Good evening. This is the zoning board of appeals um here in Chelsea. What's the date? Today is the 13th of January. I'm going to begin by taking the role. When I call your name, please say I. Um,
Yugo Peromo. >> Hi, >> Joseph Mahoney. >> Hi, >> Marilyn Vega Torres. >> Hi. >> And Janice Tatar is here. Um, we'll be joined later by Joan Cromwell, as my understanding, but she is not on this case. She's not hearing this case in any case, so we're going to proceed. Um, I
would also like to make somebody propose a motion to u move the reading and vote on the minutes of last month's meeting till next month. Do I have a motion on that? >> Joe, >> I make a motion. >> Do I have a second? Second. >> You go. All in favor? >> I
>> Okay, great. The case in front of us is 2025223 Washington A for special permits and variant seeking approval to construct an addition and convert the property from a funeral home into a nine-dwelling unit structure and two retail units which
require special permits for the use of the structure as a dwelling containing seven or more dwelling units. the change from one conforming non-conforming use to another less detrimental non to one to use another less detriment less detrimental non-conforming use and to
reconstruct extend alter or change a non-conforming structure and does does not meet the requirements for minimum parking lot aisle minimum number of off- streetet parking spaces minimum width of off- streetet parking spaces location of off- streetet parking spaces minimum lot
size minimum lot size per unit maximum not coverage, minimum usable open space, and maximum floor area ratio. We heard this for the first time last month. So, John, before we proceed, can you tell us what um the planning board had to say
about this? >> Uh the planning board recommended approval with conditions. >> Okay. Um, so have you I'm gonna please get up, identify yourself, and remember Oh. Oh, we have things for them to we have new lights for you to talk into.
So, make sure when you're speaking that you speak into the microphone or if you're walking and speaking, pick up that. Uh, please introduce yourselves and tell us about any proposed changes or thoughts you may have had based on your meetings with the planning. >> Yes, if I may, Madam Chair, members of the board, Anthony Ross, here at the
petitioner. I do have to my left David Troy the architect of record and in the audience in the second row I have Hector Angel who is the proponent on this project. So we went in front of the planning board I believe on two occasions which is why we had to multiply table it. So they made numerous
requests for changes and modifications. They didn't want to see two retail stores in the front. So we reduced it to one retail. They also wanted to see larger units to have more families available. Um, so we actually made now the new setup is one fourbedroom which
is 1,200 square feet, six threebedrooms ranging from 850 to a,000 square feet, one twobedroom is 700 ft² and one onebedroom is 600 ft². So now we have seven um units that are over three or four bedrooms which was quadruple the
size of what we originally proposed but we we incorporated a lot of the the large retail into the residential. So, and then aesthetically, um, they wanted to carry and and David Troy, the architect, can talk more in detail, but
if you look at the structure now, it's now matching more doesn't just look like a straight commercial retail building. It makes it blends more with the neighborhood. They wanted to create that those bumpouts going all the way down which we did um with some hardy and also
and then that that glass front that's the entrance for the retail that one retail on the first floor. The entrance for the residential is on the side of the building. Um and then as far as parking we do have 11 parking spaces. I believe the pocket spaces are compliant
now because there's so many compact and regular we meet the the spaces but nevertheless that's one of the reliefs being sought and I I will state that the existing parking lot is existing the pavement we haven't changed it um the only thing
that's being changed with on the footprint as a whole is we we brought the existing building and if you look at the plot plan on the left corner you can sort of see the existing building which says 123 3125. It's pretty much almost built to the lot line. The rear yard
>> that's actually kind of hard to see. Point if I walk up. Yeah. Pick up pick that up and tell us. I can't I'm my eyes don't see that. >> Can Can we zoom in on this John by any chance? >> And and before we do that, um I'm going to We've just been joined by Joan Cromwell, so I would like to have her
just give enter her name in the role. Joan, um I'm just gonna ask if you're put your microphone on and identify us that you're here. Joan Cromwell here. And I also failed and I apologize for not introducing obviously John Dri will ccho and Hector you all know them that's why so
>> yes all right continue >> so oh perfect I'm blocking it so so you can see the existing structure as you can see it's pretty much built on the lot line for rearray yard sideyard and so forth. The only thing we really did is bring the front out further and the
reason why that was brought further was to make the retail more accessible and look like a retail. But um but when we built the front out, we did not violate the front yard setback. So everything was still in the same footprint. We just
expanded it. The violations that are before this board, a good portion of them is because it's a pre-existing non-conforming structure that's built on those setback lot lines. So I just want to clarify that if I could. >> And if we could just show like
renderings, John. Um, so that's the front facade. As you can see, we did like a sort of a mansaid roof. All these are details that the planning board wanted to see and and so and I actually think I we welcome the additions because I actually think it came out as a prettier site and it goes more with the
neighborhood. Um, and then they were also concerned and the green space we have there and the patio because they wanted to designate and we built a little space to the left. Can we go to the site plan by a chance? >> Pull the space to the left. Next page.
>> Next page. Next page. >> You got it. >> Actually, yeah. Go for these are just existing buildings. Further page. >> So, we have a pet area f
>> first. Take introduce. Okay. You're not you're not going to speak. Okay. >> I can. >> No. No. No. I thought David was going to speak. If he was, I wanted him adjusted. >> No problem. So, if you look on the lefth hand side of the green, we we designated a pet area because now we're going to have more families. So, we wanted a pet designated area on the lefth hand side.
It's called pet area fenced in. Um, I'll just just come up real quickly. >> This is >> not without the microphone. >> Sorry. >> So, we built this designated pet area. Um, that's one of the recommendations
they really wanted to see, especially with pets. It sort of fenced in over here. They wanted more green space in the front. Um, and we did all these shrubs. Of course, this is something to design anyways with John and he can add what kinds of shrubs and so forth with patio to the commercial. And this is the
residential entrance here. Then they talked about um, >> and that's on the left as we're looking, not on the right though, right? Is that >> No, the residential entrance if you're facing the building is on the right because this is the driveway. Oh, okay. It's on Oh, that way. Okay. >> They left it because the building's on the property line now.
>> Um and um we did designate a trash room on that first floor. Um they talked about regarding ventilation and all that. The these are stuff have been incorporated in the plan, but I know you asked me what changes in there. And the largest portion, as you can see, if we
can go, is just the size of the units. They're just family oriented units. three bedrooms, three bedrooms, four bedrooms, three bedrooms, three bedrooms, two bedrooms. There's only one one bedroom now. >> Um and now we have 11 parking spaces for
nine units designated on it. And that's essentially the the changes that they wanted to see coupled with the aesthetics and uh design of the actual structure. And you could sort of see it
in comparison on the bottom pot how it looks. And as far as the parking lot, it's already existing parking lot. Um, and it's going to just have parking to the right of it. So, we're not adding to pavement. It's pavement existing. And one of the things they talked about was there a fence on the right side. They
want to screen it, but it's already existing retaining wall with a fence there, you know, on the right. David, did I have I missed anything? But I think that was pretty much it, right? >> Yeah. Again, >> introduce yourself.
Um, David Choy, architect. Um, yeah. So, the the the major change is that they wanted to have the building look more residential rather than commercial and the frontage. And we're utilizing basically the same morphology of the
Mansard roof from the original funeral home and extending it forward. So, we're not taking that out. The original funeral home also had double bay windows, which we're doing the same. We're just extending it forward. Um, it
has a true mansard roof with that pitch roof on the top as well as um they wanted to see some sort of a a shingle style party planking as opposed to straight commercial party planking. So, we made
that change. Uh, we made sure that um the trash room has a drainage so that it could be cleaned inside the building. It's not outside. We designated a whole >> That's right. With a water spet. Yes. So it can drain so it doesn't give off
folders. Correct. >> And they wanted to see um appropriate residential type windows as opposed to commercial storefronts. So that those are >> looks nice. >> Big big features that we changed. >> Correct. >> Any questions before we open it up to
the public? Joan, you're not s you're you're sitting out on this. >> You go. Well, Kenya retail you going to have under you know >> we don't know yet between me and you Yogo uh you we don't know yet. Uh I I
know that when I was told any type of retail would have to go back before this board anyways because for relief but we think it's going to be mostly maybe like a real estate broker agency like a an office type. Um it's not convenient for
like a convenience store or what haveot. It's not sized enough for it the way it's designed. So by making all these changes, you sort of limited yourself with a user, you know, but it but it does incorporate and liven up the street with a retail on that part of the
street. So it's probably going to be something to of more of an office type use. and and and I think that's by designing it this way, it also helps parking wise because you'll probably designate if it's office one or two of
the spots to office use in there because you got 11, you got nine units on it and to that effect, but definitely a lot less than what a funeral home would emanate for parking when there's funerals or you know wakes or what haveot.
>> How many parking spaces now? >> 11. 11 >> and I believe existing there was was there a garage back there? >> So there were garage back there. We're taking the garage down. So we're actually creating more parking than what was existing when there was a funeral home because we're adding more spots on
that side which is another plus when we were talking to neighbors because for them when that does happen it's pretty dramatic on those days. >> Okay. >> Any other questions? >> I have a question. No. Um, so there's
only one form of egress. No, the one on the right hand side. Or is there another? >> There's one egress. Yes, there's one egress because it's a sprinkler building. >> So on a sprinkler building, >> so long as your travel distance is not more than 125 ft and you don't have more than four units per floor, you can do
one egress. >> Okay. And is there any other like um shared common area? Like is there a laundry room? >> No, they have laundry in each unit. >> Okay. >> Each each they're large units now. So, they're going to they're going to need laundry. >> Okay. >> All right. Any other questions? Okay.
This um this is still open. We have not um this is still open for public comment. Is there anyone here who wishes to comment on this case? This is your last opportunity. There being none, I'm closing the public participation portion of this hearing.
John, what are thoughts from the department? Uh the department recommends approval with uh conditions standard conditions as applicable. Uh petitioner must submit the following plans. Shared parking plan, exterior lighting plan with all lights complying with international doc
association standards. Road and control plan, waste management plan, and a construction management plan. Uh must undergo design review with the department permitting and land use with consideration comments by the historical commission. I must install a white roof.
uh and must uh use permeable pavement and occupants ineligible to participate in the city's on street parking sticker program. >> And is it automatic that the retail is it by definition that they have to come before us when they decide on the retail? >> No, you are permitting a retail use here
if they go beyond retail into um office or other type. >> Okay. So, it's not they're not they don't have to come before us based on a type a type of retail they choose to put there. Okay. Um are you are you comfortable with those with those? >> Only thing is I think John when we talked about the white roof everything
excluding the man side portion because okay that was the only thing because the man side is going to be not white it's only the flat portion >> correct >> on it. That's correct. >> Okay. So you know, so we have variances here for minimum lot size which 20
minimum lot size, minim minimum lot size per unit, maximum lot coverage, maximum floor area ratio and a minimum usable open space. So we need to as you know we have to go through each one of these um and so let's do that. the variances
sought because of soil conditions, shape or topography of such building or structure and especially affecting such land or structure. They said building land or structure but not affecting generally the zoning district in which it is located and we're going to take all of the or the variances at once.
Yeah, >> they're all going to be pretty much the same. The biggest all these variants trigger because the existing structure the way it is if the existing structure was set back within the lot lines and and the setback dimensions it wouldn't be a lot of these wouldn't even trigger
the variance of itself. >> So you're saying you're not making any changes to the that trigger additional variances >> other than bringing it forward first >> that doesn't trigger an additional variance. it only on fouryear ratio. It would on fouryear ratio but in order to make
>> No, I mean I'm just talking about number number one just the first part. >> No. >> Okay. >> Yes. No. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Second one. A literal enforcement of the provisions of this chapter would involve a substantial hardship financial or
otherwise to the petitioner or applicant. Of course, it'd be a financial hotship because you couldn't really build the project because you're you'd have to rip the structure down and build within the new setback requirements when it's already an existing structure. So, by doing the existing structure, you can actually now
add an addition instead of ripping it back and starting from scratch, you'd be financially not feasible to to demo it and build nine units in a retail in today's market. So, it' be extreme financial hardship to do >> like a shotgun house. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Desirable relief may be granted without substantial detriment to the public good. >> It it would certainly wouldn't be a detriment to the public good when it's actually a benefit to the neighborhood by removing a use that's actually causing more traffic parking problems
and adding now more affordable housing in the neighborhood, more families by having seven out of the nine eight out of the nine units be multi-bedroom units. So, it's actually a benefit to the public good. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Yes. From me as well. Desirable relief may be granted without nullifying or substantially dergating from the intent or purpose of this chapter >> of of course every application stands on its own. So this wouldn't create a precedence. And this relief is is pretty normal when it's already existing
structure to add an addition to make it more adaptable for use especially a retail component. >> Okay. And actually the the intent is to help encourage housing. >> Correct. >> That's okay. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. For me as well. So you've met the
variance requirements. So now we can discuss the special permit requirements. And you're looking for a special permit for um anything containing seven or more units. We need special permit. Change from one non-conforming use to another. Less detrimental non-conforming use.
Change to a non-conforming structure. Um number of off streetet parking 30 versus 11. Location of off streetet parking which is not within 5t of the structure. Um and width of off streetet parking spaces and minimum parking lot aisle
width 24 versus 22. So let's go through each and again we'll take them all collectively because they're all the same. Social economic or community needs which are served by the purpose. This proposal allows um eight additional residential units,
mostly multi-bedroom, large multi-bs to the neighborhood to families. John, sorry. Do you have a question? >> Sorry, this really should be a discussion more. >> Oh, more. Okay. All right. So, all right. So, I'm sorry. That's so do we agree? I mean, more than Well, you you've given us the idea. So, social economic community needs to serve by the
proposal. I mean it's housing. It's >> decing. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Um traffic flow and safety including parking and loading. >> Well, we haven't talked about that so much. So, why don't you talk to us about
We can still ask the question, can we not? >> Well, no. Okay. >> Can I give a statement, John? uh in general >> not I have to open up to the public again. Well, I'm going to reopen it to the public so that we can get additional
information. >> So, if I may I just so I can be general traffic I I'll hit as many of these if I could. Traffic flow, including safety and parking, but we're actually adding more additional parking than what was existing. And one of the beliefs is is
the existing use to the new use. >> The prior use is actually far more detrimental than what's being proposed now. We're taking off streetet parking that was being used for a funeral home. That's not going to happen anymore because we're not going to be a funeral home. So you have 30, 40, 50 cars if not
more coming when there's a wake in a funeral. So we're actually they use for residential is going to be far less traffic than what's getting in and out. >> So they're getting in the same aisle. The aisle lane is the same aisle lane that there was when there was a funeral home and they worked for decades as a
funeral home. So certainly going to work for nine residential units when it worked as a funeral home with horses and cars coming in and out. Um and neighborhood character and social structures. It actually now will look more like a neighborhood building. It's going to be closer to the street. When it was a funeral home, it was set back.
A lot of paved structure. Now it'll look more inviting to the neighborhood. Um impacts the natural environment. Now we're going to be doing new drainage that didn't exist before. We're going to take it off site. It's actually going to be f far less impactful to the prior
use. This is going to create a better drainage system than what's currently there and impact city services tax base far more tax revenue to the city. It's going to be renovated building, a sprinkler building. Um it's going to be um create
you're going to have nine families coming in and eight of them to me large families that are going to come in and walk the streets, shop in the city. more tax revenue to the city. 11 cars that actually gonna have excise taxes. In a funeral home, you don't have them
because they're just visiting. When people live there, they got to register their vehicles. So, they're going to receive excise tax. So, we're going to receive revenue that they never received before. I just want to talk about that as a general whole. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, based on what Mr. Rossi just said, is there anybody in the public who wishes to speak on this?
>> Did you just raise your hand? No. Um, okay. Okay, that being said, now I'm closing the public participation portion of this. Um, based on what Let's talk a little bit about this. So, based on what he's just said and we can ask for additional information. So, we I think we're com we comfortable. Yes, Joe. >> If you ask him another question, I got
to open it up again. So, either I'll open it up again or I mean that's the point. We have to ask them questions so the public can hear it. >> Okay, >> I'll reopen it. I'll I'll reopen it again. >> So, I'm going to reopen it to the public. Joe, if you have a question.
>> Okay. Uh, are the rents going to be uh the standard or are they going to be discounted for families or the the honest truth is when you have a fourbedroom in Chelsea and and a threebedroom in Chelsea, there's only so
much a family, it's going to be kids. There only so much they can afford. My client bought this because he already owns a lot of property in Chelsea and he thought it would be something that he could add to his portfolio. So, it's not going to be like a fourbedroom at the new buildings across from Chelsea Clark. It's going to be create it's going to be
for families because a family is not going to be able to pay 5,000 a month for a 1700. It's probably going to be like 3,000 a month because that's all the market can dictate to afford. So, in essence, by making four bedrooms, it's bringing the val the prices down because
it's a family oriented building. So, and he's aware of that and he made that decision and he wants to commit to Chelsea. That's why he did that. >> Okay. So again, if there's any more questions, ask them now. Any Is there anybody here who wishes to
speak on this based on what we just heard from Mr. Rossi? >> Can you can Yeah, you can ask, but you can't vote. I know. Uh so so does that fall under affordable
>> units or is it market rate? Because >> it's market rate. Okay. >> But I think the question He asked me as far as pricing >> right >> when you see and John I'm not sure if you were privy to when we went to the planning board >> they redesigned all these units recovered over retail so they wanted
more threebedroom fourbedroom units so we have one fourbedroom unit six threebedroom units one two-bedroom unit so >> the reality is it's not a full service building it's not an elevator building you're getting a walk up family to rent
these units the rents are going to be dictated Because realistically a Chelsea family can only afford for a four bedroomedroom maybe 2,800 3,000. It's probably >> Oh, you're generous. >> Yeah. No, but I'm saying it's going to be in that range. On an AMI level, it's
probably going to be the same if it was an affordable unit >> because when you do a building like this, it makes more sense >> financially for a developer to be all one bedrooms because it's a price point per square foot that works. But he took to when he when we went to the planning board. This is what they wanted. And I
spoke to Hector. He says, "You know what? I'm doing a lot in Chelsea. Let me give more families home." And that's why he agreed to do that. >> Okay. Thanks. I just wanted to ask like the clarification. Yes. In terms of what it's labeled as in terms of rents.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else before I close it again? Okay. Anybody here? Nope. closing the public parks. Now based on what we just talked about, we can generally talk now we can talk about these criteria based on what the information we've heard from
Mr. Rossi. Um we are I think we've already talked about that we it meets the social and economic needs of the uh traffic flow and safety including parking and loading. I mean I think that I mean there's only just so many places you can go in and out there. I you know
and it's not changing anything. I don't you know I don't think there's a whole lot we can we can alter in what they're recommending for parking or or traffic flow. It's more the traffic flow from parking. >> Well, I would tend to think I mean what was there uh
>> the conversation is with us not now this is us. >> Okay. >> The uh the when you have a funeral or a wake, you have a lot of cars. They're taking up spaces that the local residents have. And now that's going to
be dismissed because the people have parking at the location. So they won't be taking up street parking. So I think it's a plus. >> Yeah. And they're going to and they're not eligible for the parking permit. Right. So that'll be interesting. And I
I think that the the 24 versus 22 in Y that's kind of not we that's not uncommon. I don't >> Yeah. um utilities and other public services. I think for the most part, um it's it's a busy area. I mean, they're not
>> it's residential. >> Can can Joe comment though on this? Even though she's not voting. >> Yeah. I mean, if you have something you want to say, by the way, feel comfortable. Okay. >> No, I'm saying, but if you did, I didn't want you to feel like you couldn't. Um I mean, I don't think that there's it's not I mean, there are utilities on the
street. >> Uh neighborhood character. I think I think they've done a kind of a nice job of making it look like I like the reason change. Do we agree? >> Yes. Yes. >> Um natural environment including drainage. I mean drainage is the only kind of issue on the natural environment
but and they are creating some green >> um and fiscal impact. I think we I think that that was an actual I think what he stated makes sense, >> right? >> Yes. Do we agree? So we're comfortable with that. Um, that being said, so we we are comfortable that they've met the
majority of the special permit criteria and all of the variance criteria. So, do we have a motion or a recommendation for this? >> Marilyn, you want to go? >> I'll make a motion. I'll make a motion to approve case number 2025-2
um 2223 Washington A Avenue LLC with the standard conditions >> as John articulated. >> Yes. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Thank you everyone. >> Thank you. >> Happy belated new year. >> Same to you sir.
>> Um so the next case will be continued at a at minimum to our next meeting which is February um 10th. So, can I have a motion to move 40 case 2025-23 4648 Library Street to the February
meeting? >> I make a motion >> to move it to continue >> to >> second by Marilyn. All in favor? >> I. The next case in front of us is a new case 2025-24 103 Broadway um for special permits and
variance seeking approval to construct an addition and convert the property from a three-dwelling unit structure into a 12 unit dwell 12 unit structure which does not meet the requirements for minimum park excuse me minimum parking spaces minimum rear yard setback floor
area ratio minimum lot size maximum lot size minimum sideyard setback and minimum front said that what >> this one4 I just What's that? >> Well, then I'm just reading what's here.
>> Sorry. Okay. I didn't That was what I had read earlier. Um, so let me let me start over. 2025-24 103 Broadway, France Null for special permit seeking the extension of a current use of a catering service to also include fast food, restaurant,
takeout delivery service to individual customers. This is a new case, so we will not be deciding it today. This will go to the planning board on the 27th of January. Thank you. And back to us here on
February February 10th. Is is somebody here to speak on this case? >> Is somebody here to speak on this? Come on. You got to come up. We'd like you to introduce yourselves.
Make sure you're sping to the microphone and just present your petition to us. Tell tell us what you're proposing to do. And again, we're not going to decide it today. It goes to planning board on the 27th of January, two weeks, and it comes back here on February 10th. Okay.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. My name is France Nora. Yeah. This is my wife, Mary France. >> Get a little closer just if you can. >> Yeah. This is my wife. My friends, we have a crying on 103 Broadway. Mhm.
>> That place was designed for crying and now we trying to have extension to to have delivery service, takeout service. >> So explain talk to us about your business. So what so now you said it's a
catering business only. It's caring and we try to extend it to to sell food every day like for take out. >> Are you are you having are you proposing
a restaurant um like a do people will just come in or they're going to sit come in and sit down or how would you >> No, no sit down. Just take out >> takeout restaurant. >> Yeah. >> Uhhuh. And do we have any sky any plans for this?
Sorry. >> Oh, okay. Thank you. >> Are you proposing any changes to the building itself to do this? >> No. No. No. No change of the building. So do you right now can somebody walk right in and is there a place for them
to pick up food or do you have to >> Yes, we already have place to to the people to come to pick up but usually we use Uber Eat uh the app to to for for delivery. >> Mhm. >> But because sometime individual
order right they ask us no we need to have a special permission in order to do that. >> So right now you're a catering Is that what you said? And so, or you said, did you say you also prepare food when it's required through Uber? Is that what you
said? So, excuse me. It's more than just a catering service. >> Yes. >> Okay. It's it's like you you provide food for people. You deliver food now. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> May I speak? >> Yeah.
>> Um, their oper is for a catering services. The Preparation of food for Uber is not in their permit. So that's why they're coming here to get that permit. >> Oh, okay. All right. Thank you. That I
that clarifies that to me. So would you only still be using Uber or would you have anybody could just walk in and and do take something to go? >> They they call. >> So it's always it's it's going to be it's >> call or order on the website, >> but somebody could come in. It doesn't
have to be Uber. Yes. >> Somebody could come in and say, "I just ordered X, Y, and Z, and I want to pick it up." >> Yes. >> Okay. So, you want to basically you want to solid, you want to codify your your takeout service. >> Exactly. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Do you have any questions?
>> Um, yep. >> How many people working in the um right now? >> Three. >> Three. And doing this, you're trying to >> You introduce yourself more than just my wife. Thank you. >> I'm sorry. My name is Marie France. >> Thank you. Thank you.
>> So you're trying are you going to increase uh employers if you do this or just the same people will stay the three? >> Uh we don't necessarily know yet. I believe it is going to depend on um the
volume but pretty much right now that's that's what we do. I mean actually we do have people in the morning and in the afternoon but basically we always have like three people working. From what time to what time? To what time you open? What time you close?
>> We open at 11 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. >> every day. >> From Monday to Saturday. >> And that will be the same. >> Same schedule. >> Same schedule. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Other questions?
So, I'm looking at the sign and it just it says here. So, that would that would still be the same. It would be a um takeout and delivery. >> Yes. >> So you're not proposing any changes to what in you're proposing a change to what you're authorized for, but not change from what you're actually doing
right now. >> So you right now do takeout and delivery and you want to continue to do takeout and delivery and you want to clarify. Okay. >> Um another question on seeing the blueprints here, there's no standing or waiting area. You just walk in and you
and goes to the office. in a delivery. >> Yes. >> Yes, that's what it is. >> I guess that's what I was trying to get at before. Like where do they come to pick up their food? If they order something, even Uber, who's going to come in? Where do they pick it up? >> Oh, we do we do have a a front space
where people can come in and grab the package. >> Is that it? >> It's the same space you we used to use. Show me where Show me. come up here and just show me where that space is that you're talking about. That is where
people pick stuff up. >> Okay. So, I'm going to sit down and I'll just say where you say it is. Okay. Go ahead. >> Okay. Go ahead. Go ahead. So, if you look at the picture, that's the second one down on the left hand side. It looks like a desk, but it seems like that's
the delivery right there. Yeah. So, you see like a shelf there. That's the That's the pickup spot. Okay. Okay. And that's as far as the public and and how do they get there? So, that's the front. That's the door. That That's the door in the front. Okay. Okay.
>> I'm gonna open it to the public. Anybody have anything to say before I do? >> Did you have a question, Joe? >> No. >> Okay. As I said, this will not be the only opportunity people will have to speak about this. Is there anyone here who wishes to speak on this proposal?
Okay, there being none, you got to go to the planning board in two weeks on the 27th and then back here the second Tuesday in February, February 10th. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Now, this one, let me see if I can read correctly.
>> Sure. 202525 320 River Beach Parkway uh for special permit and variance approval for the construction of a 67 residential unit dwelling unit structures which does not meet the res the requirements for minimum lot size off- streetet parking
spaces minimum sideyard setback density maximum height maximum number of stories minimum rear yard setback minimum usable open space minimum lot size per unit and minimum access isle with and again we will not be deciding this case today.
This case will come go to the planning board on the 27th and then we'll returning here um if the planning board's finished with it on January 10th >> right as as who will who's here will be here
>> if you want to ask the question introduce yourself and ask the question for the record please >> please remember to speak into the microphone Mhm. >> Yep. >> Anthony Keelles, >> part of the team for the 320 Rivera
Beach Parkway um development project and uh just wanted to elude that I I don't think we have a full board today, do we? >> This is who will be having it for the next few months to >> Okay. So, I don't know if we if if we could just leave um we just want to present it to you and not open it to the
public at this time. Is that possible or no? Right. No. >> Nope. Okay. So unless you want to wait for a few months until May, May would be the we will not have a full board until May. >> Okay, perfect. I just wanted to find that out. >> But um you know, so if you want to if you want to wait till May. >> Yeah. um through the board, Peter
Panosi, one of the owners of the property. Um we we would defer to uh wait till there's a full board. >> Then I would suggest that you withdraw without ask withdraw without prejudice and then resubmit >> because that many months is a long time
to continue a case, >> right? So yes, so if you want to withdraw, you can withdraw without prejudice, which means no big deal. You can come back in May with the same presentation. >> Okay. Could you give us a second? We're going to speak to our attorney real quick. >> No, no, no. That's fine. We're going to withdraw without prejudice. Thank you. >> We have a mo do we we have a motion? Do
we make have a motion to allow this to be withdrawn without prejudice? >> Make a motion. >> Do we have Put your microphone on and make the motion. >> I make a motion. That's >> to have it be withdrawn without prejudice. >> That it be withdrawn without prejudice. >> Do we have a second? >> Second it. >> All in favor? >> I.
>> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Yeah, wait. But the people Okay. Oh, we can. Okay. Um, so we're going to take a brief recess. So, um, we'll be only be a minute. Okay. So, um
Okay, I'm reopening the meeting. Um, did we just Oh, there he is. Where you go? We're opening the meeting and I know that there was some business that um John and Will and Hector wanted to share with us. So, could you please do so? I I
turned you off. So, >> Okay. So um the department is undergo is is undertaking a number of um initiatives uh and we wanted to give you some update on what we're doing and how and how uh we're going to proce be
proceeding. Um so we start with accessory dwelling units. So, >> oh yes. >> So, several months ago, the uh governor passed a law that uh accessory dwelling units are allowed by right um as long as
they are no larger than half the size of the unit they're accessory to or 900 square feet, whichever is smaller. So, uh, we worked on an, uh, a known a zoning amendment, uh, that went to the council last night and that will go to
the planning board, uh, in February for a public hearing and then back to the council for adoption. Really, what it does, it um, it just codifies what the state is requiring of us to do. It defines what an accessory dwelling unit is. >> And we had a recent case that sort of
was the first time I remember hearing about that, didn't we? Did we have a case on this last week? you're going to have one coming up next month too as well. >> Um, they have to be allowed in every district and as if there's uh if they're within half a mile of a uh transit
station or a bus stop or uh any public transportation, no additional parking is required and they're not taken into account in the um density requirement. >> Are they allowed by right? >> They allowed by right. So with this passage they would never come from
>> allowed by right. It's similar to you know the dober amended churches or educational uses they're allowed by right subject to reasonable restrictions on parking and dimensional regulations. Um we determined a long time ago that if they you know they they could be built in an attic, they could be built in a
basement, they could be built in an addition to a house or they can be built in like a garage or a separate building. But again they're restricted by the size. >> So it can't be calling it an accessory dwelling unit. It doesn't really need to be a new building. >> Correct.
>> Because you said it could be in a garage or an attic. >> Yes. >> As long as as long as it met the appropriate dimensional requirements. So it may have physically no appearance outside. Oh, so an interior lower. I see. Okay, there we go. Yep. >> Yeah. Or at a minimum they have to meet building codes. So they have to have a separate entrance and separate exit.
>> The uh renters uh would not have to be related to the owner. >> Correct. >> Okay. Nor does it have to be an affordable unit. Uh the only restrictions we have on it is it cannot be rented as a short-term rental. >> Okay. >> It's like sort of one of those little
mini houses. >> Yeah. Yeah. There's different names in different parts of uh grainy flats. Uh accessory dwelling units. >> Tiny house. >> Yep. Tiny tiny homes. Yeah. >> In-law apartments. >> In-law apartments. Yeah. >> What was the size again, John? What was
the site uh for right >> the size? >> Yeah. uh no more than half the size of the unit they're accessory to or 900 ft 900 ft whichever is smaller >> then it doesn't does it have to be an
existing um attachment here attachment >> okay >> um >> like you know how on the picture it says attached unit or garage conversion >> could it be like um built Yes. >> Okay.
>> It could be a separate building on the same line. >> Okay. >> Uh we do have some dimensional requirements. They have to meet you know setbacks of 5T and make sure that the fire department gets their access that they need. >> So it still be subject to things like you know no more than you know like the
lot line require setbacks and all that kind of stuff. So you couldn't build it right on the lot line without getting variance. >> Without getting clarify when you said no. >> Is your button up? Please clarify when you said no density guidelines
>> when in for example in the A3 district uh zoning is allowed for 12 units per acre by right or 45 units uh by special permit. If it wasn't accessory dwelling unit we do not count that as a dwelling unit for that density requirement. >> So if it you built one it was a 12unit
building before it's still a 12unit building >> for those purposes for for those purposes. Yeah. Yeah. Also, like in the R1 district, we only allow single or two family units. Someone could build a two family unit with an ADU,
which is allowed because the ADU does not count that we don't treat it as for zoning purposes. We don't treat it as a threeunit structure >> and but but and they could rent it out. >> Yes. >> So, it doesn't have to be a mother. >> It's a weird. Okay.
>> Yeah. the state is trying to, you know, push for more density, more housing units, >> tiny houses. >> Yeah. And so I feel like oftentimes with state laws, it's the state sets the foundation and municipalities can add more regulations to be more restrictive.
In this case, you can only be more permissive than what the state is has allowed. >> Yeah. >> Well, it's interesting. So that will go for the uh planning board public hearing in end of February and back to the council for adoption
after that and council will hold their public hearing as well. >> Okay. >> All right. Uh the next one is um West Chelsea mixeduse district. When uh you know we're working on our master plan and they have done their analysis and
they're starting to do their write up. One of the things they did find uh is that uh you know you have heavily developed areas in these areas and that's those are the residential areas for the most part and then you have this area here that is
less developed. There's a lot more open space there and is an area that we can see as uh of deserving more intense development. >> What's considered West Chelsea? >> Um >> I'm very directionally challenged. >> So I think this is more a planning term. There has been some West Chelsea
economic development studies. Um, but essentially it includes the Market Basket site. Um, the group of parcels that includes Bunker Hill. Uh, you >> No, Bunker Hill's over in the uh the old
Symboli Office Park. >> Oh, that's right. Okay. I was thinking of >> it's it's it's bounded it's essentially bounded by second street up to the the city limits you know of Everett then you kind of use the sort of route one kind of Tobin bridge as like the outer
boundary that's kind of the area that we're talking but I think like the biggest parcel is probably market basket um >> developed area >> yeah so it's as John was saying I think it's kind of historically underutilized like you know lands.
>> Is that where all the uh junk gods are? The metal junk gods >> were or Yeah. >> Most of those are Yeah. They're primarily over on the Ever side. >> Yeah. Those are ever mostly. So the part where they park and so in the back where and so you go if you're looking if
you're on Everett Avenue, you're looking toward Market Basket. It's all that stuff in the back behind. >> Um we did and we tried to uh foster some more development here. We adopted a couple of zoning amendments uh mixed use overlay district uh to pro uh to promote
mixed use development there and then uh when the MBTA uh act came by we also included this district here hasn't really pushed for development here. So we're looking for a new amendment that actually uh uh will is working on uh writing up. We have we haven't finished
it. We're still working on it. We're still going over uh the dimensional regulations and to be allowed there, but it's probably going to be primarily a mixeduse type district. >> Right now there's no house that's there. That's that's no housing whatsoever in that area. >> Right.
>> Does it include I'm sorry. >> I didn't said currently >> it's it's not there's no housing or anything over there. So that behind I know years ago wasn't there some thought about building housing somewhere you know mix it was the intent. And it does it include the area where the school is?
Oh wait it's not that far over. It's not as far over as like um >> like state garden. Not that far. >> It's not that far, is it? >> So you've got South and all. Then you cross the street and there's the >> It's on the uh shopping center side of
of Second Street. Second Street would be we assuming we >> uh go with this proposal, that would be at least one of the boundary. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Again, this is as John was saying really in the early stages. Nothing's been sent to council. Nothing. You know,
when that happens, there will be public hearings. >> So, are we gonna be calling this the Will Chetio West Chelsea district? >> That's That's funny because that's what I've been calling it. >> Does that extend up to like Chelsea Clock and CM? >> Yeah. So, you see it kind of juts out on
like the southwest part of the boundary. That is like the CM site. Um, I don't think we're necessarily trying to encourage new development where that is, but we just felt like it was important to include um, >> yeah, really just trying to use some of the findings from the master plan. And
as um, Janice mentioned, there is no like residential development there. It's pretty much a giant parking lot. It's the base zoning is industrial, light industrial, um, business, highway business. Um, so we're trying to see if we can encourage some more mixed use
development, more commercial and residential, >> encourage more open space. >> That's interesting because that's the circle of life in that area. There was once housing >> on all of those streets and some of them have quite disappeared since CM. So,
it's interesting that we're going back to that or trying to rebuild. So >> is Floramos uh I noticed going by there the last period of time that they seem to be cleaning up the whole area and uh
I was wondering if they have anything in mind. >> We haven't heard anything. >> Okay. >> I've heard that they're not having they're having problems trying to open on the Parkway on um the beach. >> The beach. >> Yeah. >> I wasn't I wasn't aware of that.
>> Yeah. People They're coming soon, but I think there are some issues there. >> I think they were told they had to rebuild the whole internal the inside of it before they were allowed to be occupied it. >> Wow. >> So, I mean that might that's going to delay that might change thoughts.
>> Fitzpatrick Pratville housing. >> Uh yes. So, uh I'm sure you're aware that the housing authority last year put out a RFP for redevelopment of their Fitzpatrick housing uh development in PR bills uh similar to what they did over in Centab. And um we are working with
them on uh putting together a uh 40R smart growth district for zoning amendment to allow for the redevelopment of that site similar to what they did in the lab that they uh uh they required the develop construction of the same
number of affordable units there. They added some workforce housing which is you know affordable for people between 80% and 120% of the area median income and then they market rate. >> As soon as she wrote Dandy Donut at least I was really clear where I was.
>> I haven't tried their donuts yet. >> Oh, they're everything. >> Are they? >> They are every and they're bisp. >> I went there one day but it was like 10 o'clock and they're all sold out. Um so we're working on this amendment. We hope to get it to the council before
they take their summer break. So >> that's great. >> And then I'll have um >> talk about this. >> Yeah. So I mean we're kind of talking about new zoning districts, a lot of development, you know, projects coming in. And so um we have a historical
commission and I think the city has been seeing a lot of development pressure, especially within our historic districts which really line the downtown. Um and so as a way to kind of create a vision for the historical commission and their work moving forward as well as really
assess our kind of current historic preservation policies and framework. Uh we are embarking on a historic preservation plan. This is um been an idea for a while now. We sought a grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission. We were awarded that grant
um and we are now kind of executing the contract and starting to put out a um or work on and then put out a request for proposals >> but to and what's to see what needs to be preserved. what a historic preservation plan will do. Oftentimes they include a you know
more cohesive summary of the city's history and I think a major emphasis is going to be on I feel like we see a lot of focus on the history of Chelsea, more colonial history. Um but what has happened since like the 70s, the 80s, the the wave of
immigration that the city has seen, how have those populations added to the history of this city? Um and then in addition it's sort of looking at what are our current preservation policies, where are the weaknesses, where are the strengths, what are our goals. There will be a lot of community engagement. You know, what do people really value
both? I I think history and culture are very tied up with each other. So I think it'll be kind of maybe in a value um a value assessment um and then what are our priorities as it relates to historic preservation. And I when I was writing the grant, I think a couple of things that I wanted to sort of like have this
preservation plan sort of provide some light into was what is the relationship between historic preservation and economic development in Chelsea. So there are efforts around like tourism and how do we sort of leverage our history as a city um to possibly spur economic development. How does it relate
to housing? Are there older historic buildings that could be um maybe adaptively reused for housing to rel uh relieve some of the pressure on you know the housing crisis but still maintain its like historic character. Uh and then
also I think resiliency and sustainability are like other areas. Um a third of the cities in a flood plane. How many of our historical resources are in danger of being flooded? Um, are there ways to help property owners that maybe own or or live at these historic
properties make these properties more energy efficient in a costly, you know, manner? >> Who in and will will that include there? So, one of the things I Chelsea is I know that has these I know enough about these little enclaves of history here. I mean, you've got the Vlatimer Society and then what they know and you've got
the Governor House, which I never remember the name of, and then and that the synagogue. I mean, there's so much history in these little pools. Are they all part of this discussion? >> Yes, they will definitely be brought in. There will be like strong stakeholder engagement. Um, and I think that's part
of it too is that there's a lot of efforts around preserving the history or uplifting the history of Chelsea. And I think this plan is a way to try and bring everything together to create a cohesive vision. Um, I even just even using the historical commission as an example, you know, a lot of members have a bunch of different ideas and it's like
we need a vision to move forward and we can talk all day about how many things we want to do, but what is the most priority? What is the thing that will have the most impact and how can we bring all the different groups that are working on history um and cultural preservation? Yeah. Figure out how to honor honor all of them because again
for a little tiny city, >> it's a lot of history here, you know, there's a lot. >> Yeah. And so the the the hope is that we will have a consultant hired and and starting this process hopefully by Yeah. Right. Hopefully by March and it will
probably run to the end of the year, possibly into the new year. >> Good job. Nicely done. Congratulations on getting the grant because I think that's really great. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> And I think the history is very diverse and and it's important to be inclusive
of the synagogues and the um um the temples and the churches and um you know, black history and Latin history and all of that. >> And I think that will help to cater to a lot of audience when we're thinking about tourism and coming to the city and
attractions. Um it's it's a wealth of knowledge and information that we have. >> Yeah, it's available. >> Yeah, that's great. >> Good job, Will. >> Yeah. >> And he wants this to be the Will Ted show historic. >> I love that. Please. >> Yeah, >> definitely not.
>> Yeah, it resonates. Yeah, >> we're going to get him to prod. >> And then the last one, I'll also have Will as he's working on this. >> Oh, yeah. But now it's the Will Cho resiliency. >> Okay. Yes, we are uh engaging in a a
green zoning project. Um really it's again I I mentioned that a third of the cities in the flood plane. Um and even areas that are outside of the flood plane. Um, I feel like in many projects like many projects up in Pratville and other areas of the city often are, you
know, bringing up like flooding issues, uh, when we were talking about the West Chelsea overlay, you know, Market Basket site is a giant parking lot. There's a lot of cement, not as much greenery around the city. So, urban heat island impacts are really felt by our residents. And so we're engaging in this
project to, you know, essentially update our um flood plane ordinance, our flood plane zoning ordinance to make it stronger. Right now our flood plane ordinance is just in line with what the state has. Um but are there ways that we can improve that, make it stronger? So new development is much more flood
resilient. Um, also updating our water and sewer system ordinance, specifically the storm drain section, and then developing uh resilient design guidelines to help shape new development, kind of serve as a resource for property owners, uh, residents, uh,
business owners and developers who are trying to either make changes to their properties or, you know, build new. Uh, so um, >> do you see an overlap, Will? So I can see, you know, if you're talking about trying to make something green, that whole area in so-called West Chelsea could do some green. >> Yes.
>> So I mean, are you So is there a sequence to try to get this done? >> So the the funding we have for this project is to sort of prepare the materials to possibly go to council. Um the the outcome of getting something passed by council was not like wrapped
up into this like grant effort. Um and with the amount of projects that we have going on, we don't want to sort of overwhelm council. So I foresee this possibly um we have this project will go through the end of June. Uh and so the idea is to kind of provide a draft
updated flood plane ordinance, a draft updated storm drains, you know, section for the city ordinance and a draft resilient design guidelines resource to possibly then bring to council in the fall. Um and when it comes to the West Chelsea overlay district, this is
something we're sort of grappling with. were like, "Wait, we have there's this research effort that's about to happen. How do we ensure that this larger zoning effort includes some of those findings?" And I think there's always the possibility of going back for another
zoning amendment to update or improve um the West Chelsea district if that were >> also I mean depending on what you know we as a board working with the department have the authority to mandate more green space and that kind of stuff. So as we're talking developing this West
Chelsea area, you know, that's something that we can be informed about even if this doesn't exist. >> Yes, definitely. And I think the we've been playing around with a lot of like interesting ideas when it comes to the open space and green space like I think in particular publicly accessible green
space. So, it's not just the tenant that can enjoy it, but like any community member or resident can can enjoy that. So, um, but there is overlap because it's like this recognition that urban heat island impacts and flooding are like two major areas that impact our
residents in our city and something that we can't just put off. Like we have to try and start addressing and zoning can be a tool to at least ensure new development or any sort of new construction or additions um are held up to a higher standard. And you are doing that now because when
you um approve conditions like permeable pavers and white roofs, you are working toward that now. >> And then when you require uh landscape plans uh or more robust landscape, you are working on that >> and but and it's but we very rarely have
the um ability to do it in a relatively large landscape like this West Chelsea area. Um I mean because everything is in a little piece here, a little piece there. And that actually is something that could be more felt, if you will.
>> You guys are working hard. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It's actually very I don't want to cut him off. Is he done? Is he done? How do you have time to even sleep? But um it's it's >> I think it's it's it's nice and it's a
it recognizes I think a lot of important things in Chelsea that are needed both on culturally and socially and environmentally and physically. So good job. Um and you said we I know that our last
meeting Hector shared with us the meeting schedule. >> Yes. Hi partner. Uh, I just want to be I'll be really brief, too. So, I'm sure you all have the meeting schedule for this year. I should have gave it to you guys in December. That's my fault. So, I'm letting you guys know this is the meeting schedule we have for this month.
So far, we haven't seen any changes whatsoever in terms of like moving some schedules because I know last year we had to have our meeting on a Wednesday, but so far it doesn't seem like we're going to be doing that, which is great. My only thing is that on the main meeting, of course, when council goes through their, you know, the budgeting,
everything, please note that it's probably going to be a senior center. >> So location but not date. >> So yeah, so everything else for the most part is going to be fined and of course if you will not be present at that meeting just let either one of us know just ahead of time so that way we can take in consideration and that way when
I do the voting list correct you know that we can make sure that we know who can and can't vote for these meetings. >> That's perfect. >> It's already in my calendar. I said if he changes it now I already put in my calendar. Do we have any other comments or thoughts before we I'm gonna give Joan the honor or a close. Jones, you
have a motion to close. Push the button. >> I make a motion to close the meeting. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> turn your light off.