these views. That other one right here really kind of starts to focus in on what the public
will see at the ground floor. Um, this is looking um down Norfolk Street back towards Hampton and that same effect with uh colors that that you could see from a long distance uh really adds some some uh missing vitality to this to this
area. Um, and as I'm kind of closing, I'll just make sure that we note that um, this building will have very low energy use just as it's um, you know, we don't get too many projects where you don't need windows and you don't have to worry about the detailing and the uh,
insulation. And so, it's in a good position there to continue uh, its low energy footprint. Uh, we're going to be covering the roof with as much solar as we possibly can fit. um and uh complying with mass save path one. Um so the uh
ability to add an insulated metal skin to the outside really enhances its uh its future energy use. Um with that we'll answer any questions from the team. Great. Thank you. Questions or comments from the board? I'll start. Madam Chair, I uh admittedly
I I I don't love self- storage facilities, but you have done an admiral job making it look a lot more attractive as a building. So, congratulations Rodie and your team. Um and I do like the fact that it's introducing some retail use, some office use to activate the space a little bit more. That's clearly needed.
Uh um I also had no idea that art and wine would need a special storage. I assume it makes sense for climate control and whatnot. So, that's exciting. The wine I drink doesn't quite need to make it into a climate. Usually comes in a box. Um maybe you need to put it here and it won't be so easy. There
you are. But no, so so it's it's a good-looking project. Um I'm curious what So you don't have identified a retail tenant. You talked about having obviously people say coffee shop, cafe, that's always the dream. It doesn't always pencil out. But have you had any uh conversation with the office a
potential office uh lease? We have uh Casper might might talk about that. We had conversations to come up here. Sorry. Could you state your name, please, for the record? Yes. Casper Balman with the Balman Group. Good evening. Uh we've had several
conversations with nonprofits. Um that was referred to us by New Market. um Sue Sullivan has helped us identify potential tenants for the office space up there and um but we are still uh looking at trying to finalize. Okay. So
it's good well it's good to know it's and I don't need to know you know any more detail than that. I know these are you know uh negotiations but that's good to know. And so I have it right. It's about 500 new square feet that would be office space for the storage facility and then about 3700 for a tenant and
that could be one or multiple tenants. Yes, that's correct. Perfect. And then uh you answered the last question which I always note this is a pristine location for a PV array on the roof. The fact that it is going to be so low usage you could get I think one of the sides said you'll be you know below 2035 Berto
standards with enough PV you could be hovering around 2050 BTO standards. So uh Nick I know you feel strongly about this as I do. Can you talk a little bit about some of the uh PV array and what that means as much as we can. Yeah. So I we were prepared for that. Member Ali
the so the existing building roof itself on the existing building is not available for solar because Verizon has a 75-year exclusive easement and lease for cell tower equipment on the building that's there now. It's it's existing. So presumably that's only 10 or 12 years
old. So yeah. So um however you know the the news the the addition um that we have had discussions where with PV solar array we're hoping to be able to do that but it is a smaller space because of the footprint. Um you know I think we could fit something like a 23 kilowatt array
and a lot of companies are looking for 25 or more to install. So we still have to have those discussions. Um but as Kevin mentioned you know it is a low this isn't a residential use. Um most of the building's already there. It's storage. It's going to be low impact. We are lead gold certifiable all electric.
Everything else we can do, we're doing. If we can, yeah, if we can do the PV, we're going to do it. But I we we've looked at it and I think we're on the cusp of whether or not a company's going to be willing to install it or not. Um the hope is to do it if we can. Yep. I I encourage you to to to make it work as I
know you will incredibly hard to make that happen. I'll be up there with the absolutely make it work. Remember your SPF as you're doing it. 100 for me. That's right. Thanks, Nick. Thank you all. Thanks. Thank you uh through the chair. Uh I guess my question would be
for Kevin. Um as far as the building in the exterior, I saw a little bit of brick still existing brick in the backside. Uh there is some existing brick. Uh this uh building has actually shed its brick through different ways
and one time more recently um just during the acquisition process the the brick ties failed and those that was a brick skin that was added probably fairly poorly in the in the 60s and the uh ties just rusted off from behind. So,
uh, we thought a lot about what material should be on here and and the sort of insulated, uh, panel, um, is is sort of solves a lot of the energy issues, but also, um, was very much, um, I guess appreciated by the business improvement
district that wants to see new, modern uh, building materials uh, coming to the district cuz I I did see the sign, the Howard sign on one of the pictures that Yes, that um, some part of it um, probably the storage sort of earlier
slides um have uh left some of that brick but that that will be removed during the the reinstallation. Um a new brick will be added new cavity brick uh will be added to the to the bottom of the building. So it'll be a complete gut
rehab and then which some structural integrity as well. The building has uh built very well. I mean it uh was a records storage warehouse. So the structure is as high on a per square foot basis as you would want. Um you
know we we got some comments about why not housing and that's sometimes people don't understand what new market is and why there isn't housing there. But this building is also would be very tough to convert to housing because of its deep floor plate. Um and that is probably true of other uses that could be up
there as well. So um I understand the issues around self storage and all that but they they are parts of uh uses that that serve residents um in in this uh everinccreasing city you know and have you been uh speaking with any general
contractors uh for this project? We have have been getting pricing from uh different contractors on that. Yeah. Okay. Thank you very much. We'll follow up. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Uh any additional questions or comments?
It's a nice transformation. Um and I know that there's been pressure around housing and obviously it's not going to work on this property. Yeah. Um but uh you've done a nice job of transforming this. Thank
you. It definitely does look amazing. So, thank you. Transformation for the area. Yeah. And that's what the plan new market wants to do to this whole subd district. So, um we hope that actually
this project can start to show an example of of other things uh further into the neighborhood. Yeah. Great. Um and I do um uh just want to shout out
to the memo writer you the presentation on the like on the very concise and clear explanation of why a zoning variance or a deduct a you know a um you know modification to the new you know the new plan like all that work that we
did into the this it was presented in a way that makes sense what the zoning varian is and why um which um I really appreciate. Right. So because I obviously we plan we want to see plans aligned to that but obviously we're not
going to do every know everything and so the flex it just I think it's just a demonstration really not it's norm just a comment in general not really a question for you but like um a demonstration of how the planning and development ecosystem and the zoning code that we have updated around these
can still remain like flexible and adaptable to you know the the development and the needs and the different uses. So, um uh yeah, more just a comment of like it was clear um and I appreciate it and it made it it
made that comparison that I do in my process in reviewing of like plan versus this, right? So, um and that was uh it it made the this decision of, you know, when we call the vote of what my vote is to be um uh it was just an easier one to come to for me. So, if there are no
other further questions or comments, uh motion is in order. So, moved. Second roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett. Hi, Mr. Shepard. Hi, Dr. Lansark. Hi, Mr. Omali. I, and the chair votes I. Motion passes. Um, congratulations. Good luck. Thank you very much. Thank you. Right.
Um, okay. We got 15 minutes. Do another one. Uh item number 28, request authorization to issue a certification of approval for the proposed development located at 123 North Washington Street pursuant to article 80 small project review of the zoning code for the
creation of 45 residential rental units including seven inclusionary zoning units. uh authorize the director to enter into a pilot agreement for the proposed project to adopt a demonstration project plan under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 121B
section 46F for the proposed project and to authorize the director to accept a quick claim deed for a certain temporary limited property interest in the project site and to take all related actions. Dylan. Good evening again, Madam Chair, members of the board, Director Shen, and
Secretary Paul Hemis. Uh again, my name is Dylan Norris and I'm a project assistant with the development review division of the planning department. I am here to present a applicant of the downtown office to residential conversion program, the proposed article 80E small project located at 123 North Washington in the north end neighborhood
of Boston, as well as the proposed 121B agreement to effectuate the downtown residential conversion incentive pilot program. On November 24th, 2024, Copper Mill North End LLC applied to the uh planning department's downtown conversion incentive program. The pilot
program was authorized by this board on October 12th, 2023 and offers an approved uh applicants a tax abatement in exchange for converting their underutilized office into multif family residential rental units. The October board vote authorized the creation of a demonstration project plan area in
downtown Boston where the BPDA is able to act pursuant to Massachusetts general law chapter 121B and provide a contract for payment in lie of taxes pursuant to chapter 121b. Based on uh BPD staff review under article 80 and the review of the pilot program, the proponent has
been selected to receive a pilot agreement. Based on the pilot program criteria, the proponent upon approval by this board enter into a um enter into an agreement among the city of Boston and the BPDA. If approved, uh they will be provided with an average tax abatement
of up to 75% of the assessed residential value for a term of 29 years, terms which are consistent with the October board vote. In order to comply with the rules and regulations under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 121B, uh the planning department and the BPDA must take an interest in the project
site. To affectuate this, the BPDA and the owner of 123 North Washington will enter into a deed agreement which conveys limited rights on the 123 North Washington property. Additionally, the owner and the BPDA will enter into an indemnification agreement to ensure that the BPDA does not have any liability on
said property. Given that this project falls outside of the current plan demonstration project area, upon approval today, the project site will be adopted into the plan demonstration project area in order to effectuate the tax abatement. On March 3rd, 2025, the BPDA, you can actually go to the next
slide. Sorry. Uh the BPDA received a small project review application from the proponent. Uh the plan department then hosted a virtual public meeting on April 7th, 2025, which was well attended and wellreceived. The public meeting was advertised in local newspapers and a notice posted to the BPDA's calendar as
well as sent to the North End distribution list. The comment period for this filing closed on April 14th, 2025. Um, given that the project is outside of the plan demonstration area and requires zoning relief, I will turn it over to my colleague Ted Schwarzber to go over the zoning context in which
the planning department reviewed the project. Thank you, Dylan. Uh good evening uh Chair Rojos and members of the board. Ted Schwarzburg from the planning review team. I just want to walk you through uh the nuance of the zoning on this particular project. Uh so starting with
the height, I just wanted to point out the uh 19 1/2 ft delta between uh this uh building's height that it presents at and then its uh zoning height which is uh 19 1/.5 ft lower. And as Dylan's last slide noted, this is in the flood resilience overlay. and that delta
accounts for the height beginning at the flood level and this will be built to comply with the flood resilience overlay zoning. Um in terms of the floor area ratio as you'll see in uh a subsequent slide uh there is a little bit of a
notch taken out of the building uh this was a piece removed uh historically from the original envelope of the building on the top floor uh and that is being filled in to reestablish the historic original envelope of the building. And so that uh fills out um the um the
building's original F and height. Uh so those were pre-existing historic conditions that will trigger zoning uh because it's a change with this project. And then finally uh this is triggering a conditional use permit uh because any alteration to a roof line in this north
end district uh is while it's a dimensional consideration uh it's considered a conditional use and staff recommend zoning relief for all these items. Thank you. And I'll now turn it over to the proponent. Still Dylan. Um, you can go to the next
slide. Great. Located on a 7,829 foot lot on North Washington Street in the north end, Copper Mill LLC is proposing the adaptive reuse and renovation of the existing five-story office building. You can go to the next slide.
The proposal calls for the existing office and retail spaces on floors one through five to be converted to apartments uh specifically rental units. Approximately 500 square ft of restaurant or retail use will remain on the ground floor. You can go to the next slide. As a result of the adaptive
reuse, the new net residential total for the building will be approximately 34,500 gross uh square feet of uh residential use. The converted building will include 45 rental units, including 27 studios as well as 18 one-bedroom units. In order to comply with the
inclusionary zoning standards, 16.93% of the residential square footage will be for inclusionary zoning units. Therefore, in order to fully satisfy inclusionary zoning requirements, a partial unit payment is due to uh to fully satisfy the requirements, which at
this time is ex estimated to be approximately $12,69. Um, thank you. This now concludes my presentation. Uh, the proponent team is available to answer any questions as related to the project and we also have the typical floor plates in the appendices. Thank you.
Great. Thank you. Questions or comments from the board? Is this a building that used to um have a uh used kitchen supply, restaurant supply? Yes. Harbor Food Equipment used to be headquartered in this building and
and a restaurant on one of the upper floors that I'm unsure of. I know that Toto used to have a showroom on the ground floor, which is kind of what it was known for as well. Toilet showroom toilet toilet. Yeah. coolest there. There's still some in the basement if
anyone's interested. Well, I think this building has a a fairly uh interesting history and I hope that when you do the conversion, you find some ways of memorializing that. Thank you. We've actually started to dig
into that a little bit and at its inception, it was a candy factory originally, which was then sold to a biscuit company. So, that's kind of the early 1900s history. So, we're trying to think about ways to incorporate that into the branding and and marketing for the for the apartments. Yeah. It kind of
epitomizes an industry that existed in that area in those buildings for a very long time. And uh while you can't preserve the uh actual culture of what was there, it would be good to recognize
it. Yes. Thank you. Yeah. Reminds me of the leather I used to live in the leather district, right? thinking about that like you know living in that space where like yeah it was a leather dish because they make leather stuff there right like so um it is really cool I'm again super
excited about this just out of curiosity like uh what um what drove you and your team to be like yep let's do this pilot program like just tell me a little bit just about kind of how you got to here and your Sure we had been interested in and looking at this building for a while
and then once this program came out I put a call in to John While actually and from the beginning he was you know just such a champion for the program and you know explaining all the potential benefits and and uh pathways and uh uh and and benefits that we could realize
to help kind of put this over the over the finish line so to speak because as we all know that the residential conversions are very challenging. So, I think the the financial uh the tax abatement really was a is a difference maker for for it and um we just saw it
as the uh a great key to unlock the the potential for this building and really reactivate it because it's been pretty pretty empty for a long time. Yeah. Oh, great. Well, thank you. Any other questions or comments? See, not a motion is in order. So moved. Second. We'll call for a vote. Miss Bennett, Mr.
Sheepard, Dr. Lans, Mr. Ali, I and the chair votes I. Motion passes. Congratulations. Good luck. Thank you very much. Yay. Yay. Yay. Um, this is the next one. Oh, this is a way quick one. Number 20, item number 29. Request authorization to enter into an affordable housing agreement in the connection with the proposed creation of
one IDP own home ownership unit located at 3 Cedar Square and to take all related actions. Andy. Thank you, Madam Chair, Director Shen, Secretary Pimis, and members of the board. I'm Andy Feldman, housing policy manager with the mayor's office of housing. Tonight, I'm here to request your vote on an
affordable housing agreement for the proposed development at three Cedar Square in Roxbury. This development proposes to build nine condo units, and while it didn't trigger Article 80 due to its size, the project team is voluntarily restricting one unit as income restricted. Therefore, the vote in front of you tonight will allow the
agency to enter into an agreement to dedicate this unit under the inclusionary development policy. Thank you. Happy to answer any questions you may have. Great. Thank you. Questions or comments from the board? Hearing seeing none, a motion is in order. So moved. Second. Roll call for a vote. Miss Bennett, Mr. Shepard. Hi, Dr. Lans. Hi,
Mr. Omali. I and the chair votes I. Motion passes. Thank you. And everyone, we're going to take a um a fivem minute break. Uh public hearings will start at 5:30ish. And uh we'll see you soon.