Good evening. Um, welcome to the zoning board of appeals here today. Um, I am Janice Tatara. I am joined by other members of the board, Joan Cromwell. Yugo Peromo, Arthur Arsenalt, Joe Mahoney, and Marilyn Vega Torres. And
I'm sad to say the last meeting with our current director of permitting, John De, but you know, we've got the once and future king. And now the new permitting, the director of permitting will be Will
Chet. We're going to be after and we still get to keep Hector. So we we are very lucky here today. So we're going to take things a little bit out of order. Um so not too much but a little bit. So the first case in front of us is going to be 2026-
Oh actually I'm sorry. We have a little business to take care of first. Um have people had the opportunity to review the minutes from the previous meeting? If do I have a motion to approve them?
>> I make a motion to approve the minutes. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> Okay. >> What? >> What do you mean? I'm sorry. >> It should be the minutes for 2024. the
minutes for May 2020 of this year and then February of this year. >> Okay, we missed we had missed February. So, February of this year and May of this year. So, we did we just did May um and February. Do we have a motion on February? >> I make a motion to accept February's
meetings minutes. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> And then um sort of as a wrapping up of of things, just the 2024 minutes. We had discussed them, but we never formally voted on them. So, can we have a motion to approve the minutes from the 2024
meetings? >> I make a motion to accept the 2024 meeting uh minutes. >> Do we have a second? >> I have a second. >> All in favor? >> I I >> That take care of us, Hector. Great. So the first case in front of us is
2026-044143 Orange Street Habitat for Humanity for special permit and variance seeking approval for the construction of a four family dwelling structure which does not meet the requirements for minimum lot size minimum floor area ratio maximum
lot average lot coverage minimum sideyard setback minimum open space and minimum required off- streetet parking. This is well you came before us last month. This went to the planning board. John, what did the planning board have to say?
>> The planning board recommended approval with conditions, standard conditions as applicable, design review, uh, give curb space back to the street, and I'm sure that they'll explain what that means. Uh, a lighting plan and no on street parking stickers >> and permeable pavers.
>> Yeah, I'm permeable pavement. Yes. >> Okay. So, um, hi. introduce yourself please and re remind us again of your quickly of your plan and um any accommodations you made after you met with the planning board. >> Okay. Um my name is Robert Fmy. I'm a
licensed architect with adaptive uh architects and planners uh presenting on behalf of Habitat for Humanity and CCT. Um real quick just to give you a high level summary. I know it was about a month ago, but we're proposing um a
threestory, fourunit affordable housing uh with an accessible unit on the first level and four uh parking off streetet parking spaces off the back. Um I know you're all well aware of the organizational structure. Um I don't know how how much you really want me to
>> recap again. do a quick recap of actually exactly what you're proposing not structure your actual building. >> Okay, so this this is the proposed rendering of the three-story structure on Orange
Street. As you could see, we tried to uh take a lot of influence from the surrounding neighborhood. So, we looked at the historical architecture, the brick uh brick three-story uh buildings with the mansard roofs at the top. So, uh, those those buildings really
inspired us for the architecture. You'll see on the first level, we have a single unit, accessible unit. Level two, we have two units. And then on the third level, we have one larger unit on that third level. Um, on the right side, because we couldn't have parking in the
front, we have a little parking uh ride-of-way driveway that goes underneath the second and third levels to access the parking in the rear. Um, these are just some photos of the existing site. Again, I won't go into depth with those again. Um, the existing
uh site plan uh is non-conforming. It's 56 and 1/2 ft wide, 100 feet deep. So, we're working uh with that existing footprint as best we can to kind of fit everything in a comfortable manner. Um so, if you remember, we we moved
everything to the southwest corner of the existing lot. This is the footprint of the building. Um we still have the 10-ft setback to mimic the setbacks of the street in general. Uh on this right side, this would be where the cars come through that little carport and pack
park out in the back. So, I'll go right to the site plan. Um, this gives you a good indication of how those cars are coming through. You could see the planning po the planning board asked that we look at the curb cut
uh and give space back to the city. So, the plan will be to minimize this curb cut, take this left side, bring it over to uh where our driveway actually begins, and give that potential parking space back to the city. Um that doesn't
change what we're doing. Uh we still come in here, uh the planning board did suggest that instead of having an overhead foldable door here, we just have a gate that's more see-through. So, we we've made those changes in the drawings. Um, and the lighting is shown
on these and we I'm happy to go through that. Um, and then you have four parking spaces in the back as you could see with one of them accessible. Uh, and the main entrance is at the front here. Um, where you get access to the stairwell to get access to the second and third levels
and access to that accessible unit on level one. Um, would you like me to go through the floor plans again as well? >> Do you want the floor plans again or do we remember from last time? I'll go through them quick. >> Okay, do it quick. Yeah, do quick. >> Yeah. Um, so this is this is the first
level offgrade. This is the accessible unit. You can see we have a nice large uh living room, dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms, full bathroom, a nice big laundry area, and as noted, it's fully accessible. Um, level two is basically
two units that are mirrored. Uh so we have two three bedroomedroom units with one and a half full baths inunit laundry mechanical closet uh and nice uh spacious living dining uh kitchen area up front. And then on your
third level, this is the largest unit. Uh this is a four bedroomedroom unit, two full baths. Uh and again a nice large kitchen, living, dining area up on that. And we tried to maximize the storage space on that third level as well. Um,
>> is there a reason that you felt it was more advantageous to have a four bedroomedroom rather than two two bedrooms up there or >> um Yeah, Habit Habitat for Humanity focuses on family housing. So, we we try to they try to have a mix of different
uh amounts of bedrooms in all their units. So, they're seeing a lot of families with needs of four and threebedroom units. So, that was the main push. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Um and then the other thing the planning board suggested we are doing a solar
array up on this roof uh and taking up most of this high roof. So they suggested since we will have solar up there to move away from the white roof and do a black rubber roof in lie of the white roof. So we'll be making that change as well. Um
elevations we're at 20 28 feet. So we're good on the overall height. Uh, I think the renderings kind of showed the overall approach a little bit better than the elevation. So, I'll skip right to those. Um, and last time you read all
of the three letters of support. >> Uh, I welcome you to read those letters again if you read them again. >> Um, and then this is just an aerial view to finish the presentation slides. But again, we we you know, we really were trying to be cautious of the of the
overall height of the structure, mimicking the the height of the the buildings on either side of it, um as well as the materials that we use and and the overall design language and aesthetic. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Do I before I open it up, is there
anyone who has any questions? >> Marilyn, >> um the landscaping is going to still be in the front of the building. There's no landscaping in the back or will there be some landscaping in the back >> there? I have a landscape plan in here I can show you. Um
there will be permeable pavers all in the back and that's just because of how the parking comes in. We need enough space for them to back out and then be able to pull onto the street forward. Uh and it's already very tight. So, we'll we'll have a little bicycle storage area
up here, and then we're trying to maximize the landscape to this Lshape over here and the uh adjacent area that we have from the other side. >> This is a public hearing. Is there anybody who wishes to speak on this? I'm
not going to close it at this point because one of the things that we have to do is ask questions about the variances in special permits. So if in during that discussion it raises any questions from the public I want anybody here to have the opportunity to comment on those. So first we're going to go through the variance requirements
because you have to meet all of those in order to qualif you. If it's not three out of four it's four out of four have to we have to feel that you've met. Thank you. And u then we'll go through the special permits where it's more greater than not rather than 100%. >> Okay. So the first one now and your
variances now are for lot size basically for lot size and floor you know and open space. So >> those are what your variances are for frontage which is just 50 you know it's supposed to be 56.6 and it's 60 it's 41%
versus 40 I mean so they're not horrible but they're um but they're basically about lot size. Okay. The variance is sought because of soil conditions, shape or topography of such land or structure and especially affecting such land or structure but not affecting generally the zoning district in which it is
located. So read that food that word salad and tell us um how that >> how these apply to our variance conditions. So >> so it is it's the existing shape of the lot. Um we're at 56 feet.5t
wide by 100 ft. to the existing shape of the lot is non-conforming as well as the overall size and that's triggering all of these variances that we've requested. >> So the shape of the building, the shape of the land itself is doing that. >> Correct. >> Yes or no? Undo you.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Joe, make sure you Okay, that I say yes, too. Um the next one, a literal enforcement of the provisions would would involve a substantial hardship financial or otherwise to the petitioner
or applicant. >> Yeah. So we we would not be able to build much of anything on the lot. We definitely wouldn't be able to put any parking. So um I think the only way we would be able to do that is uh to have a building that's floating somehow. So
financially it's just not possible. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Desirable relief may be granted without substantial detriment to the public good. >> This is an easy one. >> Yeah. Um we've done everything we can to
to keep the variances to make sure we're maintaining as much of a setback as possible from the adjacent lots. So I think we've we've done >> and it provides affordable housing in an area that needs it. >> Correct. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. And last, desirable relief may be
granted without nullifying or substantially deraggating from the intent or purpose of this chapter. >> Uh yeah, again, we've you know, we've looked at all the zoning ordinances and we've we've done our best to design within within >> the chap this part of the chapter is about housing and you're providing
housing >> within this chapter of the housing. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Okay. So, that part you've met four out of four. So now we're going to talk about the special permit criteria. And here it's it's it's a more generally more generally than not. You don't need
a unanimous >> but social, economic or community needs that are served by this. >> Yeah. It's afford affordable housing. So the social needs are there. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Traffic flow and safety including
parking and loading. >> Yes. for for off streetet parking. So we maximize the parking on site. >> And you've ensured they proper way of coming in and out. >> And we've ensured that they could back out and come out of the come out of the lot forwards and not backwards. Yes.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Adequacy of utilities and other public services. >> You got what you need? >> Yes. We have everything we need. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Yes. and including putting solar on the top. >> Correct. >> Um neighborhood character and social and um social structures. >> Yes, we looked at that at the beginning. We we documented the neighborhood and and ensured that we took the design aesthetic from the neighborhood. >> Nice job.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Um impacts on the natural environment including drainage. >> Yes. We've looked at all of that. We have a full drainage plan and >> and and permeable pavers >> and permeable pavers in the back as
well. Yes. Thank you. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Joe. >> Yes. >> Jam this is yes. Um potential fiscal impact including impact on city services tax base and employment. >> Um no it will be the only thing that
should have an impact is we're closing up that curb. So shouldn't be any fiscal impact to the city. >> You don't think there's any negative impact on services at this point? >> No. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Okay. Now, that being said, I'm going to again see is there anybody here
who wishes to speak on this? There being none, I'm closing the public participation portion of this hearing. >> I just have a couple of questions. >> Okay. Then I'm going to have to open the public participation part again. >> Okay. So, I'm reopening the public participation part. Go ahead, Hugo.
>> Um, are you including that mirror? Remember last time you were talking about cleaning the mirror for people want to exit to see who's coming in. >> Yes. Yes. So we we will we're going we're starting to work through the construction documents. So we'll have a mirror on the back side so that they could see the angle of the parking in
the back and the coming in on the front as well. >> Um who's going to take care of the landscaping? >> I'm sorry. Are you >> after they're sold? >> No, I'm saying you're going to put plants, right? Those bushes. Who's going to take care?
>> Yeah. Who's going to take care of the grass? Who's going to do that? >> Yeah. Jerry, do you want to >> Well, well, if you're going to if you're going to speak, you need to come up and and >> what's that? >> Please identify yourself. >> You can you can use that one right
there. Yeah. >> Okay. Uh Jerry Patton. I'm uh uh chief real estate and construction officer at Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston. Um I believe your question is around the landscaping. We will provide the landscaping either through subcontractor or volunteer labor that is supervised by
Habitat for Humanity and then ongoing it will be the responsibility of the homeowners association. >> How about snow? >> Pardon me. >> How about the snow? Who's going to take out the snow? We're going to >> same situation. Yep. We'll take care of all the snow during construction. Once the uh units have
been conveyed, then it becomes a responsibility of the homeowners association. We maintain uh I don't want to say representation because there's not representation, but we stay closely involved with the homeowners association as they move forward, make sure everything's being managed. So, >> thank you. >> Okay.
>> Okay. Is there anybody wishes to speak on this? Okay. I'm going to close the public participation portion. Do we have an interest in voting on this? Oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead. Damn it. I'm opening it again. >> Good evening. Caroline Bird, director of
Komunadas Community Land Trust, partnering with Habitat for Humanity on this nonprofit in Chelsea. And just want to say that also this is the community land trust model where the land trust will continue to own the land and so there will be ongoing support for the homeowners assoc
association by the land trust. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any hands? Okay, now I'm going to close it. Um, do we on it? Are we interested in deciding on this today? Do I have a motion? Do I have a discuss?
Do we want to discuss? >> Well, I think it's a great project, you know, and um I'll put in a motion to approve it >> with the conditions. standard conditions >> with and so standard conditions, design re um design review, >> curb space back to the street, permeable pavers, a lighting plan, and no on
street parking stickers. >> Yep. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I I >> Okay, thank you. >> It's going to get written up. It takes a while. Double check with the department. >> Okay. Congratulations. >> It's a very nice
>> It's a very nice You did a nice job. >> Nice job. >> Thank you. Looking forward to get started. Yeah. Well, yeah. Don't for He doesn't care anymore. >> So, and again, we have um something that um it's should be pretty easy to take
care of, but we're going to 2023-09 8385 Library Street, Maria Tara. Um, it is a request to extend a special permit. Is she here or somebody representing her here? Is somebody here for her?
>> Uh, she did email me uh last week asking saying that she was not feeling well, which is one of the reasons why she's looking for the extension and that someone would be here to speak for her. Did you want to continue it until >> um was there did she indicate to you
what her her concerns were and why she was asking for this extension? Um she told me that uh after the board approved that she came down ill uh for several years and has only recently uh on on her way up to recuperate and therefore
that's why uh she was not able to uh >> Is there any reason that we can't approve it without her in attendance? >> No, you you can't approve it. She does not need to be here. Um you can only grant one six month extension on a variance. Well, then I guess what my question is if she can't be here, if we
wait till next month, she gets an additional month. >> No, you're extending it from the point where the point would have expired. Okay. >> Um I believe it's October. >> Oh, okay. So, it doesn't change that. Okay. Um what do you think? Do you want to just get it taken care of?
>> Extend the special permit for six months. No, no, that we would just expend extend the time that she has to begin action on the special permit. variance >> the I mean let's say per says here >> uh it should be should be >> oh sorry the variance okay
um we can wait till next month or we can just I mean I think it's it's relatively pro-forma um she's come you know usually when somebody's asked for an extension when they presented something that we approved we've been okay with it but um whatever people want to do
>> I'm sorry it actually expires in July um but I believe it's a couple days your meeting you would not be able to expend it. >> Okay. >> Beyond that >> because you can't once it expires you can't >> extend >> you can't put a variance to >> I think I would prefer at this point to
then extend it because I don't I don't feel any need to put it ever so say something happens so we don't meet in July then she doesn't get her extension and I I would rather that not happen to somebody who's been ill and needs is trying to do this correct thing. >> So what do we think? Do we have a motion
to extend it? I make a motion to extend it. >> Do we have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> And then the same um same question comes around 2023-13 81 Library Street by M Maria Terara. She
is also looking to extend the barance for that >> motion to extend. You may approve that. You make a recommendation. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Great. The next TE again we're taking is new to us but not new to the planning board. So
we're going to try to get it it's out of here pretty quickly. 2026 10 1100 River Beach Parkway Kudoba Mexican Eats Cory Neater House for a special permit sinking approval for a fast food restaurant. >> Could you introduce yourself please and
tell us what you're proposing? >> Thank you Madam Chair, board members. My name is Daniel Brennan. I'm handling the permits and licenses for this new Cudova. uh going in over at the former GameStop space. Uh the space is just over 2500
square feet. Um it's uh going to be a quick service restaurant with 40 interior seats. Um two public restrooms. Um we'll have a dumpster at the rear like everybody else does in the plaza.
Um, hours of operation requested is 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Uh, we feel it fits well with the rest of the shopping center. Um, minor exterior work includes just some HVAC work on the roof and then
minimal signage in the sign band like everybody else >> and there's sufficient parking in that area. Um, has this gone to the planning board? >> I know it has, but what what was the recommendation? >> It has gone to the planning board. They recommended approval with standing conditions as applicable.
>> Any questions before I open it up to the public? >> Um, the hours of operation are seven days a week, the same time, seven days a week. >> They might get adjusted depending on customers, but that would be our biggest window. >> Okay.
>> How many employees? >> Um, usually about 10 to 13 at max, I would say, >> at one time or you mean total >> rotate? Um probably 10 max at one time. >> Okay.
>> Like at peak hour. >> Any other questions? Is um this is public hearing. Is there anybody who wishes to speak on this? There being none, I am closing the public participation portion of this. Um this seems pretty in keeping with, you
know, what should be down in that area. So which is why I think we took it quickly. We didn't think that there would didn't seem it didn't seem in inappropriate. Do we have any thoughts, comments, recommendations? >> Do we have to read through the special permit or is it just
>> We do. Thank you. We do. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> We need a special permit. >> Um, okay. So, social, economic, or community needs that are served by the proposal. You have to just what what's being served here?
>> Um burritos, tacos. >> No, no, I mean how is it how is it benefiting the community? >> Oh um serving food to the community tacos. >> We'll be hiring locally, things like that. >> Okay. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Was the bad wording of my question? I apologize. Uh traffic flow and safety including parking and loading. Um, yeah. So, we have sufficient parking. Our deliveries will be like in the very early morning hours when there's really no traffic.
>> Um, >> and it's consistent with the area. >> Yeah. Exactly. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. Adequacy of utilities and other public services. >> Um, yep. We have the utilities there that we need and really there's no
exterior work as far as like grease trap or anything like that. So, >> Okay. Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Neighborhood character. It's consistent with the neighborhood and social structures. >> Um, yep. There's other food uses in in
the uh plaza and we're really doing very little work to the uh exterior. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. Yes. Um impacts on the environment including drainage. >> Um we'll have no site work or anything like that.
>> Okay. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Um and um impact. Oh, we already said that. Uh fiscal impact including impacts on city services tax base and employment, some of which you've already had, sir.
>> Um yeah, we'll be hiring locally and we'll be paying taxes. So, I think it would be a benefit. >> Okay. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. >> Yes. Yes. Okay. So, that being said, um I'm going to close the public participation portion of this because we asked the question.
Um, is any is there the will of the department to of the board to vote on this today? >> I make a motion to on case 2026-10 um 1,00 Riviera Beach Parkway
>> with um standard conditions is applicable. >> What is standard conditions? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I I >> thank you. Uh, thank you John, Will, and Hector for your help as well. Appreciate you. You're welcome.
>> Okay, now we're going to go back into the normal the normal uh ordering of our cases. 2026-01320 River Beach Parkway um which is for special permit and variance for the construction of a 67
unit residential dwelling unit structure which does not meet 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 aisle width we talked
with this last month we know that planning board has not made its recommendation at this point, but we also know that um you know we asked you to go back and rethink what you had proposed. So would you would do you want to talk to us about what you've proposing to change now or would you like to wait until after you've had an
opportunity to present it to the planning board? >> So um good evening to everyone. My name is Peter Penidoshi representing 320 Rivia Beach reality. Uh attorney Rossi is not here tonight unable to attend. Um we are still in the process. Um, I think we have submitted some landscape plans
and also traffic reports to the board. Um, we're we had a great conversation. I think it went very well with the planning board. Um, and obviously taking this board's um, opinions and and comments. Um, so we are we are revamping our plans and we're in the process of
that right now. So, um, we would like more time and for attorney Rossy to come back and, um, and you know, I don't know if there's any questions on the landscape plan, but we >> wait until we get so so just so you know. So, and that's great and we I think it makes more sense for us till you've actually got the full input of
the planning board. So, we we're not reviewing something that may change in the next month. One of the things that you need to wear, this is a big project for us. So even when it comes back from the planning board, we may want a little time to absorb it and think about it. And so we, you know, we may take a little time in making our decision. Just so you know.
>> Sure. I I I think the general consensus from the planning board that we got was obviously affordable housing was a major player in that and in keeping as many of the affordable units as we could, even though we're, you know, substantially looking to potentially take as much as a
floor off the actual overall bill. >> Okay. But see, here's the point. either we talk about what you're planning now or we don't because if you talk about that then we're going to open it up. If you're not going to talk about that then we're just going to move it to next month. >> I was just bringing up to speed. >> No, no, I appreciate that and I'm just saying just just for formality and I and
I appreciate you informing us. I just want you know I want people to be aware of that. So um >> Okay, >> wait, hold on a minute. I think >> I just want to inform you that you did receive a waiver uh of the statuto time frame from >> Right. So that's why so we have a waiver
of the deadline. So So okay, so we're not then we're not going to address this today. We look forward to hearing you one. We we really appreciate that you have taken into consideration what we talked about last month. Um and you know and as my one of my colleagues mentioned, Miss Deator mentioned last
time, you know, we want to think about this. This is an important um area of the city and we need to balance the the balance of the city and the need for affordable housing and we want to think about it. Sure. Absolutely. We look forward to seeing your revised your revised plans later. >> Is that okay with everybody?
>> Yes. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate your time. >> What? Hold on. >> Okay. John says I still have to open it to the public. So, if you want to talk about it now, you can. Um, we haven't they haven't we are not going to be asking them to formally pres and I and I
don't mean to say in any way you can't speak. Anybody who wants to come in and talk about it, they can. It's just that we are going to be asking them to we've already asked them to revise it and we've been told that they will be revising it. So, there's nothing we at the board at this point don't have questions, but if anybody does have questions and wishes to speak at this
point, you can. This is not This stays open for the public for as long as we're here. So any you anybody will have the opportunity to continue to comment on this when we see the final plans and you're free to comment it now if you wish to otherwise I will just continue
it to our meeting in July. Okay. All right. Then we're going to continue to our meeting in July. Again everybody will have the opportunity to continue to raise it then. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um I just want to we have just I just want to read two more letters that we did get for the record. Thank you
Marilyn. Um, this is from Oh, Tener Garcia. I wanted to take a moment to express my support for the proposed project at 320 River Beach Parkway. As someone who's been a
resident of Chelsea my entire life, I understand how important responsible development projects like this can be for our community and surrounding neighborhoods. At a time when cities like Chelsea are facing increasing financial pressures, it is critical that we collaborate with developers and investors willing to bring meaningful
economic growth, long-term investment, and new tax revenue into our city. Projects like this not only create muchneeded housing, but also generate opportunities for small businesses, increase surrounding property values, beautify neighborhoods, and strengthen the local economy overall. Chelsea is a
hardworking community filled with families and small business owners who deserve continued investment and progress. Responsible developments that contribute to the city's tax base are essential in helping municipalities continue funding services, infrastructure, schools, public safety, and community improvements without
placing additional burdens on residents. I truly believe that this project has the potential to positively contribute to the area and serve as an example of the kind of thoughtful growth our city needs moving forward. Thank you for your time and consideration, Tenary Garcia.
And then we have another one from Kelly Garcia, um, who is counselor at large here in the city. Um, I want to express my support for the proposed project at 320 River Beach Parkway. As a lifelong resident and someone who cares deeply about the future of our city, I believe
it is important that we continue to consider projects that bring thoughtful growth, investment, and long-term benefit to our community. Chelsea is made up of hardworking families, small business owners, and residents who want to see our neighbors neighborhoods continue to improve while still honoring the people who call this community home.
Responsible development can play an important role in that progress, especially when it helps create housing, improves the surrounding area, supports local economic activity, and adds to the city's tax base. I also want to share that I personally know the developer connected this project. I trust his intentions and believe he will approach
this work with care, respect, and a real commitment to doing right by our people. That matters to me because any project in or near Chelse Chelsea should be tied but led by people who understand the responsibility that comes with building in our community. At a time when municipalities are facing increased
costs and growing needs, projects that generate new revenue can help support essential services, infrastructure, schools, public safety, and continued community improvements. I believe this proposal has potential to contribute positively to the area and support the kind of growth that Chelsea needs moving
forward. Thank you for your time and consideration. So, those will go right into the record. >> Awesome. Thank you very much, everyone. >> Thank you, and we'll see you. >> Have a good night. >> Thank you. You have >> Okay. Thank you. Next, we have in front
of us 2026-028 Spring A, which is 101 Springdale A, which we'll talk about. the Cavalo Corporation, Ronald Cavalo, for special permit and variance seeking approval for the construction of a two family woodframe dwelling which does not meet
the minimum requirements for lot size, sideyard, front yard, open space and frontage. The petition meets the required number of off street parking. However, the parking spaces encroach on required rear and sideyard stepbacks as well as access an access aisle. Um, you
came before us last month. >> Yes. This um this went to the planning board. John, >> what did they have to say? >> Pling board recommended approval with the standing conditions as applicable, design review, white roof, an opaque fence along the driveway, and drainage
water management plan. >> And one other thing I just want to could you please clarify for the record the 88 versus 101? >> Yes. Uh the the petition was submitted as 88 Springville. Um we've checked with
the assessor. is it is actually 101 Springville. So that's why there was a confusion at your last meeting relative to the >> somebody said that that was their their address and why were we there. >> Okay. So um could you please remind you update introduce yourselves and remind us again introduce us quickly to your
project again and then we'll talk about it. >> Sure. U my name is Ron Cavalo and I'm a third generation real estate developer. Um 101 Springville and I always thought it was 100 but now I just heard it's 101
but the application is for 88 Springville is for a um to build a two-unit building. A duplex with an accessory dwelling unit. Um, this is on a vacant piece of land that's been vacant for a number of years because the
city believed that the subdivision of the lot was not done correctly or that it was an invalid subdivision. And uh I was able with the help of my law firm and three days in the basement
of the state house to successfully prove to the city that in fact the lot was properly subdivided. So that brings me here. Um this is uh Springville is a very nice street and
we've designed a building that uh um with the cooperation and the assistance and the input of the planning board um is as you can see it's a designed to be um a forwardthinking building, white
roof uh wired up for uh solar panels on the roof. uh for potential future use. One of the major advantages to this development is
that we were able to create five parking spaces for it. They're all in the rear using for access the existing curb cut. Um, we've designed the five parking spaces so that the cars park on a crush
stone parking space which is designed to be a full drainage area. There are little patios and walkways as well that are all designed for drainage. As of now, the driveway is buminous.
However, I had a meeting outside, the last planning board meeting, and that one of the members of the planning board suggested that we use a different drainage material for the driveway, which I am open to doing.
Although I don't know exactly what material the planning board would like, all I can say is that I'm open to it. We to create the parking spaces, the five, we eliminated the green space to
the left of parking space number one. Created a green space to the right of parking space number five. That was intentional. The paved area in the back abuts another paved area. So,
it's pavement to pavement on the left side. On the right side, we've created a green space to create a visual barrier between space 5 and the adjacent house. We didn't do that on the
left side because again the rear of that structure is all paved and it's all parking. Um, but that gave us the five spaces. Um, it works. Uh, circulation works. We've tested it. It's good.
uh using um what's called driveway crush, which is a specific type of crush stone that the tires do not pick up and spread onto the streets. We're proposing that all five spaces be that material.
Uh so that the cars will drain and isolate the water from the paved areas. Um I think this is the first ADU proposal for the city. Um >> it's not in our purview. >> No. Right. U but I believe it is the
first one. Um which is as we know statewide ordinance or law. Um I'm here to answer your questions. >> Um John, um planning board thoughts and planning department thoughts.
>> Uh the planning department is supportive of this. We will and I have met with uh the applicant a number of times prior to his submitt of the petition and he's um he's ch he's made revision based on our comments that we felt would uh make this
suitable for the area. Um we are supportive. >> Any questions before I open it up? >> You go. uh on a driveway is there any drainage uh casting or something to get the water
from the parking or coming down to the street? >> We have not proposed any additional on-site drainage other than the parking area being a whole drainage system in and of itself and the patios and the
walkways all being drainage. But uh they all drained. But as of now because we did not anticipate the need for further drainage, we have not done incorporated anything beyond that. We certainly can
uh I learned from the last planning meeting that there are some drainage issues in the neighborhood. I know that the pitch of this land is such that there's not going to be substantial runoff into the street. Um, we're going to level a lot and as I've said, we've
created drainage areas. The roof is a white single pitch roof. It drains to the rear. And I personally prefer to have free flow water onto the ground because I think it's a good thing rather
than trying to contain it into uh containers. But it's not a big deal. Typically, we do create on-site drainage. Um, is there a tree now? Right. Is that Is that a tree now in I think between 88
and 101. Is a tree at >> I don't know if it's in your side or on the neighbor's side. >> I think it's on the neighbor's side. >> So, it's not not in your side. >> I don't believe it is, but you know, I need to verify that. It's been a while since I've been there.
>> Um, when this all get approved, how long or when you will start doing this? >> I'm sorry, sir. When when this is approved, are you ready to build >> that? When when does the time for you to finish? >> As soon as we can get permits in place.
The building's designed, but we still have to go through the building department. We've gone through the fire department. We've learned that the building does need to be sprinklered. Um, under the under the old code, it didn't. So, under the new code, it does. So, that's an added cost. Uh, but we
accept that and we'll sprinkler the building. Uh we still have to get approvals for the utilities, all of which are on street, but the intention is to build as immediately as as possible. >> You're not going to take any uh parking spaces on the street from the neighbors
when all the equipment, trucks, and all that. U you're not going to leave it nothing overnight. >> Well, th this building is one-third sight built and 2/3 modular. And I do that a lot. We're actually experts in
modular construction. We do a really good job with modular construction and the big advantage is that the building can be closed to the weather in two days and the bulk of the noise is over very quickly. So it really is a construction system that's very neighbor friendly. Uh
so um you know the exterior is certainly customized and there are a lot of custom features on the inside but the building will go up very quickly and we've built this building I think four other times in variations of it. So we know how to build it and we know how to build it quickly. So it it will be very low
impact on the neighborhood. There will be a brief period where there'll be there'll be a crane on the street and we need to have the modular boxes uh stored somewhere in the city. Uh but it is all very low impact and >> we have to get permits for the crane I assume in the street.
>> We will. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Any other questions before I open it up? M you mentioned solar panels. >> The roof will be white, which the city wants. >> It will be wired up for solar panels,
but we will not be installing the panels. At least that's it's not our intention to do that. The whole solar industry is upside down right now. We've done solar buildings, but it's a mess right now. >> Okay. >> Courtesy of courtesy of the damage our
president did to the industry. >> Okay. And the intent with these units is to rent or to sell. >> The hope is to rent. I'm still waiting for final construction costs. If I can make the numbers work, I I really want to hold this building. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Sure. >> Okay. Um, is there anyone who wishes to speak on this? Well, you know something? Before we do that, let's go through the criteria so that that's part of the discussion as we're as it's open to the public. So first we need um variance permit. So
you need variances and you need variances for the lot size for the size per unit and the well and the open space and the front yard frontage. And I guess the biggest variance that I see is the
minimum front yard setback which is you have which is requested at 20 which is required at 20 feet and you have five feet which is not uncommon here. Chelsea. Um could you we're going to walk through each one of them and we have to meet because it's a variance you have to get our approval for all four of
them. Okay. The variance is sought because of soil conditions, shape or topography of such land or structure and especially affecting such land or structure but not affecting generally the zoning district. >> This parcel um elevates in the rear
significantly. There's a retaining wall uh that's in place and functioning nicely. But yes, the um the land is the land needs to be modified. It would not allow in its present stay without modification construction of a building.
>> So basically it's the size of the building and the if you did a 20 foot yard setback you wouldn't have any back parking. >> We would not have parking. And there are there's an additional photograph showing this building scaled against the
adjacent buildings. The adjacent house has zero setback. Um the setbacks on the street vary dramatically, but we know that Chelsea is big on parking as every city is. So we positioned this building
specifically to create the five spaces that we feel are very important. people. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Um, a literal enforcement would involve a substantial hardship, financial or
otherwise. >> Well, this parcel has sat as a vacant parcel for decades at this point, largely because um, no one believed that it could be built on because it was it was believed that the subdivision was
not done correctly. We were my law firm was successful in proving that uh this parcel was properly subdivided. So um >> but if we if we enforce this it would be a hardship for you. >> Yes.
>> It would be a hardship. That is correct. The taxes on this property are substantial and they've been be being paid for a very long time with no utility or benefit to the the owner of the of the parcel. >> Okay. Yes. Yes.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Relief may be granted without substantial de detriment to the public. Good. >> Uh yes. This is a really super we think very attractive structure that we think blends nicely with a really nice street
in Chelsea and um we think has low impact especially given the number of parking spaces. It has virtually low or no impact on the neighborhood. That would be detrimental. >> Okay. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. And last relief may be granted without n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n nullifying or substantially dergating from the intent or purpose of this chapter. >> The chapter is about housing, >> right? It provides housing and benefits
the city. Um I don't think it in any way uh negatively impacts on the chapter. The chapter's intention is to support housing >> more or less. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes.
>> Yes. Yes. Okay. So you've met those. Now let's talk about the var the special permits. So you need the special permit primarily for the parking situation. So you're within four feet of the rear lot line and you're close to the sideline
and the width of them is 24 is basically 22 feet versus 24. Again, not something we haven't done before, but we still need to go through the um social, economic, and community needs that are served by this per by this proposal. How is the how is the community served
by this proposal? Well, it provides additional housing for the city uh and um it doesn't negatively impact on the street parking and uh it takes a parcel that was
believed to be unbuildable because it was uh the belief was it wasn't properly subdivided. Now, because we've proved to the city's content that it was properly subdivided, it puts a dead parcel into use, which
will generate revenue for the city, which is a really good thing. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And I'm Yes. Um, traffic flow and, you know, you've looked at the traffic flow and safety. Is that's not a negative, including parking and loading.
>> Yes. And also the parcel. I'm big on being able to turn around and exit nose forward. The way the site is designed, there's more than ample room for a car to back up and exit nose out. So, that's
a significant safety feature entering and exiting from any lot. So, um it shouldn't impact on parking. It shouldn't impact on traffic flow. >> Yes. Yes. Yes.
>> Yes. >> Yes. From me. Um, the utilities and public services are adequate. >> Yes. >> Yes, they are. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Yes. Um, it fits in with the
character of the neighborhood. >> There are a lot of really progressive people in Chelsea. On this street, there's a uh a number of houses that have solar panels. There's a wind turbine, which is pretty cool. This is a clearly an understated but forwardthinking structure and that's by
intention. Um so yes, I believe it does fit in with the character. It's smaller than the adjacent house. It's a little lower than the adjacent house. This is a street that has varied architecture from big multif family buildings to single
families, two families, three families. So, the intention was to design something forwardinking that would fit on this lot nicely and uh again be forward thinking. It's not radically uh designed. It's understated and it's designed to fit in.
>> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Uh the any impact on drainage? Well, we've you've tal Well, we've talked a little bit about impacts on natural environment including drainage, you know. >> Yeah. So, >> we've done what we know to do, what we
typically do for drainage. Um, I think it's adequate. Um, if that needs to be beefed up, I'm certainly open to talking about it. >> Well, I mean, I think sometime something like this, we would we would ask for design review to be working with the department to clarify if there are ways
that you can better impact um drainage situations. >> Understood. >> But given what that do we >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Okay. Me too. Um the fiscal impact, what kind of impact does it have on the
city, including on services and tax base? So the pl the pluses and minuses of the fiscal impact of this facility, this >> well it certainly has a positive economic impact. It takes a lot that's been sitting for decades and puts it
into use and will generate tax revenue. Um, I shudder to think about how much that will be, but somebody who pays a lot of taxes for real estate. Um, >> it's good for us. And the answer to that would be yes.
>> What's that? >> That means it's good for us. >> It is. That is exactly correct. It is good for It is tax revenue is becoming more and more important. And I know that Chelsea has issues with tax revenue and the school systems and all that stuff. So, this takes a a lot
that's been sitting for decades and puts it into use and generates uh revenue in perpetuity, which is really good. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. So, that being said, you've met all the criteria. Now, I'm going to open it
up to the public. Is there anyone here who wishes to speak on this matter? There being none, I'm going to close the public participation portion of this. Do we have an interest on vote? So, one of the things, Hugo, if if you're
interested, um, based on your question, when we put one of the criteria in, we could ask them to submit a construction management plan, which might um, address your concerns about making sure it's not negatively impacting the neighborhood. If you're interested in including that as as a condition, if you want to
approve this, that's if if that might address your concern about making sure that it's not blocking the street. You want to you want to include? Well, what do you think? >> I Everybody included includes that. >> Okay. So, do we have a motion? So, let me tell you what. So, what we have in front of us as potential conditions as
defined by the department and by the planning board are standard conditions applicable, design review, a white roof, opaque fence along the driveway, a drainage water management plan, and also now we've added a construction management plan. So, based on that, do
we have a motion to approve this case? All right. >> I make a motion to accept uh case 2026-2 uh with the conditions as noted. >> Okay. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I I
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good luck. Make a nice building. >> Appreciate it. >> The next case in front of us is 2026-382 Cherry Street. the 82 Terry Street Realy Trust LLC for special permit and variance seeking approval for the
construction of a six family dwelling structure which does not meet the requirements for minimum lot area off- streetet parking minimum required frontage maximum building height, minimum front yard setback, minimum sideyard setback, maximum lot coverage,
maximum floor area ratio and minimum rear yard setback. You came to us last month. Um, this also went to the planning board. What did the planning board have to say, John? >> The planning board recommended approval with standard conditions as applicable,
design review, a submitt of a landscape plan, submit of a lighting plan, a fence on the right property line, a permeable pavement wherever possible, and no on street parking stickers. >> And is that do you concur as the department wearing your department hat?
>> Yes. Uh, we concur. We agree with the planning board's assessment and with their conditions. >> Okay. Um could you just do a quick overview again? Remind us of your you were here last month. Remind us of your project and what you're proposing. >> Good evening. My name is Dominic Capoa. I'm an attorney Drego and Discono LLP on
behalf of 82 Cherry Street Realy Trust. I'm joined here by Nadia D. Carlo from 82 Cherry Street Realy Trust and Jim Janice from McDougall Architectures. Um, I wasn't at the last meeting, but I will do my best to fill in. So, we're proposing um a new fourstory multif
family residential building on a currently vacant lot located 80 82 Cherry Street. The proposed development will contain six dwelling units and three off- streetet parking spaces. Um, do you want us to run through the whole presentation? >> No, no. Just I want you to summarize the presentation. Okay. have I want you to
show us what you know you shown us the front show us the schematic show us the >> the um the plot plan if you will and a quick run through on what your um the structure of each of your units will be. >> Sure thing. So these are so this map
right here is just showing consistent development in the area showing that multif family development is not an anomaly in this area and it is consistent. Uh next slide please. Um this is um proposed pot no existing pot plans sorry
showing the currently vacant lot. Next slide please. And this is the proposed pot plan showing where the proposed building is going to be. Next slide please. And Jim Janice is going to run through the unit slides. Please
>> please introduce yourselves and um if you're going to walk over there just bring the >> Okay. >> Bring it with you. >> Hello. My name is Jim Janice. I'm with McDougall Architects and we're going to walk through the building. Uh we have our three places parking spaces. Is
>> it too? >> Hold on one sec. Let's just >> three parking spaces in the lower level for the garage. Um we're going to add more permeable materials including the garage slab and any walkways, more
landscaping. Um The units are, you know, stacked on top of each other. >> Could you please say your name and contact information again? I'm sorry for the record. I I don't think Hector got that. >> There was a lot of noise, so we couldn't. So, just introduce yourself
again and tell us your No, pick up. You can pick it up. Pick it up. >> Jim Janice. >> There you go. >> That's much easier. >> Jim Janice with McDougall Architects. We're the architects of record on this project. >> Thank you. Continue.
>> Uh, the floors are stacked. We have two bedroom unit on the right and one bedroom uh uh on the left. They're stacked upon each other. So there's six two bedrooms. Uh I mean three twobedrooms, three one-bedroom apartments.
>> Uh there's a roof deck which is kind of it's a little large, but we're going to see about putting some solar panel ready. you know, at least have it wired for an area that panels could go in in future.
Uh with nice railing around the sides. We have vertical and horizontal uh cement board, kind of like, you know, hardy board, but more durable
um with different widths. Go either way. Uh that's about it there. Oh, we have the open carport uh look that is uh mirrored from the building next door
which takes up the entire end of the block uh at the end of Cherry Street right next to our lot. All their parking is open, you know, like that. We put a garage door on the front just as a, you know, a deterrent of sorts.
>> So there it's a there'll be a door there. >> Yeah. Yeah. The front has a garage door that will >> Okay. All right. I see. All right. Thank you. >> So, we go in there. That's the garage door. And the and the parking for the three cars is in there >> is inside the >> And there's adequate enough room for
them to for lunch at the park to the far left >> leaving the carport style the sides open that allows the tail end of the car to be able to turn and go nose out. >> Okay. So, it's all right. Um >> I don't understand that. Say that again
then. What do you mean carport style? So where's it? >> See how that's open? That's what they're called used to be called carports. So that's the type. >> And you can see the building right next >> to it behind it that all their parking
is pulling open. >> Okay. >> And we have some Juliet balconies that will allow some >> which are the design feature only. >> Yeah. just fresh air. We'll have we have a white tpo roof on top
and um on the roof and wood deck. Uh let's see what else is there. And as I mentioned, permeable materials on >> and the planning board has asked that you have um a fence on the right
property line. It is. If you go back to the first floor plan, there is a fence on either side with just a gate. I mean, it's wasn't put into the uh rendering. Whoops. One more. You can see down the
right. >> Okay. >> It it looks more like a fat line right now, but it it has fence on it. Says fence. So just to you know block off the sides.
>> Any questions? >> And the um I see there's a a bin or oppose where the cars go back up in the middle. Um maybe >> on the end at the end um right there
right when up the car in the middle I see the bin or or post there in the middle. Well, that's a post, but it's uh quite a distance away from the back of the car. It's a little deceiving. He he would that person would back out and
then pull forward. Same with the other people. >> So, what's the I guess you was asking what's the distance from where at the end of >> if it won't be hit by someone back backing up? >> I don't have the exact distance, but I I
believe it's around 16 feet. It's just under at the face of the post, but we're going to go through the betweens of the post. It'll be concrete. >> Oh, concrete. >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. So, we can they can pull. >> So, it's all open so they can >> pull through. Other pictures I see there was a dumpster trash dumpster. Are you going to keep that or how it the trash?
>> That dumpster belongs to >> Oh, we're going to have rolly bins. Yes. But the dumpster that you saw in the photographs belongs to the building next door. >> Where did dumpster you're going to have will be will be in the uh
>> Well, we're going to adjust the parking a little bit and have the uh rolly, you know, the roll out garbage. >> Yeah. But where where where will we be? >> Along the back wall. >> Okay. >> Any other questions? >> No. >> Carolyn, will there be an entrance in
the carport in the parking area for the to get into the building or do they have to come out through the front? Like >> there there's a door. I'm sorry. >> There's a door right there that takes you right up this front stair. >> Okay. All right.
And the people Chestnut Street. The property on Chestnut Street will have access to this property. >> There there's an easement like a driveway that belongs to that property right behind it. That's >> right along our fence line on the right.
That's like their driveway that they can get in and out of for egress. >> Okay. >> So, there won't be any parking back there or anything like that in between. parking for the Chestnut Street. >> No, no, >> no, >> no. Just under.
>> Yeah, just under the building. Okay. >> Okay. >> For Cherry Street. You don't know what? Yeah. For Cherry Street's position. >> Any other questions before I we go through the criteria? So, we're it's your variance, as you've
heard us say multiple times tonight, that you have to meet the criteria for each of them. You are looking for variance for minimum lot size. for minimum lot size per unit, minimum front yard setback, minimum sideyard setback, minimum
frontage, maximum lot coverage, maximum height, maximum floor area ratio, and a minimum rear yard setback. So, let's go through each of those. The variance is sought because of soil
conditions, shape or topography of such land or structure and especially affecting such land or structure but not affecting generally the zoning district in which it is located. >> Yes. So the hardship stems from the physical characteristics of the lot
itself. This lot is undersiz narrow infill parcel and surrounded by existing development. We can't realistically expand or reconfigure the existing lot. Yes. Yes. It's >> up to you. I mean, we don't have to It
doesn't have to be unanimous. If you don't agree, then that's fine. >> Yes. Yes. >> Oh, you move. Um little enforcement of the provisions of
this chapter would involve a substantial hardship financial or otherwise to the petitioner or applicant. >> Yes. So literal enforcement of the zoning would be both a practical and financial hardship. So if we were following the required setbacks we would dramatically shrink the building foot
the buildable footprint sorry and the parking requirement would be physically impossible to satisfy. The project provides three spaces. The ordinance would require nine. And if we provided nine parking spaces, it would drastically reduce the unit count, reduce the building size, and basically
make the project economically infeasible. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. It's one of those things that, you know, it's this tiny little site and there's Welcome to Chelsea. Um,
desirable relief may be granted without substantial detriment to the public good. >> Yes. So, the project will not harm the neighborhood or public welfare. Um, the construction impacts will be temporary and typical, and the building is consistent with the surrounding residential context, and the site is
currently vacant, underutilized. Furthermore, the project's going to add six new units to the Chelsea housing supply. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. Relief may be granted without
nullifying or substantially deraggating for the intended purpose of this chapter. >> Yes. So granting relief still aligns with the overall goals of the Chelsea zoning code which promotes residential housing, encourages efficient land use, maintaining a neighborhood residential character, and the proposed six-unit
building is comparable in scale to nearby development, and there's no incompatible commercial or industrial use being proposed. for proposing residential use. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Okay. Um so now let's go through the special permit criteria. So one you just it's a multi-unit dwelling with four to six. So you automatically need special permit. Um off streetet parking and the width of the parking aisle are the three
reasons for special permit. um what social, economic, or community needs are served by this proposal. >> So, socially and economically, we're going to add six new units to the Chelsea housing supply. It's going to activate a currently vacant, underutiliz
underutilized lot, and we're going to provide a mix of one and twobedroom units to the area, and we're going to and we're going to generate uh tax revenue, construction activity. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Traffic flow.
>> I just want I just want to say that um I think because it's a vacant lot closer to the downtown area, I think this makes a lot of sense. You know, just to get, you know, having a vacant lot down there is, you know, inherently dangerous to have down there. So, I just want to make that. >> No, no. I mean, I I I think that that's
actually makes a lot of sense. That's been in part of my consideration, too. And I I think it's an attractive looking building. Um traffic flow and safety. Did we just talk about it? No, we didn't. >> Including parking and loading. So, I mean, you know, this like anything, parking is the biggest issue here
>> for us, one of our bigger issues. So, talk to us about how you're going to ensure safe traffic flow. >> Sure. So, as Jim mentioned before, uh the parking circulation layout's going to provide safe sight access. There's going to be ample turning, backing out,
as Jim showed with the plans. I'm not an architect, so I'm not the best at explaining the plans, but um and we're going to include the three off street parking spaces, and we believe that three off- streetet parking spaces and rent residential use will generate
limited neighborhood scale traffic. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Your utilities are adequate? >> Yes. sites already served by existing utilities in infrastructure.
>> Yes. >> Yes. Y >> yes. Um natur impacts on drainage um environment I you know this case the national environment means drainage. What kind of how are you going to deal with the drainage? >> So um we're going to have a
comprehensive plan in place so that there's no damages to drainage >> and you'll also be dealing with the landscape plan if we approve this one. Did he skip number four? Did you skip number four on >> Oh, I'm sorry. We did. I apologize. I skipped number four, not he. Um, neighborhood. Is this consistent with
the neighborhood? And the Yeah. >> One second. We just had something to add to the last one. >> Go ahead. We'll go out of order. But >> did you introduce yourself again? I'm sorry. >> Carlo >> and uh turn on your microphone >> if it's green. There you go.
>> Nadia D. Carlo, co-owner of the site. Um, We're the architects have talked to us about and with the civil engineers a u stainless steel catch basin in the in the parking slab that um catches all the local drain water.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Um yes. Now we'll go back to is how is this consistent with the neighborhood? >> Yes. So uh multif family residential use is consistent with the surrounding neighborhood character. We're going to
redevelop a vacant lot with productive residential use. And the building's scale and massing is comparable to nearby development. And also, this building's designed similarly to the building next door, the new condo unit that was approved by the zoning board. And the projects received neighborhood letters of support as well. I believe we
have three on file. Uh I strongly agree with that. Um and also the cost of trying to develop this land. So, I think the, you know, the number of units and the scale of it, I think makes sense. So, I'm going to say yes on that.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. And the potential fiscal impact, both positive or negative, either positive or negative or both on the city. So, uh, as for positive fiscal impacts, it's going to improve the city's tax base through new resident new
residential development, create temporary construction related employment, and it's going to convert underutilized property into revenue generating uh, tax revenue and adding to the housing supply as mentioned before. And there's going to be a minimal anticipated impact on municipal services
due to the modest project scale. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. Okay, now this is a still a public care. >> Can I just make a comment? >> I I like the project. I think it's a nice project. I wish it was somewhere else where it's going to be more visible
because I feel like Cherry Street is very narrow and I mean there's only a few residential homes on that street. So, it's it's nice. Um my concern is like the um the parking a little bit
about about the parking. So, I was hoping that maybe we could do like mirror like we did in the other project. Adding a mirror and some signage and um no parking between both properties if we could do that. I don't know if we could we could prevent that. My concern is that people are going to
start parking be between both properties like Chestnut and Cherry. >> I'm sorry. >> Parking >> parking. >> Yeah. Where behind this property? >> I don't think between both properties. between Chestnut and >> um I'll ask the architect on this, but I
don't think there's any space, right? >> I don't I don't think there would be any space >> because he had mentioned that someone would be parking there. Maybe I maybe he misunderstood or I misunderstood. >> No one's when we were talking earlier >> in between the buildings. >> Okay. Okay. Just want to make sure that
>> no one's going to be able to get back there. No one's going to be able to park back there. >> Back to my >> Yeah. Okay. Okay, >> this shows just a minimal space between the building and >> Great. So then I misunderstood. I apologize. But if we could add like a mirror and maybe some signage, resident
parking, that'd be great. >> Okay. Then that would be um that would part design review. It's part of design review. Include the mirror. >> And then the other thing is because the street is so narrow when if this gets approved and construction begins,
where is everybody going to park? the construction team and I just don't want it to like um become a problem with the abuing properties that have to get in there that have to park in their in their buildings. It's it's a very narrow street. There's a um parking for the
commercial properties that are on Broadway. There's two, I think, parking lots in between this location. >> Construction management plan. >> Yes, please. Construction management plan would be great. Um the the building does not fully occupy does not bleed on
the lot like the the building next door is at the property lines pushing it. >> Okay. >> There's not even a millimeter of space between the building that they've built in our building. >> Okay. >> So the fact that we you saw some landscaping along the sides so we're not maxed out. >> Okay.
>> So um and there are strips of land that Jim spoke to on either side that we can put construction vehicles. >> Yeah. I'm just concerned that construction ve vehicles will like start parking in abing owners parking spaces or park in the middle of the street kind
of thing. >> No, it's visible on our survey. There's there's land to the left side of our of our property that's not built on. It's actually um in some of the pictures if you >> Yes. Can I >> Sure. >> Yeah. But just um but take take the
microphone with you. Um this this is a large swell of area here that is actually our land. We didn't max we didn't maximize the building >> to you know so they have um if you go to the actual pictures the actual photos I can show you
yes this is actually our land here. >> Okay. >> So okay >> there's space of the sides. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Um I'm gonna open this public. Is there anybody who wishes to speak on this? Please come up. Give your name and
address and give us your comments. >> Hi, my name is Chris Herini. I was here last time. Um the a budding building on uh um Cherry Street. That's the new uh new building there. And I expressed some concerns about parking. Uh I I still have those, you know, but last time I I
really wanted to factually correct something that was said uh last time where it was mentioned several times that parking lot only has one or two cars in it. It was mentioned several times. You know, I walk back to my place that very night, there's seven cars there. I work from home a lot, there's five to seven cars very there
consistently. So the displacement that this is going to cause is definitely seven cars. And you're then adding units, one of which designated won't have a parking space. So, you know, there was a lot of concern last time about parking. I still would have
concerns about building in this space with that number of parking spaces, but I understand it's a small space. So, I'd like to see personally some kind of management of how these seven cars are now going to need to fill in city parking or if it's zoned for that or, you know, kind of the adjustments that
could be made for that. But, you know, it's not one or two cars that are getting displaced. It's it's easily seven when you look at at at night. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Can we make a comment, please? >> If you wish. >> So, uh, we just wanted to say, so the proponent currently rents the spaces,
but two of the spaces are for the superintendent of the property. They don't live there or live in the area. It's just their job to be there. So, that's why that gentleman's seeing more cars. >> Yeah, he's seeing more cars. Our superintendents have trucks. They live right off of Washington Avenue. I
frequently park there when I'm um in city buildings. Um and we rent some of those spots. >> Okay. But you're not going to be doing that anymore. >> No, there won't be there will be a house there. >> Anybody else who wishes to speak on this? I'm going to close the public
participation portion of this. So right now when we've talked about potential conditions on this if we choose to approve it we have standard conditions as applicable design review including a mirror to ensure safe parking in and out a landscape plan a lighting plan a
construction management plan a fence on the right property line permeable pavement wherever possible which I think would probably go along with both design review and landscape plan and no on street parking stickers. Those are what we're looking at
>> in the construction management. >> Yes, in the construction. >> I didn't include in the construction management plan. >> Um do we have a a recommendation or a thought? >> Um the no the no on street parking stickers. Is that just for Cherry Street
or is that like uh >> they have no >> chestnut? Oh, that's across the >> That's across. They not across the city. >> They don't have theuh amount of parking spaces that they are required to have. Therefore, uh they are not allowed under zoning to get parking stickers.
>> Okay. >> Do I have a motion? >> I'll make a motion to accept uh 2026-03 with the conditions as stated. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I
>> I >> Marilyn I I >> I >> Okay. Do a good job. Thank you. Thank you. >> The next case in front of us is 2026-07 165 Central A Michael Alercon for
special permit invarian seeking approval for the construction of a first floor landing and stairway of a non-conforming structure which does not meet the minimum requirements for the front yard setback. We won't be deciding this today. This has to go to the planning
board on the 23rd of June and then you're back here on July 14th. >> Okay. >> All right. Yeah. >> Okay. So, um so introduce yourself please and introduce your project. >> Hi everyone. My name is Michael Alakon and I am the homeowner of 165 Central A.
Chelsea. >> Push the button. >> That one. Yeah. >> There you go. Caesar Eric, you know, he's a brother in uh the construction. So, >> okay. So, tell us what you're proposing.
>> Uh so, we're proposing to modify the uh front entrance and layout of the stairs of my uh my home. >> Mhm. >> Uh we're going to add a better and safer egress onto a flat surface. Um
and we would like to uh you know create a landing that's code compliant. That would be cool. >> Are you doing Are you doing this for aesthetics or because there's a you're having a problem like it's >> it's it right now it's stairs that they're
not unusable. We haven't used them since I moved in and they're not. >> Yeah. So it's they're unsafe and the uh and the the structural condition is not >> it's not it's not really safe to use for daytoday. >> So you're that's part of what you want. We want to make the stairs useful. >> Exactly. Yeah.
>> Can I can I just add that uh >> and add a landing? Yes. >> Just want to add that in 2023, we asked for a permit for this. >> Um, he already asked for like all the permits which were approved and we finished inside remodeling and whatnot. And uh, we talked to the building
inspectors and it and Michael as well, Michael Hector. And >> so even um, when we talked about the front stairs remodeling, how unsafe it is, even they couldn't figure out how we can do it, right? That's like, can we just do like a flat landing coming out of the front door?
>> Mhm. >> Uh, so where the stairs are and just make the stairs go down into the front yard on the other side. >> Okay. So, show me. So, you're over there, but you're saying that you're going to >> So, >> take your take take the microphone. Take the microphone and show me what you're
what you're proposing. >> I mean, I see the steps there. So, those >> which they seem pretty darn short. >> Yeah. So, um, pretty much eliminate the stairs, >> uh, and make that into a landing all in front of this, um, front area. >> But how would you get to the landing?
>> Uh, and build the stairs going down that way. I don't here into this yard area. >> So, it would be like five steps, five, six steps. >> Oh, so you would get you would put the steps on the other side. You're not >> right here, right? You get rid of those steps is what you're saying at
>> the steps will be well, this would be a landing. >> It's a landing. landed right >> and the step >> right across. Um and also this door right here swings to the outside. So when you go in, you really can't go inside the house, you know, it's dangerous. So that's why they they
can't even use the stairs. So uh if they make that a landing flat, they'll make this door. That's also part of the uh petition swing inside. That way they can have like a safe, you know, >> yeah, >> egress or you know, exit or enter of the house. And then the stairs will pretty
much come into here. The >> So would the landing go almost to that fence? >> Pretty much. No. No. Uh, we want to keep it pretty much like 3 ft, which is the stairs. >> Mhm. >> So, we still have like like a foot or two. I know all of this is not according to the
>> No, but I'm just trying to visualize it. So, you would basically have the same width, but it just they would be flat. >> It would be flat, right? Coming out of the out of here would be flat. I think you have a front picture. Is there another set of pictures? Was there another set of pictures?
>> Oh, there you go. Oh, okay. >> All right. Yeah, pretty much. So, yeah, like it'll be flat in here. So, it' be like this height >> where there be a gate around it or a a railing. A railing. >> Yes. Yes, definitely. Yeah. Railing on the >> on the landing. >> On the landing and railing going down
the stairs, right? And then this gate to go into the house will be moved, you know, where the steps end >> plus another landing. So the gate will we move there. >> Okay. >> So that's uh so it's pretty straightforward, you know, but I know
like obviously if we adhere to the new building codes, none of this will work. Sorry. >> Thank you. >> Um is is a that door is a um a porch a deck. What's in after that door?
>> That's a vestibule. So right after that is right after that that that door is pretty much inside. It's indoors. Uh vestibule it's it's in vest. >> And the doors open which way? >> Right now it opens outside. So like like if you're on that step
>> like you have to like walk back and carrying bags you can't really use it you know. >> Oh >> yeah. So that's why they haven't used it and they only have one >> and the rear entrance. Yeah. That's the only thing they use the whole time. >> Yeah. And because of that that door open that way. You going to maintain it that
way? >> No. No. No. So that's why we have to land it. We want to move the door um to the right a little and it will open to the inside. >> We'll make it stream to the inside. >> So you're going to reconstruct that whole front area. >> Yes. Yes. That's part of the u >> petition as well. Yeah. I mean all that
is like plexiglass. So I mean they kind of left it like you know he bought the house three years ago or whatever that was. Um All this didn't make sense to, you know, like redo it as it is because it's it's not functional. >> So assuming you do you're removing the
fence, too. >> The fence. Yes. Yes. Yes. That that chain chain link fence. Yes. That's go. I mean all all of this also really ugly. So that's one of the things. So >> is that chain link fence in the front yard? >> Front the front entrance. Front.
>> Yeah. We're not we're going to get rid of that. >> And that gate opens to the sidewalk. So, I mean, like if they were to use it, you know, somebody's coming down the street, they'll be blocking the sidewalk. That's how it is right now, you know. So, the new gate will open inside the front yard
where when he moves it down >> a little farther down the house. >> Okay. >> This is a public hearing. Is anybody here speak on this? This will not be the only opportunity because they'll be back before us next month. There being no one, you're going to go
to the planning board on the 23rd of June and back here on July 14th. Okay. >> All right. >> Got those dates. If you're not clear about them, confirm call the department and confirm the date. >> Yeah. I wrote in Yeah. June 23rd. >> June 23rd. And then back here, that's So
that's the planning board and June and the zoning board is on July 14th. Yeah. I think John told us that. >> So we wrote it out. >> All right. >> John will care. He'll be done. >> I know. It'll be up here on the 23rd. >> On the 23rd, he'll be here. That's true.
>> Okay. >> He's only can get retirements, not quite a way. Thank you. We're all set. We'll see. We'll see. Thank you so much. Um the next one is 20268 37 and 37R central a Christopher friend for special permit and variance seeking approval for the
combination of the bel below premises the construction of a rare addition on the second and third floor and the conversion of an existing residential structure. Hold on a minute residential structure from the three family to a four family structure which does not meet the minimum requirements for lot
area and off streetet parking. >> I don't know if you want to ask if anybody needs interp. >> Does anybody here need an interpreter? Okay, then we're going to let our interpreter go. Thank you. Um, so again, this is the first time
we're hearing this, so we won't be deciding it today. You will go to the planning board on the 23rd of June. You'll come back here on the 14th of July. Okay. So, introduce yourselves and please tell us about your project. >> Uh, my name is Christopher Friend. I own
37 central a one uh actual thing. Correct me if I'm wrong. I was under the understanding that the addition was not part of the zoning process. I was talking to like I have plans with ISD because uh
>> if it's if it's an accessory dwelling unit, it doesn't. But if it's an extension, it does. >> Right. I mean, >> so there's an um so there's an existing addition on the first floor and when I was talking to Mike and Hector,
they were telling me that was grandfathered in up to the roof line. So they actually have plans for this addition extending up the building or did I misunderstand something? >> Part of the building that you It's part of the building you're converting to from a three to a four. >> Uh
yes. So it the structure itself is grandfathered but the use is not. So if you're converting a three family to a four family it all gets considered in >> Okay. All right. >> Okay. So now tell us what you're
proposing. >> Oh. So what I'm there's currently this addition on the first floor and there are two porches above it to the second and third floor. Um, I don't understand how it's all standing. It's kind of like a mess. So, I'd like to demo all of that
and then reframe up to the roof line. Uh, basically >> demo all the way down to the ground or just the the two the two decks. >> Uh, no, down to the ground. The addition is like I it's really uh doesn't make
much sense. So, I'd like to reframe all of that. Um the first floor edition currently just had like a sun room and a bedroom. So I'd like to add a second bathroom on each floor and then um pretty much just mirror.
>> So you basically want to add a whole back to the back to the building. >> Yeah. Exactly. Exactly. The only new space that would be getting added uh is the second and third floor. >> But no, but you're but it won't be because you're going to be knocking down what's on the first floor. You said right now.
>> Uh correct. Correct. rebuilding, >> right? Well, you're rebuilding it. So, if you're not geeked up, then you're adding that whole piece. >> Exactly. Just rebuilding the existing footprint of what's there. Um, so that's one part of the project. Then the other part is it has a huge basement with 9
foot ceilings. So, I would like to put a four bedroomedroom, two bathroom unit down there and then create there's a a two bay brick garage which has a lot of structural damage. So, I'd like to demo that and add four parking spaces
that would all Yeah, those are the parking spaces. So, it' be a little bit tight. Um, you would have to either back in or back out. I currently, you know, back out of there every day. >> I know that that's not something we
favor when we're >> Yeah, it's kind of There's not a lot of space back there. Um, so even with the two bay garage, I'm not really sure that you can uh I've I've never tried turning my van around back there. I always every time I
>> Well, but if but you're you're adding to the building, right? So you're adding basically a whole section to the build right now. Right now you want to take down the bottom floor of that addition >> and build up there, right? >> Right.
>> Okay. So what if you didn't do that? What if you just knocked it down? Well, I would lose uh bedroom on the first floor, so that would be kind of tough. Uh because I I bought this building about uh just a little over a
year ago. So, you know, it's um a four bedroomedroom single bathroom on the first floor. So, um it would kind of stink to lose a bedroom on the first floor. Uh
>> but you want to put bedrooms on the basement. >> Uh that would be a fourth unit, right? That would be the idea. >> Which would further exacerbate your parking? >> Yes. Correct. Yeah. Current I mean currently I have I offer there's no parking for any tenants. So this at
least would get four parking spaces. Currently I just I'll park my van. >> But show me where you get Show me where your parking So those >> those four. Yeah. >> But they'd have to back out to the street. That's really not good. >> Yeah. Yeah, they'd have to either back or the other option is they could back
in >> or the option you don't build on that area and you have a parking spot. You have a parking area. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> No, other No, I'm just saying or else you don't rebuild that section. >> Yeah. >> And you have a parking and then you have a you add another unit on the basement.
So, so anyway, I I mean I just so just you know, I mean that's that's I'm not sure I I can't speak for them, but for me that doesn't look like if if you can't pull out straight, if you can't pack out and pull out straight, it's dangerous. That's a long driveway to
back out to and into the street. >> Yeah, unfortunately there's really I mean there's green space on the other side. Um my plan is I'd like to landscape that nicely. I could tear it all down and make it a big driveway so
you like loop around, but I kind of hate to get rid of green space. >> Um, >> the cars will get rid of the green space for you. >> What's that? >> When they run over the park, right? >> Yeah. Unfortunately, there's just really It's not a It's kind of a weird lot
size. There's really I mean, I'm just Yeah, that's pretty much the only parking that you could I could really add there. Um, >> I mean, it's it's one thing to be asking to build above your footprint, you know,
and say, "Okay, but now you but on top of that, you're asking to add a whole four additional fourbedroom unit underneath." So, it's two pieces that you're asking for and and the parking it's it's just it's not it's not feasible. Again, I don't know. Maybe the planning board will have different and
maybe my colleagues have different thoughts about it. Yeah, I guess one thing about the addition is that will not be adding any new bedrooms. It's really going to be adding um just another second bathroom on every floor and then kind of like a sun room on the
second and third floor. >> How big is that area that you're adding? >> Uh it's about like 270 square feet on each floor. >> So it's not that big that they're doing. >> So I'd be putting like mechanicals out there. So it's so it's not a whole room that
you're >> No, I mean that Hector was very specific like I cannot they will not approve adding bedrooms to any of the units >> um other than we are asking to create. Okay, >> questions.
>> Will you be providing us more detailed plans at the next meeting? Uh well, I submitted uh yeah, I think do you guys have all the uh the basement plans and the building plans? I gave those
>> just like the finished, you know, like the finished product. >> Yeah. No, I have the the basement plans. Uh those were submitted showing, you know, the proposed four bed, two bath. >> They got cut off. I got cut off when it
was uh photo copies. >> Well, then we'll we'll see it at that next meeting. Okay. We'll just make sure that we have that >> and I Yeah, I just I'm still not clear exactly >> what we're looking for, but I think I'm a little clearer based on the
conversation. >> So, for all intents and purposes, you want to build on what is this the back area that adds a bedroom for each of the floors above you. >> Oh, no. No. So Hector and Mike are very
clear. Uh I'm unable to add bedrooms. >> No, bathroom. I'm sorry. Did I say bedroom? I said bathroom. You want to add >> Oh, yes. Correct. Bathroom. Right. >> Bathroom for each of them. And then you want to add four bedrooms and another bath in the basement. >> Uh four bed, two bath in the basement.
Right. >> I'm sorry. We didn't get We have no floor plans in the petition. Oh, did uh I gave you guys the 36 inch the big I brought those in. Do you remember? >> We'll we'll look. >> Okay.
>> Okay. >> I can I can bring those in tomorrow. >> Uh John, can you show us the pictures, please? >> All All the pictures. >> These pictures. >> Yeah. The ones you have. Yeah. >> And what's what is that? Uh that's a two
bay garage. So that is where you know the idea is have three angled parking spots on the right side and then another one that would pull in at an angle uh behind the building. >> So you're going to tear it down.
>> Yeah. I mean the garage has got some significant structural damage. So, my thought is, you know, could either spend a lot of money to fix it and have kind of a weird two- bay garage. Like, I don't I've never pulled a vehicle into
that right bay. Uh, it's kind of an awkward layout. So, could either spend money fixing it or spend money and tear it all down and just uh have more usable space. So this this is where like the bedrooms
would be going. That's all kind of like southwest facing. So those windows I would just keep all of the lentils and then you know cut down within the lentil. Um so they're yeah they're all
plenty big enough to be egress windows and can get them down 40 inches above the uh finished floor. So it'll all be >> where's where's the egress? Uh I don't know if there's well there's not a picture of the egress there. There'll be two egresses. There's an existing egress
that goes out into the uh garden area and then the second egress would go out into the driveway area. Yeah. So that's part of the damage in the uh garage. It's kind of getting blown out. Have you have any issues, you know, as
in now coming out of the driveway and the people because you got the laundromat next door, people trying to cross, you kind of hit, you know, bounce each other where you trying to come out on the car. Oh. Um, well, I've got a backup camera in my van, so and it beeps
if anything is near me. So, I've never had that issue. I mean, I just have to always back up very cautiously on Central A. Um, you know, I'd be happy to put I probably should put a mirror on the building. That might help. Um, but I've
never I haven't had an issue yet. But it is a little you've got to be careful because especially if there's a car parked um you know in front of the laundromat where you're trying to pull out it >> kind of blocks your view of the oncoming
traffic. >> So you just do it slowly. >> Oh, so you have a gate? >> Yeah, there's a gate. I mean it was there when I got it. I don't >> you have to keep it. I could get rid of it. Uh, or I could replace it with an
ice gate. You know, I'm kind of open to to whatever. >> Okay. >> I had a question. >> I love your thought process. We could I could see your mind turnurning as we asked you the questions in terms of um the plan. So, I
appreciate your process. But um um in coming back it'd be great to kind of I don't know have more like a descriptive picture so we could see like the final product because we see the space in the room and the buildout but to put that
into better context coming back. But my question was um in the basement you have like the hot water heaters and the um gas tanks and stuff. Where would you put those if you want to renovate that basement space? >> Yeah. No, that's a great question. So,
I'm trying to decide right now. Uh, so I plan to That's all steam heat, which I like, but um it unfortunately takes up a lot a big footprint in the basement and it's not the most efficient. So, I will either be replacing each floor with a an
ondemand combi unit like a Navine with a baseboard hot water. Uh, the other option is possibly doing heat pumps depending on the rebates, but the building is uninsulated. So, I've read
I've made mixed things on using a heat pump for an uninsulated brick building. And it's tough to insulate because it's brick. you get moisture issues when you insulate. So, uh but that's that's the plan. It'll be getting replaced. So, um possibly heat pumps. If not that,
it'll be uh baseboard hot water and that'll be those mechanicals would go in that addition space. So you'll have an apartment in the basement and then two above house like because you show pictures of the it's
like the basement. So you can have a basement apartment and then two ba two uh two family or three family above that. Is that >> right? Correct. >> Okay. >> Yeah. We just want to see I to reiterate what what Joan just said. It's It's kind
of hard to visualize what you're doing. A plan of what you want from the basement, plan from what you want on the back. >> I I could Would you want me to email it to you right now? I think >> No, I want you to send it to that. >> Well, send it to you tomorrow. Okay. >> Okay. John, where's that line? That line
goes on the driveway. That's a property line. >> That's a property line. Yeah. >> How car whatever number you're going to put the first one to your right. How that car is going to get parked if it does a property line. >> Oh, so that will make that turn. >> Are you talking about the
>> Yes, you pull in. Yeah, you pull in that first spot. Yeah, that one. How do I make that turn? If that the proper I know probably it's not in there, right? Because it's at the driveway, >> but >> but is that the property line to your uh to your laundromat? >> Uh yes, it is. >> He owns a next door.
>> Oh, okay. >> Yeah. Okay. I'll I'll let my >> You can give yourself an easy >> Yeah. Yeah. Right. I'll allow it. >> That clarifies that. Yeah, I give you this like how do you get out of there? Okay, any other questions before I open it up? Is there anybody here who wishes
to speak on this? There being none, I am not closing the public participation portion. Go to the planning board on the 23rd of June back here on the 14th of July. >> Okay, sounds good. Thanks. >> Thank you. Next. 2026-091
Lafayette A Nicole Dunn for special permit and variance seeking approval for the construction of a two family dwelling which requires separating an existing lot into two parcels. Lot A is a proposed subdivided lot to contain existing two family structure which does
not meet the minimum requirements of frontage. Likewise, excuse me, newly created parking spaces located in the front yard setback and within five feet of the sideyard property line and spaces are below the required 9 foot width. Lot B is a proposed subdivided lot to
contain proposed two family structure which does not meet the minimum requirement for frontage, sideyard setback, rear yard setback, combined yard setback, required parking spaces, lot size, usable open space, and maximum requirement for lot coverage. This is
the first time we're hearing this. We will not be deciding it today. We go to the planning board on the 23rd of June. Come back here on the 14th of July. >> Understood. Thank you. >> Okay. Tell us who you are and tell us what you're proposing. >> My name is Nicole Dunaran. I live at 34
Hillside A and I am proposing a redevelopment of one Lafayette A. Um so just to walk you guys kind of through who I am, I'm a third generation Chelsea resident. I have a family um that I'm raising here in Chelsea. I'm very dedicated to the community and the
future of Chelsea and just um the site itself. My dad lives there, so we really want to utilize the space that we have to um create a better future for the area. So, just to get into the project, um you can go to the next slide. Just I
know it's been a long night, so we'll get right to the pictures. Um so, this is the current site. I don't know if any of you have ever drone drove by, but there is a lot of stairs. Um, it's a very particular site. The
topography is very tough, I will say. Um, it's very hard to maintain. So, currently there's over 50 steps just to get to the front door. Um, the summers the landscape is ridiculous. No, no landscape company wants to pick up the
account. My dad does it by hand uh with a weed whacker and he has to use golf cleat to be able to stand on this hillside and that is no joke. Um the winters are tough because obviously the snow and the ice it's very dangerous. If
you miss one of those steps on the ice you're going all the way down. So, we really want to redevelop this to make the existing site um you know more appealing to the neighborhood, a better aesthetic, but also more usable to the
existing structure that is there. Uh which is why we came up with the um proposed subdivision. Uh so you can go to the next uh okay so the the project has two sections to it. So, it's a
proposal for a subdivision. So, lot A is the existing >> site, the yellow one. Yep. And then lot B is the new proposal. Um, so we can go. So, Yep. Okay. So, the existing conditions of this site obviously like
we talked about um steep grade un underutilized land space. There's it's a big big lot but you cannot use it. It's unusable because of the steep slope. Um maintenance obviously. And then accessibility to that back house. >> Um,
>> is that an existing house there? Is that what you're saying? >> Yeah, the the yellow one. >> No, the black the back house you said. >> So I just meant the yellow one. >> Oh, okay. >> Um, that back one is uh considered Sturgeis. So that's So I own the yellow one. The
white one isn't um in Yeah. in the topic. But I just to talk about that a little bit. So, I wanted to give you guys like a It's hard to get a full picture because it's it's actually really vast, but the neighborhood itself. So, if you see that blue house
there on the right, it's we want to mirror a very similar setup with that hillside spot right there before the stairs. So, the proposed home would go where those cones are. Um, which would
kind of mirror the same layout that's already existing in the neighborhood. So, that blue house, it has parking um on the side. There's homes behind that that >> kind of cut into the hillside. Is that >> Yep. Um, and then obviously there's
homes behind that. Um, so it would kind of be the same layout. Um, so the next one and then this was just like a clearer view of how you pull up Sturgis and how they have the parking on the right. I would be having it on the left. Um, unfortunately this
PowerPoint was large. It wouldn't allow me to send it. So I have the floor plans and the um plot plan and you know the renderings and everything, but they didn't get into that. So I hope John has them that we can go through them on the
big screen. So, this is the subdiv So, this is the subdivision. Um, I guess I could just get up and show you guys because it's kind of >> Take the mic. Take the microphone with you. >> Is it on? Okay.
>> Y >> Okay. So, this uh this is that yellow house that you guys saw. These are the stairs that are there right now. So, just to get into lot A first. Um, the new proposal would >> and lot A is the existing building.
>> The existing Yep. Lot A. So, the new proposal for lot A would be you drive up Sturgis and then you park on Sturgis and there's already a set of stairs here that go to the house. So, instead of starting at the bottom of this hill,
you're already halfway up because you're on Sturgis. So that cuts the amount of stairs it takes to get to that yellow house. So that's my plan as far as like accessibility, being able to create better accessibility for this house in
general. And then also not taking away parking spaces that are already there, just recreating them here. So that's um and then you know we tried to minimize as many relief um variances or special
permits as possible on lot A to just keep that existing structure somewhat conforming. Um but then to get into lot B that would be here. So the lot line is here. we would be cutting it in half and
the front of lot B is now one Lafayette or however the city would determine that address. There's two parking spots here. Um this is the structure. Well, we can get into like I said the renderings and the elevations in the next slide, but
this would be the subdivision itself. And um these guys did an amazing job. Like I said, it's a tough site. So, uh, a lot of climbing up the hills and trying to get the topography and, um, if
this does go forward, they are contracted to have this staked out correctly and, you know, paid for in a way where there won't be any issues with subdivision like the other gentleman had before where he, you know, said it was
done incorrectly. So, we have every plan to have Peter Nolan deal with the subdivision and the lot staking out. >> Are you planning to create a retaining wall? >> Yes. Yes. Um, so the Okay, so here's the rendering. That would be if you were
coming down Lafayette, that's how you would see it. Um, so we provided decks because again, this is a hillside, so you really can't use it. So, we did want to provide some open space. So, we created these decks to be able to utilize the outdoor space. There
is a beautiful view of Boston because Lafayette is up the hill from Foresight and Parker. Um, so we wanted to create that. And then accessibility. The parking's here and um we can go to the next slide for the floor or Yeah, we can
continue here. So, there's going to be some open space here for you'll see the trash cans and um you know, any of the condensers, any of the mechanical equipment that needs to be outside would be here on this side.
And there's a little bit of open space. And to your point, there will be a lot of retaining that needs to be done um in order to incorporate this entire >> And that's a two family structure. >> Yes. This is it a two family with an
ADU. >> Okay. >> So these are the elevations. So overall the height of the building overall is only 20 ft. So it's not a very large structure. It wouldn't impede on anybody
else's views. um those other houses in the rear, they're extremely high up anyways, but I really wanted to create something that um wouldn't impede on anybody else. Like I said, I own the house in the back. We want to, you know, preserve that and we want to have
neighbors be able to, you know, maintain their properties and enjoy the views that they have as well. So, this is the floor plan. Um, so it's a little grainy, but I can go through it.
John, do you want to go back to that floor plan? So, this is the ground level. This is the ADU. It's a two-bedroom, one bath. Um, this is the I would guess you'd call it unit one and it's a threebedroom, two
bath and uh all you know mechanicals. It's going to be all electric heat pumps um with in home washer and dryers and you know full kitchens, full baths, um usable closet space. Again, there's
decks, there's uh two means of egresses. >> Are these each twotory? No, they're single. So, it's like uh ground level, then unit one is considered, you know, first story, I guess, and then second story. So, they're they're not Yeah,
they're not like town houses. No, they're just single level. >> And yeah, that just goes back to the existing um plot plan. So, that's my proposal. How much? So, is most of the yard still staying
with the yellow house? Where's the >> Yes. Yes, it is. Yep. So, that dark dotted line um in behind the lot B is the lot line. So all of that um is
staying with the yellow house because it's such a sloped area. It's really, you know, to give it to lot B, it wouldn't make any sense. So we really wanted to keep it with lot A. >> I just had a question in regards to like
the three parking spaces or four parking spaces on the side. Sure. Are those part of your property or are they on the street? >> No, those are part of the property. >> Part of the property. Okay. >> That will >> that's the property. An a >> a Yes, ma'am. >> And the front steps that go all the way
down, those will be completely eliminated. >> Yes, they will. >> Okay. >> And the stairs that are proposed that we're going to be taking away, lot A's stairs, the ones you saw that I showed you a picture of, they're already
existing here. So, it's not like I would be recreating the wheel here. It's just we're now going to be utilizing those stairs instead. I mean, I'll steep. >> Yes, exactly. And I'll rebuild them. And, you know, we're going to try to incorporate it in um the retaining. I don't know if you guys have seen like
the retaining wall with the stairs in it, you know, so it's easier to maintain in the winter months. Like the wood, it gets torn up by the salt. Um, you know, it's just really hard to maintain those wooden steps where the recreation will be a lot more maintainable.
>> And there's no parking in the back of the yellow house. There's no >> there's no access. >> So, behind there is the solders's home. >> Okay. >> So, that's the that's the abuing property. >> I wish there was access from that. And I actually tried to get access from the
solders's home and it was a hard no. You go. >> Uh those four spaces, uh is there any lighting? You we're going to put lights. >> Yeah. So, um in the retaining that I'm going to be doing, there will be some
lighting in the retaining walls. So, um that will light that area. Uh there is a street light up there on Sturgis, though. So, it's pretty well lit as is, but I will be incorporating some lighting in that in that structure, the retaining wall structure.
on the uh lot a um no um landscaping anything just >> for the exist for the existing structure or they proposed >> for proposed yeah >> no so um there's really like I don't have a lot of frontage or any yard space
there cuz it's the hillside so I had a similar project um on hillside a where I live and um I created a lot of window boxes to make greenery and um I had a picture of it but I didn't want to put it up and uh but I I can bring that for
the next time just to show that there is a somewhat of a landscape plan but it's just more so potted plants and window boxes to create some green some greenery and then the decks will have you know space for the potted plants and stuff.
What's going to happen where this um where the stairs are now? Right. The the stairs. Um what's going to happen if this approving? You're building everything. What's going to happen? They're just going to um be plain grass in it. >> Yes. >> Right.
>> Yep. Yep. So, um there, you know, it's just a small width of the staircase and everything else is grass already. So, um, we are just planning on keeping that the same, but it's just going to be a little bit more
accessible without those stairs there to get on either side. Um, we have some ideas of planting some ivy to kind of keep that ground, you know, to keep the grass from growing so high. Kind of keeps it at a ground level.
>> One more question. So you're only providing two parking spaces to the uh to the proposal unit. >> That's correct. >> So you have three it will be three uh apartments, right? >> So >> to accessory. >> Yeah.
>> So I don't know how to answer that because I was told that the ADU had to be like non-disussed. So I don't know. >> It's non-disussed. It's just we can't it's not we have no right on it. >> Okay. >> It's nothing you can discuss. you just did, but it's just a matter of it doesn't matter because we can't we can't
place any conditions or make our decisions with that in mind. It's like it's invisible for us >> and based on the state law, there is no off street parking required for accessory dwelling units. >> Got it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you,
>> Joan. Let me find my green light. >> It's on you. >> Got it. Um, this is great. >> Thank you. >> Because when we were out canvasing, we did not get up to that door because of
those stairs. >> Yes. >> Um, so and it was very extensive. So this is, you know, for lack of better word, it's brilliant for you to come up with a plan like this that actually will help with
accessibility and also help with um beautifification and the whole nine yards. So um good luck. It's a major plan for sure and the buildout, but just want to say that um
it was well thought out. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. Okay. >> And I did take that into consideration. Um, even the postmen, I feel so bad that they got to go all the way up. Um, but he's and she they said, "Well, they've
been doing it this long, so they're okay with it, but I feel terrible." My dad, I feel terrible for he goes up and down those stairs every day, a couple times a day. Uh, which is actually the real reason why we are trying to redevelop it because he loves the area. He loves the privacy. He loves it up there. Um, but
unfortunately, you know, he's just it's just getting unrealistic at this point. So, we really want to try to give him something more accessible, which would be that first floor unit with the parking right there. >> How many parking spaces do you currently have? >> Four.
>> Four. Okay. So, you would So, you keep that. So, you're taking those four and moving them over and then adding the two. >> That's correct. and Sturgeis Street um they used to actually allow you to park on that side where my property is, but
then the fire department um took away the parking altogether. So now it's not like I would be taking away any parking from any of the neighbors because it's it you're not allowed to park on that street anyways. So just a small point to make.
>> Any other questions? I have a couple of um com letters. I just want to write them. This came from Willie Wen. I don't think we should approve it because the street is extremely difficult to find any parking space for two family. It will cause more stress on parking. I cannot attend the meeting on June 9th.
So just email the vote no as one of the owners on a James Demo. I am the property owner to is this the right one? Yep. For two to four Franklin A Chelsea. I absolutely support one Lafayette Chelsea as I believe it will greatly benefit the
community. So um again is there anybody here who wishes to speak on this? Did you say no? Is anybody what? Oh, you have another one. I missed that one. Sorry. Sorry. From Dear Draon Romo. I would like to
give our support for the redevelopment of B Lafayette for the gold. I believe this will improve the neighborhood from that's from dear Don Romo. Any question? Any Okay, I'm going to keep the public participation open. >> You have to go before the planning board
on the 23rd as I said earlier and back here on the 14th of July. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Will John be here on the 14th? >> The 23rd, but not the 13th. >> I'll be here on the 23rd. >> Happy retirement. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you everyone. >> Thank you. Um, and the last thing is a little um update that we're going to be getting from John. Is this your last official update to us? >> It is >> on the soldiers home revisions. And this there's this is not a vote. This is just
an FYI. >> Give me a second to find Oh, Maria, we we already extended your case. >> Oh, thank you so much. >> Yeah, it was all taken care. >> Yeah, we we extend Yeah, we extended it. So, >> thank you so much. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Council is just hanging around with us. It's tasting cool. >> Sorry, this is the best plan I could come up with. Okay, >> so this is the uh soldier's home uh up on Crest Aab and uh they are um looking
for a building permit and they presented us some plans and they've done some modifications uh that we've that felt within we felt was in our authority to approve as minor modifications. They were related to they eliminated parking deck and and um created parking
elsewhere on the site. Uh but specifically want to bring to you is that they had included a cafe uh in this first portion of it. After doing some um cost reviews,
uh they have opted to eliminate the cafe and instead put provide for green space uh for socializing on that. And I just um we approved as a minor one primarily because of the cost and they could not find a way of making it a profitable um
but I just wanted to bring it up to you uh so that you know when it's finished you know you were told it was cafe there it's not going to be a cafe. >> So they basically felt that once they did the costbenefit analysis it just it wasn't feasible. >> Correct. >> It's not I'm not surprised. um in Dharma
and you know when you get plans they're not 100% anyway because they have to do their value engineering afterwards. So um they did it they did the cost estimate and that's what came from it. >> That's all we did. >> Okay. Well, let's let's end our meeting
before we make a vote and just do a standing O for John. >> I I thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I have to tell you, when I was contemplating um retirement, one of the things that went through my head was that I will no
longer be serving the boards. And believe me, the past 32 years I've been serving a number of boards. And that is what makes this job enjoyable. And what I'm really going to miss the most, you know, is you.
Every everybody, all the people I've dealt with. Um, and if I keep going on, I'm going to I'm going to end up crying because it it um it's been very emotional uh for the past uh couple months. Um when I first told them
people, I said, "Am I doing the right thing?" Um I tell everybody as I get closer, "Yeah, I did the right thing." But I'm really I am really going to miss it. I want to thank you all for all the support you've given me and um I hope that
I very much appreciate that not only uh you give me support but you get the support to the city that you your your work here was always is always to better the city and I very much appreciate that. Thank you. >> Thank you. We will miss you. We're happy
to have you will but we are going to miss it. I'm sure I'm leaving >> I have no doubt >> I am leaving this in great in good hands with um >> Bill and Hector and yeah they all they all make a fantastic >> and and as I said to you earlier it's a
credit to both of you one you are a great teacher you are a great student so and and that will play out well. >> So with that being said do we have a motion to adjurnn? >> I make a motion to adjurnn.
>> Do second. All in favor? >> I