Test one, two. >> Good evening and welcome to the River Zoning Board of Appeals. If you could rise and salute the flag, please. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Madame clerk, roll call, please. >> Roll call of the members. Mr. Lea, >> here. Mr. Lopes, >> here. Mr. O'Brien, >> here. >> Here. Mr. Pelton, >> here. Miss Pratt >> here. And Chairman Tucker
>> here. Here a quorum is present. First item on tonight's agenda is application A2529 Julia noguiera 90 King Street handover mass requesting a variance of rea revised ordinances section 17282 minimum parking requirements and a
special permit in accordance with section 17440 to enable the appellant to convert an existing non-conforming single family dwelling to a two family dwelling at 460 River Okay. There's a button right on the bottom. State your name and address for
the record, please. >> I am. Let me >> You can let it go. >> Okay, good. >> Nope. Press it one time and then leave it. Leave it alone. There you go. >> Okay. I am Williams the I'm building the the 160 H Street and uh
>> are you the applicant? >> Yes. >> Okay. Your name and address for the record. >> And uh my name is Williams and uh my address is 2224 Francis Avenue, Mansfield. >> Okay.
And uh my customers needed for the the building like uh another floor up the existing house and then but we don't have a the parking lot and uh we needed the solution for the to
continue the job there. >> Okay. Do you wish to present anymore or you the plan states at all? >> Yes. >> Okay. Seeing that this is a public hearing, I will have to ask if there's any proponents. Anyone in favor?
Anyone in the audience wish to speak? >> In favor? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Hi. >> How are you? >> Cory, 270 Beach Street. Um I'm in favor of this proposal. They have um [clears throat] a unique shaped lot. Um
it's different from all their other neighbors. Um it's like a triangular shaped lot. >> Um so um they would basically have a good hardship claim because their lot is irregular to all the other uh lots in
the neighborhood. Um so it would they probably find it really difficult um to construct any type of parking um based on uh how it's >> how it is now. So, um they're a single
family home. Um >> we need to build another home and then >> Yeah. So, um I think it would be beneficial to the homeowner um to get it approved. So, I I >> Thank you very much. >> Yep. >> Thank you. >> Are there any other proponents? Anyone
else in favor? Seeing hearing none, I'll close that side of the hearing. Are there any opponents? Anyone opposed? Seeing and hearing none, I'll close that side of the hearing. Any members wish to speak? >> What's the opinion of the water council?
>> Do we know >> up? She's getting up now. >> Angela, w city councelor. Um, I did receive two letters in opposition, but I don't know if they were sent to the clerk. >> No letters on file.
>> We have no letters on file. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> What's the will of the council? There was a motion to approve. That would be with our standard conditions. If the rights authorized by this special
permit are not exercised within two years of the date of the grant of this special permit, the right shall lapse. This special permit shall not be valid until the appellant has recorded this special permit and plan in the Suffach County Registry of Deeds and submits document recording numbers and dates to the city clerk and building inspector of
the city of River and the appellant must receive site plan review approval prior to applying for a building permit. Shall the zoning board of appeals grant the special permit subject to those conditions? Mr. Lemonina? >> Yes. Yes, Mr. Lopes. >> Yes, Mr. O'Brien. >> Yes.
>> Yes, Mr. Pelton. >> Yes. >> Yes. And Chairman Tucker. >> No. >> No. The special permit has been granted. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Next application is A2530 Zapage Development LLC 791 Broadway Reier
requesting variances of title 17 of the Revier revised ordinances to enable the appellant to raise the existing structure and construct a 112 unit residential structure at 500 Reier Street. Good evening, council. You'll have a fivem minute presentation. Proponents
are two minutes. Opponents are two minutes. You may start now. >> Mr. Chairman, thank you very much. Good evening. Good evening to the members of the ZBA, James Cipleta, 5 Fremont Street in Winthrop. On behalf of the applicant, uh Mr. Chairman and members, this is a
proposal for the uh raising of the current building at 500 uh Revier Street and replacing it with a sevenstory residential um building containing 112 residential units. The the breakdown is
24-bedroom units, 58 one-bedroom units, and 30 studio units. The lot is 20,365 square ft. It has 96 feet of frontage on Revier Street and 200 feet of frontage on Ford Street.
Included in the plan are 52 parking spaces. Now, 40 of those are going to be at ground level built under the residential uh first floor, which essentially would be the second floor of the building. that the developer thought and the site plan review committee was
uh favorably um disposed to having as many off- streetet parking spaces at at at the location and as many covered parking spaces as we could get. We were able to get 40 of them beneath the building at grade 12 additional park
parking spaces as shown on the revised plan uh around and behind the building. Um although there are six variances that are requested here, they're all intertwined. And I think the most standout variances are as usual. Um
parking and in this case height and stories. And the height and stories are are are related. As far as the parking variance, Mr. Chairman, uh the the ability to get four cars beneath the living space to provide maximum off-
streetet parking uh is a benefit. And I think it is um it is to the developers credit that he is giving up at least um any groundf flooror residential spaces uh I'm sorry residential units uh and having to build them at a higher
elevation which costs more money. The height is the second uh probably more are just as equally controversial um uh request and that is to accommodate uh a 69 foot high building where the
zoning dimensional regulations max out at 50 for this res for this zone. But that is to accommodate the parking on on the first level where he's giving up uh where he uh ordinarily would be able to put uh residential
units. Stories is uh inextricably linked with with the height and that again is order in order to put the parking at grade and to raise the first floor of living space up one
level. that results uh in the requirement for another named zoning uh variance and that is um the F the floor area ratio and those are all intertwined and all because of
having to raise the the buildings to the building to accommodate the parking at ground level. The seventh seventh story however is terrace back as you can see on on the plan. Uh so from rever street
back you're a not able to actually see that seventh story although it is residential. It's um part of part of the entire project that was uh was included in both the first plan and the revised
plan. that is to take away that monolithic um look of the building and give it some architectural u appeal. Hardships do exist uh with regard to this project and the shape of the lot
and its split zoning district is uh the most pronounced. Uh the lot is of a very irregular shape. It its square footage wraps around another piece of property. There are easements uh to and from the property and for the benefit of and at
at the burden of both. Um those easements to the benefit of the neighbor are going to remain in place. They're not going to change. So all of the access and egress and circulation uh that exists now with regard to having
access to the neighbors uh will will stay in place. It's not out of harmony with the requirements of the district. The district allows five stories as a matter of right and five and 50 feet of height, but that doesn't account for and take into consideration the mitigation
that we're doing down below by providing all of those extra spaces, all of those off- streetet parking spaces [snorts] at grade. What are the benefits? Every project has its benefits. Every project has its its negatives. The benefits here, I submit, far outweigh the
negatives. The first would be uh the installation of all new water, sewer, and related infrastructure at the property and all along Ford Street. New sidewalks and curbs around the site and all along Ford Street. Planting of trees and other natural screening elements around the
around the uh the property. The entire property will have security cameras. And those cameras on the east side will also take in Ford Street, at least in the the public way, the sidewalks and the and the roadway. And that gives an extra
measure of security and some assistance to law enforcement because it makes that area uh a much safer area to uh to reside in. The lighting of the area uh will be modified. We had uh some comments from
and I'll talk about just very briefly in the one minute that I have left. The uh meeting that we had with the neighbors on December 8th. Um so the lighting is going to be directed away from the uh residential uses that are that are there. Any ground
lighting is going to be kept at a minimum so that it doesn't reflect into the surrounding properties. Trash will be stored inside the building containers taken out the rear part of the parking area. entry and exit to the building will be from the interior uh of the uh
parking area. Now, we did have a meeting and we had some good comments that were very helpful. They weren't all they weren't all um rainbows and unicorns. We heard the good and the bad and the ugly. So, what we did is we went back and we took all those comments and all those
suggestions and put them into the revised plan which you now see. And I suggest that the revised plan is one that um should be and could be a very good project and is worthy of the variances requested. Thank you, Mr. >> Thank you. Could you put up the plan
that shows the revised setbacks on the going towards Reier Street? It's not shown. >> Is it on the bottom? >> Yes, on the bottom of the page. Is it is it one of your illustrations on the bottom of the floor here or is it up
there? I'd like it to be put for the viewing public. This is a site plan. Yeah. >> So, that's the site plan. Where does it show the the offset from the street? Is that the the orange? >> Yep. >> Okay.
All righty. Thank you. >> Would the chairman want this up there in the site plan? >> You could put that up there so people could look at it, but then leave the site plan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, by the way, Rick Salvo, who's the project engineer, is here. He can ask
answer any questions and the developments. >> Well, we're going to continue on with the hearing. >> So, any proponents will step up to the microphone, state their name and address for the record, and you have up to two minutes to speak on the topic concerning
[clears throat] the zoning. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Blue McCarkcus 95 Lynway in the great city of Riviera. Uh for the benefit of the abutters and concerned citizens and the general public, as you know,
this permit granting authority, this ZBA is voting on a special permit, which actually is an exception to the rules. And as you know, you must rule on a case-bycase basis. So whatever happens down the street or across town has no
bearing on your decision tonight. With respect to the developer, I would ask that you take a look at his track record. When we went to Salem Street, the neighborhood went crazy. At the end of the deal, they were happy that he mitigated the impact. He worked on
sidewalks, lighting, safety, and we have a beautiful building on Salem Street. When we went to Shirley Avenue, he worked with the community. He was not in opposition for affordable
housing. We gave some units to veterans and I think it's a tribute and a just an essence of who this developer is working with the community. The third and final point, I just want you not to overlook
the transitoriented nature of this development. It's 3 to 4 ten of a mile to Wonderland. And this myth about 50 cars leaving at once is a myth. People are working remotely. They're getting
their food delivered. A lot of these next generation, if you will, they're taking the tea. And many of them don't even have cars. So, I would ask you to look at this developer's track record. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, members of the board.
>> Thank you. Thank you for sticking to the two minutes. Are there any other proponents? Please step up to the microphone, state your name and address for the record. If there's other proponents, please step behind them. This meeting, we're not going to be here till midnight. So, if you're going to speak, step right behind them, and I'll
be more than happy to give you your two minutes. >> Good evening. Name and address for the record, please. Halen Ganley 9 Ford. Uh yeah, when this first came across my desk, I was uh initially against it, but after discussing with Mario uh and his team, I found that this this development
by and large has more pros that outweigh my concerns and it addresses my concerns in a cohesive and meaningful way. I believe that this development will add value to Ford as well as our community and our city. I think that the addition of the new structure as well as the developments planned for Ford for Ford
with increased uh trees, monitoring uh security and new sidewalk will add significant value to all the residents and the designs such as it is will alleviate and ameliate the concerns that I initially had around traffic and parking. While traffic itself will always be a
continuing issue with RER by and large, I do think that this development uh and this development specifically will improve uh our neighborhood and improve um all of our all the people around us. Thank you so much. >> Thank you very much.
>> Thank you very much. Next person. >> Good evening. Name and address for the record, please. >> Evening, Mr. Tucker. My name is Tim Red and I live at 54th Street. I'm here to state I'm not in opposition to the project for 500 reve. I recently attended a community meeting a couple
weeks ago. Heard some worries from the residents potentially being affected by this project. The few bigger worries I can recall were congestion, traffic and parking. I bought my house on Ford Street knowing full well that living in Reier is city living and also that come
summertime, school time, Rever Street would be difficult most days and times. How could it not be living this close to America's first public beach and a school so close by? So, I deal with it. As far as the parking goes, the streets are well marked about non-resident parking. I believe that the city has an
outstanding police department as well as a traffic department. I would hope these departments would be vigilant in the enforcement of the parking regulations. I'm a new acquaintance of Mario because of this project. I feel he understands the worries of the community and tends to be proactive with these worries. Also
being the owner of the building, not just a building contractor that moves on to the next project, he will and should help the community and problems that can arise. Furthermore, and in closing, if in the end the biggest problem with this project is whether there's an extra story for parking or not, I personally
would rather the 40 to 50 plus parking spots under the building as opposed to no parking for all those residents. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Good evening. Name and address for the record, please. Uh >> my name is John Caparella. I live at 15
Belleview A. Um I'm a director of butter to the property where Mario is planning to build his new building. I had a chance to speak with Mario and wanted and wanted to share that I feel that this is um a great project. From our conversation from seeing um his other
work, I believe this building is a nice addition to this neighborhood. We talked about uh the trash, which I thought is a concern. Um he explained to me that uh the trash is going to be kept inside the building and not outside, which right now the church has a dumpster out in
back of my fence, um which obviously creates rodents. Um I looked over the plans and I like that there's no balconies and the quality. I like the uh quality of the finishes, including the blinds, which
he used in all his other buildings in Revier. Um I'm familiar with Mario's work cuz he built two doors down for me on Belleview Avenue, um where I currently live. He did a great job with the sidewalks, landscaping, and keeping up with and keeping the property clean.
Um I know Mario is a very fast builder. I've seen some of his work go up around Revier. It goes up very fast. unlike some of the other builders that I've seen in Ree. Thank you for your time. I really hope you guys approve this project tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Next proponent. >> Thank you. >> My name is Travis Alpert. I'm a community member. Um I operate and own a business in River as well. And uh I'm just here in >> You have to state your address, please. >> Oh, yeah. 19 Cooler Street uh member there. Uh River Community also on
Shirley and Walden Street. um also uh my business that operates out of Centennial. So, uh I'm here to support uh Mario Zapage in his build. I know that development is fast. Uh it's scary and
it it can steamroll uh the neighborhood. And so, I've made it my mission to meet with several developers um and hold them accountable um to what the community wants and what the community needs. Um I have business cards on me. if anybody wants them, we can connect. Um, the
reason I'm supporting this is because what I heard in the community meeting uh at Hianda was a lot of people were complaining about not being able to turn left onto River Street coming out of Ford. Um, what this new build will do,
there's now an outlet that's coming out further down River Street. Um, so actually the traffic's going to be decreased by by that. Also, um the trash other people had mentioned the trash pickup uh being a problem. And I went to
Mara's office. I asked him how he's going to do it. 90 seconds. Just like every other trash pickup in the city, quick. And if that's not good enough for the community, he said he's going to have them go into his lot. That's quick and easy. So, the way that he works with the community uh is way more invested
than I've seen other developers do. And also, he's not just a developer building and leaving town. He's a property manager and he's very diligent and so I I can't say more in favor of what he does. Um, and I've seen him work with the community and respect and honor them
as well as Angela. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Any other proponents? >> There's a letter on file. >> She's here. >> I'll read it. Good evening, board members.
>> Good evening. >> All right. I did submit a letter in case I had to leave. I wasn't sure whether my husband was going to call me or not, but um give me a little bit of leeway. Um I'm here to express my support for this
development at 500 River Street. Um, I understand there has been some opposition to this project and I respect the concern. I respect the concerns that were raised. However, I feel it's important to speak up when I believe a project is ultimately
a benefit for both the surrounding neighborhood and the city of River. Not to mention all the tax revenue that's going to come in. I have met with the developer Mario Zap Page on numerous occasions both
individually and on site and in meetings that included residents. In addition to the community meeting, In addition, the community meeting was held so that residents could hear directly from the developer and ask questions and voice their concerns. Many of those concerns
have been addressed through revisions and commitments made by the developer. the traffic and the parking. Throughout this process, the primary priorities have been parking and traffic, particularly given that Revier Street is already a heavily traveled
corridor. Residents currently experience difficulty entering and exiting Ford Street. This development will not increase traffic on Ford Street as all site access will be directed onto Revier Street. Vehicles will exit directly onto
Rivier Street, which will help improve overall traffic flow. The parking lot will be accessed from the front of the property, and vehicles associated with this building will not use Ford Street. The developer has
committed to provide 51 on-site parking spaces. Studio units will not be leased to residents that have vehicles. Each twobedroom unit will only be assigned one parking space as will select
one-bedroom units. Lease provisions will clearly prohibit additional vehicle ownership as he does with his other property on Broadway. While the NBTA Communities Act does not require this level of parking, it
[clears throat] was very important to me, both me and the neighborhood, particularly because Riviera does not issue resident parking permits for new developments. The seventh floor, which is a big question, the inclusion of the seventh floor is directly tied to the
financial viability of this project. The developer purchased the pro property for 3.4 4 million and financing would not have been approved without a financial a financially viable plan. The seventh floor is set back not to be visible from
the street minimizing the visual impact. Additionally, this does not set a new precedent as a seventhstory building already exists on Rivier Street. >> Council, I have to do the closing because it's exceeding three minutes.
But I'm the city council. I have my right to say what I have to say. I've had the community meeting. So please >> give me a little bit of leeway. >> Please. >> I cannot. Can you please hurry up? You I You're a proponent. I'm supposed to only give two minutes according to them, but
please close it up. >> Additional concerns including trash pickup, fire access, and rodents. Trash will be stored indoors and collected daily. The parking lot will remain accessible to both trash trucks and fire department. Design plans have been
modified to address resident concerns and the easement for the next door apartment building will still remain in place. While I respect the differing opinions, I cannot remain silent and genuinely believe a project will have a positive interest in our impact on our
community. I believe this development represents a meaningful improvement and will support small local businesses along Rivier Street and serves the broader interest of the city of Riviera. And I apologize for taking longer, but I think as the counselor I should have
been granted a little bit more leeway. Thank you. And you were >> four and a half minutes. Next person, next opponent, please. Anyone opposed? Is there any opponents? >> Yes.
>> Okay. If you'd kindly step up to the microphone, state your name and address for the record. I'm the owner of I'm here with my four units of six units of 486
about >> you state press the microphone state your name and address please. >> Okay thank you I hope you heard just what I said. Okay. So, this >> you have to state your name and address for the record.
>> The the my address is unit 5486 River Street. I'm here with the trustee, my trustee Fadio of the 486 River Street. We're speaking for the four units uh six units in our building. >> Okay.
And I'm opposed to it because um this first of all I heard the person previous say because the developer purchased this land very expensive so that's why they have to build this much more this is not a hardship okay the site itself although
it has a L shape but it's not that irregular and itself um we only based on current zoning we can only build 1.5 times of allowed area which the developer build like two or three times
more. There's no hardship for that. Like they are taking the whole lot out including the easement. They can use whole area and multiply by 1.5. But no, they have to do it three times. That's then second of all this location is very
bad for traffic. That lady just mentioned all the car. >> Stick to the topic for yourself because you only have two minutes. So you're going to speak on what your thing not what they said before. I don't want you to take a >> Yes. That is very bad for traffic because all the cars is going to enter
from Fourth Street. Either they're going to enter from fourth street or revection which is artery road of Northshore Road and also River Road which is the only exit from the beach in two miles. That's why all the beach traffic comes through the hair and all the trucks cuz
supermarket comes through here and that's that fourth street is only 50 ft away from the major intersection. Any car come in and out has very no reaction time from the car from the intersection. And if they're introducing
this many cars into they they said they're going to only do 04 I calculate only point4 cars 30 seconds unit >> and if they're going to a river street then that they have to add another curb cut that's city have to approve another
curb cut right next to four street. Um and the another thing is the um the the units. So in total they said the people actually who is this location has
no easy access to grocery who in reveal who how many of us all grocery online right there's no >> I'm sorry you've done your two minutes. So, so people here will have cars. I move in here without car, but I have to buy a car because it's necessity.
There's not pedestrian friendly area. The walk to the Wonderland station is it's not there's no sidewalks. >> Next opponent, please state your name and address for the record, please. >> Hi, everyone. My name is Thomas Mian. I
live at 21 Belleview A in an immediate abuter to the proposed development. Uh thanks for giving me the opportunity to speak. >> Thank you. >> The uh I want to start by saying the zoning codes are there for a reason. It should be a balance between the community and the developer's needs.
Variances should meet the needs of the community and the developer. In this case, the variances don't support the community. Uh if the the developer can follow the code and benefit the community with within the zoning codes, um the variances will not benefit the
community. Um, and I'm against them for the following reasons. So, the setback uh to the side in the front, this is a very much a city-style building in a neighborhood. River might be a city, but this is a neighborhood area. The height,
the shadow. Um, I I looked I I'm going to be blocked by the sun. I know people are saying, "Oh, you can't see the seventh floor." I'm going to be in the shadow of the seventh floor. If if I look immediately from the a budding sidewalk and look straight up, sure, I won't see it. If I'm across the street,
of course, I'm going to see it. It's it's dishonest to say you won't see that. Um the floor to area ratio, this is just going to add density to this neighborhood area. It's going to be a resource
burden. Um, parking is an issue for me um, for a few reasons. Number one, you can see the entrance and exit to this building parking lot is where a bus stop is. And of course, this is a nice picture, but it removes all the context
of the surrounding area. Uh, this is going to be a like giant monstrous structure in a neighborhood area. Um, people, we're talking about people not using cars. are going to walk to the the bus stop or walk to the bus or the train
station. The bus stop there. They're going to have to stop traffic to get across the street to the train station. They're going to have to stop traffic. They're going to have to cross that big intersection and that's a dangerous intersection to cross. People go through the the the sidewalk all the time. >> Thank you very much.
>> Thank you very much. [clears throat] >> Thank you. >> Hi. Hello. >> Good evening. State your name and address for the record, please. Sir, >> Corio, 270 beat Street. Um, before I start, I just want to say everything that um I pulled is directly from the uh applicant's application and documents
that they submitted uh to the public. Um I want to state clearly that I am not against development. I am against unsubstantiated narratives. Zoning ordinance are not paperwork. They are guardrails meant to protect public safety, neighborhood stability, and basic fairness. So the rules apply to
everyone, not just people who can afford to push them. At the last ZBA meeting I attended, I raised this exact hardship issue. After the meeting, I was approached outside by members of the board. One member told me to relax and go have a drink. And when I reiterated
my concern, the hardship standard, he told me he does not base various decisions on hardship, but many things. So I'm here to say the quiet part out loud. Hardship is not optional. If decisions are being made on many things instead of the statutory test, the public cannot trust the outcomes. On 500
Rivera Street, the application claims this partial has an irregular configuration, significant sloping topography that are unique to the lot and make compliance difficult. Now, compare the story to the evidence. In the applicant submitted plans, the site reads as a uh con conventional corner
lot. The grade changed gradually along the same revest corridor as surrounding properties. Based on the submitted plans, I do not see documentation showing that the the lot is uniquely irregular or that the slope is different from nearby parcels. So, the record as
submitted does not support hardship findings required by chapter 48 section 10. If the applicant believes there are additional documents that support unique hardship, then those materials should be clearly identified, entered into the record, and reconciled with the plans
already submitted. Hardship is the legal gatekeeper for variance relief, and variances are not supposed to be designed a design strategy used to squeeze a giant project into a lot that can't support it under the ordinance. If the city wants projects at this scale, we have already established overlays
districts and other zoning tools that are debated in public. Bring a proposal that fits. >> Can you please do your closing? >> Yeah, I am. >> Thank you. >> Bring a proposal that fits the zoning fits the neighborhood instead of maximizing variances and asking the board to approve a workaround. Using variances to force large scale projects
into neighborhoods not zoned for them is careless. It bypasses the ordinance a road public trust and sets a president in that dense construction can be approved anywhere case by case. So this is my request straightforward. Deny the requested variances for 500 river street
or continue this matter unless or until the applicant provides objective consistent verifiable proof of unique hardship quantified topography a clear shaped constraint and a comparison showing it's not a district-wide condition. Thank you.
>> Thank you so much. >> Hi. >> Name and address for the record, please. >> Father Mandal, 46 River Street. I'm living exactly where the tree he want to plant it because he's showing here a very nice uh picture with a lot of green
and stuff. The building is planted on the middle of our house where we live. So I think this is like some kind misrepresentation of the area. We need to be concerned about that. Another is my concern
to go in and outuh with the truck. People selling the house they have to move. They need need to bring the furniture. They not going bringing the trash removal also from our property. How they can go using the ement to our
property? This is very concern and also my concern is the line of property what we use in the walk uh walkway. What is grandfather walkway? Yes, I know this is his
property. How does divide be 25 years ago? I have no idea. This is my two concern. So the truck how can go inside to our property and also the walkway
and please don't put the tree on the middle of my on the house where we live. >> That's all. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any other propon um opponents? Anyone else opposed? Kindly step up to the microphone. State your name and address for the record.
>> Hi, my name is Jeredo. I live at 214 Street View. I come before you to tell you I've seen Mario's work. His house is built on Bel. I've seen his a bigger profit house on Broadway and I
I see this beautiful picture, but I don't think it's there. I think the city should give him some other place to build. And because the firemen are right behind the firehouse, they come down for street. They all got a backup to go into
the church parking lot [clears throat] and the trash man the same way and they wanted to build a Uturn from Ford Street to Bel. We all agreed no way cuz they all come out on Re Street and there's
too much traffic from St. Anony's down to four street. It's over half an hour to get to our homes. And the guy did good work, but that's not the place to build a high-rise
apartment cuz it will block the sunlight to our homes and we shouldn't have to have our lights on all day. I appreciate the bill that he did beautiful work, but that's not the place to build a highrise.
And I thank you all for everything. Merry Christmas. >> Thank you. >> Any other opponents? Are there any other opponents? Seeing and hearing none, we do have a lot of letters on file. If you could,
>> we have letters of opposition on file from Adam Pikin, 486 River Street. Rasheed Brahimi, 486 River Street. Matthew Morano, 486 River Street. Karen Huggua, 35 Reier Street. Freddy Barooa 35 Reier, I'm sorry, 35 Ford Street for
both of them. Chanel Guyagi 30B Ford Street. Hayward Skipper 30B Ford Street. Lena Estrada Martinez 30A Ford Street. Gracea Bell 21 Belleview A and Dris
Adrissy 56 Calumet Street. >> Are there any other opponents? Seeing here, are you an opponent? Please step to to the mic. >> I just want to speak on >> You have to be an opponent or a proponent. >> I'm neutral. >> You can't be You have to be a proponent or an opponent to speak.
>> All right. Dave Lamal for 27 Ford Street. >> All right. Please step press the microphone. >> It's on, is it? >> Nope. You got to press the button right there one time. >> What? >> Yeah. Red. >> Okay. Beautiful. >> Yeah. Bring it up. >> Excellent. What I I've been on in the
city re all my life. I lived [clears throat] in the same area ward five from Bay Road to Ford Street and back. I went to school the party school and everything else. So I've been
around. Here's what I think as as a city council what zoning board is. We need a survey on Ree Street and Northshore Road of the cars coming back and forth so we know exactly what's
going on there. There is traffic going to be there. It's constant. Okay, you're going to have traffic at Norshshire Road east side plus you're building the new high school. So if you put in the new high school there at Wonderland at what
do you got? two rotaries, one at Bell Circle, one at one at Wonderland, and how many lights? One, two, three, four, five lights in that in that vicinity. So what you're doing and [clears throat]
I think you should do a survey on this is the traffic of what's going to be there between all hours even though at some time at some point it is dead but development of places where your roads are not big
enough to handle it you have to look and say okay what we can develop in the city I'm not opposed of developing a development. I've been in construction for 40 years.
What I look at is how you build a city. And that's what I see. I've been on that beach. And if anyone here thinks this beach is beautiful, you're out of your mind because it's not. But I think I'd like
to see more traffic development of surveys of what we can do to eliminate traffic within the city. when you're developing. That's all I have to say. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Any other opponents? Seeing and hearing none, I'll close that side of the
hearing. Any members wish to speak? M Salvo with the second um rendering here. You have arrows on the side going towards the easement. I just want to because there was one question
about exiting. Are those so the they'll only be exiting onto Re Street or is that both ways? >> This could be both ways. It's 24 ft wide. >> All right. But the they're next to the easement. Is there a vehicle's right there where the the walkway is for the
condos? >> That's correct. >> In the gray. >> Yeah. There's another 24 foot wide entrance to access the easement area. The ement area is right in here where their parking spaces are located. Um, and then there's a drive aisle down here to access these spaces here. >> Okay. Thank you. Just wanted to clarify
that. >> I got a question before you leave. >> Where's the parking lot for the condos on that? >> It's right here. >> Where the easement is? >> Correct. It's in an ement also to the building.
>> And where do they exit? >> They enter and exit off of Ford Street. >> Okay. And Okay. So they they have to drive down Ford Street. >> Correct. >> And take an easement on the back side of this new development. >> That is correct.
>> They come in here. And here are the parking spaces right here. >> In the eastment. >> All right. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Any other questions? What's the will of the members? >> Any vote that we take would have to be
in the affirmative and then so it's a they'd have would be voting to approve. If someone wishes not to approve, then you'd say no. >> Mr. Mr. Chair, just so I'm clear, the access to those parking spaces does not
change. So, they still will can access off of Ford Street, but in the in this condition, they would have the opportunity to either leave out of River Street or Ford Street, but it doesn't change the way that they access the >> Yeah, right now they have one access
point only off of Ford. Um, in the post development condition, they would have the option of exiting off of either Ford or Rever Street. Okay. So, there is a motion on the floor to approve. We would have our standard
conditions and is there anything from site plan review? >> No, >> that's done after, right? Okay. Okay. >> Thank you. [clears throat] The conditions of the ZBA are as follows. If the rights authorized by these variances are not
exercised within one year of the date of the grant of this variance, the right shall lapse. This variance shall not be valid until the appellent has recorded this variance and plan in the sepa county registry of deeds and submits document recording numbers and dates to the city clerk and building inspector of the city of Rever.
The appellant must receive site plan review approval prior to applying for a building permit and the property shall not be eligible for participation in the city of Rivier's residential and visitor on street permit parking program. Shall the zoning board of appeals grant the relief requested subject to those conditions? Mr. Lemonina,
>> yes. >> Yes. Mr. Lopes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Mr. O'Brien. >> Yes. Mr. Pelton, >> yes. >> Yes. And Chairman Tucker, >> no. >> No. The variance has been granted subject to those conditions. Next calendar item number. >> Next application is A2531 on the
>> Let's do a two-minute recess >> so people can exit. I like the movie. They left me. >> If anybody wishes to leave the chambers, please do so now so that we can continue
on with the meeting. What are we gonna What are they presenting that they need to be on? All right. Will it does it present? We're back in session. >> Application number A2531, Eric Rolnell, 210 Hudson Street, Jersey
City, New Jersey. Requesting variances to enable the appellent to construct a 310 unit multif family residential building on lot 15 in the Overlook Ridge Overlay District. There we go. Okay. Thank you. Uh, good evening. Uh, my name is Adam Weisenberg.
Um, I'm an attorney at on Nixon Peabody. We're at 53 State Street in Boston. Um, I'm here tonight with Marshall Tyer from Ferris Residential and Katie Cruz who's our engineer. Um and uh
what you can see in front of you um is the site which I'll describe. I just want to mention one thing at the outset. Eric Rowan now also is at Various Residential and he signed the application but the land owner is um Overlook Ridge LLC. So that's actually
who's seeking the relief here. [snorts] Okay. The property is um the last residential lot uh at Overlook Ridge in the River um section. Um so uh it's uh 146,000 and change square
feet. Um it's within it's within the larger obviously overlook um master site plan area. Um as you can see on um on the cover sheet um the location is um set back. There are internal access
drives um providing access to Overlook Ridge Drive as well as utilities. And this also shows the two variances that we've requested. A 30-foot building setback from the property line and um a variance from the maximum um site um I
don't know why this is going out. um and and a maximum um [snorts] I'm sorry, a variance from the maximum 12t height limit. Um those are illustrated on the second page
as well in terms of their location. The red line um shows the 30-foot setback from the property line. As you [snorts] can see, the um property has an irregular shape and it is located uh very close to um cliffs that are um you
know behind the property as part of the quarry um that was there. This has necessitated pushing the building closer to the front property line. As you can see, the property line follows the city boundary and then also um the curve of u
internal access drives um that are at the property. Um and this uh creates the uh the need to be able to position the building within the 30-foot setback. The um distance from the other buildings
which is shown actually on the next page um is over 90 ft. Uh the smallest distance is 90 90 almost 94 feet gets up to 170 feet of distance to the other
buildings. If if we could go forward to the next to the next slide. Um so the purpose and intent behind this requirement that there be >> is that me? Okay. My fault. Sorry. >> Okay. This my computer blacked out for a
moment. So that's why I wasn't clear. So you can see here that the purpose and intent of the setback requirement is um is uh fulfilled by the distance from the other buildings um that are here. Everything okay? >> Yeah, you plug it in. I was just
checking. >> Okay. Um, and this is uh >> Sorry for the technology. I appreciate the I appreciate the >> on the camera behind you. There you go. >> Okay. All right. Can you still hear me? >> Yep.
>> Okay, great. Okay. So, um [snorts] the uh the conditions on this site are true of this site and not of the um of the overly district generally uh due to the location up against the um the Corey
cliffs. Um going back for one moment to the amenity. This is the other request the variance. Um this is a request for to be able to have a double height volume in this portion of the building. Uh the code permits that only for
restaurant and retail uses. This would be for the amenities um on the site which are typical amenities for a um class A uh residential building of this um nature. Um Oops. Let me go the other way.
>> You have 30 seconds. And I believe that that covers it. Um, if there are any questions, we're happy to answer. Thank you. >> Seeing public hearing, I will put it up. Is there proponents? Any proponents?
Anyone in favor? >> Do we have a letter on file? >> There's a letter on file from Tom Skarowski, chief of planning of the city of Rivier. [snorts] >> Any other proponents? Seeing none, I'll close that side of the hearing.
>> Oh, test. Any proponents? Seeing a hearing n, I'll close that side of the hearing. Any opponents? Anyone opposed? Seeing here not, I'll close that side of the hearing. Any members, Mr. Speak? [snorts] There is a motion to approve.
>> If you're opposed, please step up to the microphone, state your name and address for the record, please. Travis Halpert East Coast International Church 19 Kulie Street Rever Community Committee surely have and I operate a business and rever it own it.
Why? I'm opposed cuz it it's out of state and I want to know what they're doing for the community. I met with HYM last week. Um they're going to do a lot of great things uh for the city. I just want to know just because it's there doesn't
mean something has to be built. And so I would be interested in uh a community meeting and hearing more uh from them about how this is going to positively impact the community of River. Um cuz otherwise I
don't see why anyone out of state is just being able to make money off this city. So that's why I oppose it. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else? Any other >> opponents? Seeing and hear none. There's a motion
on the floor to >> I get a question on that development. >> Any of the city councils get involved in this? Like the gentleman before us said, what is the benefits to the city on this? >> This is um the
last residential site of a project that's been um going for the last 21 years, I believe. Um and that um has been um the subject of extensive um municipal approvals and um
infrastructure obligations that the developers fulfilled. Um it contains 15% affordable housing in accordance with the um with the requirements of the zoning and so forth. I mean, this is not this is this
is one puzzle piece of a much larger development, most of which has already been built out. Um, and it's not a new project on a single piece of land that is a new is a new thing. Um, the
variances that we're requesting are really very technical in nature um having to do with the uh configuration of the site. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you. >> Just to clarify that this was true community development. So this is part
of the master plan up there and there is now an affordable component added to this part of the development. With our standard conditions, we would ask for a roll call, please. >> If the rights authorized by this variance are not exercised within one year of the date of the grant of this
variance, the right shall lapse. This variance shall not be valid until the appellent has recorded the variance and plan in the separate county registry of deeds and submits document recording numbers and dates to the city clerk and building inspector of the city of Rivier. And the appellent must receive site plan review approval prior to applying for a building permit. Shall
the zoning board of appeals grant the relief requested subject to those conditions? Mr. Mr. Lemina. >> Yes. >> Yes. Mr. Lopes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Mr. O'Brien. >> Yes. >> Yes. Mr. Pelton. >> Yes. >> Yes. And Chairman Tucker. >> Yes. >> Yes. The variance has been granted.
>> Thank you very much. Next application is A232 River 331 LLC requesting variances to enable the appellant to raise the existing structures and construct a 62 unit apartment building at 329-331
Reair Street. Good evening. State your name and address for the record, please. >> Good evening, Mr. Chair, members of the board. For the record, uh my name is attorney Brian McGrael. Uh my address is 607 North A, Wakefield, Massachusetts. I'm here on behalf of Reier 331 LLC, the
applicant and owner of the properties at 329 and 331 Reier Street. Those properties are shown uh on assesses maps 18 uh 2 293-9 10 11 and 12. With me tonight, Mr. Chair, members of the board
of Jamie Russo, who is the manager of the LLC and also our architect, Dave Barski, in case there's any questions uh that the uh board has. We're before you tonight seeking variances to allow the redevelopment of the under underutilized and physically uh constrained properties
at at 329 and 331 Reier Street contains approximately 8,724 square ft and it's located in the GB district. Uh my client acquired these properties in the fall of 2025. They were two contiguous properties. Um the
site currently contains an older mixeduse building. It was constructed in approximately 1930. According to the assessor's records, it has an older and the and the other property has an older three family structure built uh circa 1920. The existing buildings are not in
good condition and no longer meet contemporary standards uh as far as safety, energy efficiency or functionality. Quite frankly, the parcels are burdened by irregular shapes, multiple lot lines and significant sloping and uneven topography. As I mentioned, these are
four different assessed parcels. These physical conditions are unique to this site and are not characteristic for the surrounding uh zoning district. What is being proposed uh by my client is to remove these obsolete structures and replace them with a new six-story
62-unit multif family residential building with 14 parking spaces on site. The new building is designed to be fully uh fully compliant with all applicable uh building, fire, and accessibility codes, and it certainly represents a substantial investment uh into this
neighborhood. Uh the requested relief was outlined in our application in the U letter from the community development denial letter that was provided. We're seeking uh variance relief related to floor area ratio, front side rear setbacks, minimum lot area, parking
requirements, parking screening, maximum stories, and maximum building height is detailed uh in the application. These requests stem directly from the physical limitations of the land, not from any over intensification or no self-created
conditions. Uh certainly the the uh the um uh criteria for the for the variance requests are are in existence uh and clearly satisfied. Uh this sloping grades and even uneven terrain combined with an atypical configuration of the
parcels which severely restrict feasible building envelopes and circulation. A strict enforcement of the zoning requirements would make any meaning of meaningful redevelopment of this site economically and physically impractical. And it's important to note that this circumstance will relate to anyone that
owns the property. It's not unique to one specific owner. Uh granting the requested relief would not result in any substantial detriment to the public good. In fact, instead the project project actually advances the purpose of the rever zoning ordinance by removing
unsafe outdated buildings, improving public safety and site design, providing new housing opportunities in the city and the neighborhood and conserving the value of the surrounding land and buildings um topped off by the fact that it will support uh local businesses in
the area. The project encourages the most appropriate use of the land in this developed corridor and supports the city's broad broader housing and planning goals. As far as transportation is concerned, the site is well served by public transportation including an MBTA
bus route, actually more than one route, all providing direct access to Wonderland station. It's a strong transit connectivity, reduces the dependence on automobile and supports the request for relief uh in the parking. Um my client has submitted
three letters of support from neighbors uh to the project that support it, reflecting community acceptance and recognition of replacing these obsolete buildings with new housing and a positive outcome for the neighborhood. Uh in my closing, um I believe this is a carefully designed development uh of a
uniquely constrained property. The statutory requirements as I mentioned for variance are met. The public good is protected and the intent of the ordinance is upheld. For this uh reason these reasons we would respectfully request that the variances be approved. Happy to answer any questions.
>> Thank you very much. Seeing it's a public hearing I will ask if there's any proponents. We do have letters on file. >> We have letters on file from Joe Caragle for Haw Street Chris Moore 178 River Street. Anthony Tamaro, 348 River
Street. Vincent Cavaretta 545 River Street. Victor Bonfilio 128 River Street. Maria Young 171 Reier Street. Aldo Cayas 306 River Street. John Ferrara,
543 River Street. >> Are there any other proponents that wish to speak? Please state your name and address. >> Oh, good evening, Council >> Angela. So I would five counselor um Riviera Street serves as gateway our city particularly during the summer
months when visitors come to enjoy our beautiful beach. This corridor has tremendous potential and this project represents a meaningful investment in realizing this potential. As noted in letters from ab budding property and business owners, the
existing buildings are outdated and detach detracted from the overall character of this key commercial area. The proposed development would provide muchneeded housing while revitalizing an important part of the city that has been
overlooked. Mr. Russo, the developer, has a proven track record of revitalizing areas in Rivier, for example, Shirley area. Once considered an eyesaw has been transformed under his guidance to a thriving area for
business. It has businesses, restaurants, and attractive beach accessible apartments. Mr. Russo has been a longtime Riviera resident, a product of Riviera High School and an active contributor to our
community. He is not an absentee landlord and remains consistently engaged in our city life. The requested parking variances are appropriate for two reasons. First, limiting on-site parking can reduce traffic congestion on surrounding
streets. Secondly, the site is approximately a half a mile from Wonderland Station and it's served right on the 116 bus line, the 116 bus line. recently enhanced through the MBTA's better bus um network redesign making it
ideal for transitoriented development. The dimensional variances are consistent with other dense urban neighborhoods throughout Rivier and are necessary to make this transformation [snorts] project feasible. I urge this
board to support this um project. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other proponents? Anyone else in favor? Seeing and hearing none, I'll close that side of the hearing. Any opponents?
Kindly step up to the microphone and state your name and address for the record, please. >> Hi, good evening. My name is Renee Alexi and I live at 33 Haw Street. Um, this development is facing River Street, but most of the property is on Haw Street. I
grew up on this street, so I knew the original landlord who lived here. This sloping land is where he grew his grapes and where we played as children. It's not this unused land. It's someone's backyard where kids play. Um, something that hasn't been brought up
about all these developments is the burden on public schools. Currently, um, there's 497 students at the Paul River School, which is where this would be like the kids would be going. um of those kids
like 30% of those kids are meeting their math and reading. So now you're going to add more children to the schools and you're not going to be giving them a fair education. Um affordability is another issue that I'm concerned about. The median income as per the reverse
city website is $51,482. That means if we go by the 30% of your gross income, these rents should not be more than $1,287 to make it fitting and fair for actual citizens of River. And also these
developments, you're talking about community, but you're taking away from these neighborhoods. I grew up on this street. I know my neighbors. I know Karen who lives right across from this property. I know her dog Gemini. like I I don't get why we need all these developments where these these new
people coming in who don't stay in Ravier. It's a transient situation. So you come for one to two years. You do not give back to the community. You just move on to better things. Another issue I have is safety. A lot of the pro um project letters that were mentioned were
talked about safety. There was a shooting in January um at the end of the street. How is adding more people going to make it safer? That's all I have to say. >> Thank you very much. Any other
>> Good evening. Name and address for the record, please. >> Uh Cory O'Hara, 270 Beach Street. I'm here in opposition to the variance requested for 329 331 River Street because the hardship narrative does not match the applicant's own submissions. I'm raising it again because we're right back in the same place. and other
variance requests built on the same kind of unsubstantiated hardship narrative. Um, when these narratives are accepted without strong documentation, it sends the message that unsubstantiated hardship stories is good enough. It shouldn't be. This board needs to treat
hardship as a real legal requirement because it is. 329 331 River Street. This application claims pre-existing buildings are situated on land with an irregular shape and significant sloping topography and that these conditions are
unique to the parcel. But again, under chapter 48 section 10, you can only grant a variance if the hardship comes from the soil condition, shape or topography of the land itself and it has to be truly unusual for this property, not general conditions in the neighborhood. Now compare the story to the evidence.
The applicant submitted existing condition plan shows a typical long narrow reveal lot. The elevations on the plan show modest grade changes comparable to the abuing properties. Using those elevations, an acquaintance of mine who's a licensed professional engineer calculated an approximate 6%
slope. It's basic it's shown on the plans that they submitted. Do you guys look at the plans the existing exist do you look at the slopes when they claim there there's a unique slope? Do you verify that? Because that's what the hardship is. That's how you get a variance. You have to verify it. And
they're they're presenting you with the evidence. So, you have to go back and look at the evidence and say, "Oh, okay. They're saying I mean, you just barely have to drive by the property. You can see if it's different from all its other neighbors." But anyway, um, in standard site design practice, a 6% slope is
modest, manageable grade. It's not significant on usually steep topography and it does not support the claim of extreme or uniquely sloping terrain. In plain terms, the documents do not substantiate the hardship narrative the applicant is asking you to rely on. And
because variance applications are signed out of the pains and penalties of perjury, the narrative and the plans must be accurate, consistent, and supported by the record. Variances are not meant to be >> Okay. Could you just close? Thank you. Variances are not meant to be a tool to squeeze oversized project into ordinary
lots for max profit. It's a proposal only. If a proposal only works by stacking variances, the sign that's a sign the proposal doesn't fit the zoning as written and the fix is a different design, not a thinner hardship story. So my request is state forward straightforward. Deny the request
variances for 329 331 re. We really can't do this now because what you did by passing 500 River Street set a pre president precedent to now build huge developments in this area even though we have overlays in the city where those should go.
>> We're going to start seeing these popping up every street. >> Could you press the microphone state your name and address for the record please? >> Christine Machula 65 Sour Street Revas. Um so I live at on Ster Street. Um this
project would be directly between my house and the paras school. My concern very similar to this neighbor is the traffic. Um I was recently forced to remove my children from the par school because of the um amount of children that there are in the classrooms there.
It's 32 to 35 kids per classroom. These children are suffering. adding to this adding to this already congested community is an issue. It's it's not fair. It's not fair for the people that grew up there. Um I can also see she was probably forced to do the same because
her chill child now goes to the same school as mine. Um in addition the traffic, it's a it's a twominut drive from my school to Parvia school. It was taking me 20 minutes to get from Star Street to the Palest. That's unacceptable. and this property will be
right there adding adding to that congestion, adding to those cars. Um, in addition, even now we're forced to go up Rivia Street because I cannot even take a left onto Rivia Street to head to American Legion Highway. I have to go up Rivia Street, take a left um before the
St. Anony's Church and cut off the people that are already waiting in line. I just think these developments, these projects um are going to add to that that problem that already exists. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Any other opponents? >> Good evening. State your name and
address for the record, please. >> Hi, my name is Rosanne Muller. I'm at 65 Star Street. 63 Star Street. Sorry, she's at 65. Um, I've been um living there for 30 years. I've seen, you know, I understand development. I love some of the things you're doing. Actually, I
don't think Beach is all that bad. some of the reverently I think you're taking away from the community of um a close-knit community. You're taking away from neighborhoods. I think a lot of these this go hate to keep bringing up traffic but obviously
it's a big concern from a lot of people. Um you're intersection you're intersecting with American Legion Highway on one end and you got on the other side Northshore Road. You're bringing in I mean I don't know if Ri is trying to you know you know the housing crisis is bad. I
get it. But, you know, there's 776 U apartments available right now already. I've looked it on Zillow. So, I don't know. I mean, the building is great. Housing for people that need it is great, but you Reier Street's just not the place for it. It's just a community
street. It heads to the beach. You know, you want people to People are angry. They're out there try driving and and they're mad. They're beeping horns. We live right near um American Legion Highway where Blanches is. People can't even cut through that intersection. It's a disaster. I mean, you kind of got to
take some of that into consideration. I mean, again, two, the school situations. I mean, I'm all for some of the development, but it's a little out of control. I mean, once we saw uh the B uh Bilio's apartment on Rivier Street, okay, you did it. You did Broadway and I
mean, there's a lot and there's a lot of buildings. It's just got to end at some point. I mean, that's just one person's opinion. So, >> thank you very much for speaking. >> Any other opponents? >> Yes, sir. >> Travis Halper, community member, East
Coast International Church, 19 Cooler Street, River Community on Shirley, and I own and operate a business in River. You can't help but hear the cries of the community on this one. Um, I've been in child care and early ed for
over 15 years. Um, and that breaks my heart. So, there's that part. There's there's what the neighbors have spoke about. Um, there's also the fact of the crosswalk nearest to this building um is mangled. There's a sign that says slow
down. It sits in the middle of that crosswalk at Hianda and it's mangled. I've even put it back in its place. Sometimes I pull over and make sure it's right back in the middle. Uh, where hopefully it doesn't get hit again. Uh, there was a car accident. uh during an
event at St. Anony's, someone had crashed in um and th this area of the neighborhood. It's not really safe to cross. Um also um as you guys may have recognized tonight, I'm a thorn in the flesh to developers and making sure
they're doing right by the community and doing right by their residents. And I have interviewed um other people that live in Ma Russo's property and they have bugs. um they have other complaints >> that's not irrelevant for the board of appeals. But if you want to continue on with something else, that's fine.
>> A as as someone who is a respons needs to be a responsible landlord, that becomes a neighborhood concern. Uh whether there's trash, rodents, people, short-term leases, etc. So, I just want that to be considered. Thank you guys.
>> Thank you. Anyone else? Any other opponents? Seeing and hearing, none, I'll close that side of the hearing. Are there any members that wish to speak of the council? >> Before we go on, I got a comment to make and I know there's a lot of concerns about the buildings that are going up.
You know, I understand the frustration, but one point that we got to remember is that we have responsible builders in this city that are in the city every single day. I know Mr. Russo is in the city every day. He has an office in the
city where he does his business. I take a look at Shirley A which I'm there two or three times a week uh at the restaurants and the transformation. I've been in Rev 30 years and I'm on the streets of River every day. I drive
throughout the city every day. Um I don't work. I'm retired. I take my kids to school and to be honest the traffic that I see the most where nobody complains about is Rever Beach from
people coming from land Marblehead Swampskid but I never see anybody coming out of the buildings on River Beach or Ocean Street. I never do because either they own don't own cars or if they do own cars, they're taking an Uber or
they're taking the MBTA. And I know some of those buildings have shuttle buses that takes the people directly to the train station. Now River Street, I'll admit I see traffic on River Street in the summer months, but during the day I go to Demulus sometimes
two, three times a day because of my mother-in-law. in before school. I go after school because I know the crossing guards stop traffic and that causes a jam. So, I always wait till after 9 a.m. before I decide to head that way. And to
be honest with you, it's not bad. You know, in the later afternoons, Broadway is a mess because school times are coming out, crossing guards, stopping traffic. But try it after school. after
the high school is out between four or five o'clock, you can whiz down Broadway, you know. So, there's certain periods of time during the day that there is congestion, you know. I lived in East Boston my entire life before I moved to Re. You want to see congestion?
That's where congestion is, you know. And I think we we ought to be lucky that we have responsible builders. We don't have builders coming from New Jersey, New York building, and you don't know who the owner is. you can't get a hold of anybody. I think that's a plus for us. Just
saying. >> There's a motion on the floor for approval with our conditions. Could you please read the conditions? >> If the rights authorized by this variance are not exercised within one year of the date of the grant of this variance, the right shall lapse. This
variance shall not be valid until the appellant has recorded this variance and plan in the Suffach County Registry of Deeds and submits document recording numbers and dates to the city clerk and building inspector of the city of Rivier. The appellent must receive site plan review approval prior to applying for a building permit and the property
shall not be eligible for participation in the city of Rivier's residential and visitor on street permit parking program. Shall the zoning board of appeals grant the relief requested subject to those conditions? Mr. Limina. >> Yes. >> Yes. Mr. Lopes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Mr. O'Brien. Yes. >> Yes. Mr. Pelton,
>> yes. >> Yes. And Chairman Tucker, >> no. >> No. The variance has been granted subject to those conditions. >> Our next calendar item number. >> Next application is A2533 SD Winthrip LLC care of the HYM
Investment Group, Boston, Mass. requesting variances to enable the appellent to construct a plaza consisting of an ornamental tower and marketing office at 619 Worp Avenue River Mass adjacent to the MBTA Beachmont train station.
Good evening. >> Good evening. Thank you for allowing me to be here. My name is Rachel Atley. Address is one Beacon Street in Boston. here on behalf of the former 619 parcel or beach roast beef parcel in River uh which we at uh HYM Investment Group are
redeveloping as an entry plaza into the Suffach Downs development. As you can see in front of you, you have existing condition pictures with the parcel currently demolished. Our development plan uh for 2026 is to create a direct
connectivity from the MBTA Beachmont TA station onto the 619 plaza as the front door into the Suffach Downs Beachmont Square Plaza. Uh we are here in front of the comm the uh commission today to request variances relative to two items.
One is a 55- foot elemental um light tower which would pay homage to the former light block tower tower which was at the MBTA station which just seemed to have disappeared overnight. Um in addition we will be building a marketing suite small 640 ft space which will be
used for um kickoff of retail of investor tours not a public facing building per se. Um currently the uh code requires one parking space given the size of the structure but we are requesting a variance to remove the
parking requirement um here. >> Okay. Uh is there anyone any proponents please step up to the microphone state your name and address for the record.
>> Yes. >> Good evening. James Mccuria, 193 Crescent Aav. Uh, >> well, first off, congratulations on >> Thank you very much. Thank you members for having me. Uh, council elect for Ward One. Uh, I want to start off by
saying that a um a strong proponent of this project and I support the proposed plaza and ornamental tower. I've had the opportunity speaking directly to HYM developers and I also know that the Beachorn improvement committee has met
with them as well and is fully supportive of this proposal. What matters to me because I put a lot of weight on what the neighborhood has to say. As someone who represents Ward One, I'm always looking for the projects that don't just add development but
actually add value to the community. I see this tower as a colorful and creative piece of public art, something that people can take pride in. It creates a new gateway into Dawnley Square and gives the area a stronger
sense of identity and place. I do have one clear request that I want to be upfront about and I believe this tower should remain strictly as an artistic feature. I do not support it being used as a cell tower or any other
communications propo purposes. Keeping it as a public art is important to me and to the character of the neighborhood. With that understanding, I'm comfortable supporting these variances and I believe this project will be positive step forward for the
ward one and the beach one community. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any other proponents? Seeing and hearing up we have a >> just a letter on file in favor. Uh Tom Skowski, chief of planning. >> Thank you.
There any other proponents in the audience? Hearing none, I'll close that side of the hearing. Any opponents? Seeing in hearing none, I'll close that side of the hearing. I do have a question because when this going way back when they would had the rever the
roast beef place they were saying something about utilizing it for community meeting space. Do you have other now areas that the community can use as meeting spaces? So that is why this is no longer that. Could you elaborate on that please?
>> Yeah, we will in future buildings. There's uh the area now known as the yard which is a public public facing parcel at the Winthrop Street that will eventually there'll be a community uh meeting space in that building as the current plan. >> Um >> great. So that's not being removed.
That's I just wanted to make that clear that that they still are looking into that. >> Yes. >> And do you have any objection on not having any cell tower or anything? This is just strictly luminated tower. >> Exactly. We have no intention on doing it anything beyond a piece of art.
>> Add a little art >> because that would be something that I would ask to be added to our restrictions. >> I have a question. [clears throat] >> How tall is this tower? >> Sorry. >> How tall is it? >> 55 ft. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any other questions?
>> Any other questions? Is there a motion to approve? >> Motion to approve. with the conditions. Um, could we put the restriction of of the automal and no cell tower? >> Standard conditions of the ZBA. If the rights authorized by this variance are
not exercised within one year of the date of the grant of this variance, the right shall lapse. This variance will not be valid until the appellant has recorded this variance in plan in the SPA county registry of deeds and submits document recording numbers and dates to the city clerk and building inspector of the city of Rivier. The appellant must
receive site plan review approval prior to applying for a building permit and the ornamental tower shall strictly remain as an ornamental tower and there shall be no communications facilities located on said tower. Shall the zoning board of appeals grant the relief requested subject to those conditions? Mr. Leina,
>> yes. >> Yes. Mr. Lopes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Mr. O'Brien. >> Yes. >> Yes. Mr. Pelton. >> Yes. And Chairman Tucker. >> Yes. >> Yes. The variance has been granted subject to those conditions. And last application this evening is A2534
Truchillo Development LLC 13 Victoria Street, Reier, Mass, requesting variances to enable the appellant to file a planned unit development application for the construction of a 39UN residential apartment building at 18-22 Green Street.
Mr. Chamber, members of the board, Joseph Ktoio, Once Street Review, representing the applicant uh who's before you on a a plan unit development uh application through uh which was uh initiated at site plan review. Uh the process um will take a number of steps.
Uh this being the first. So approval here tonight will not be the the final approval. Um uh should approval come tonight, uh we will still have to go back to site plan review with the variances in tow. um uh deal with the conditions that they impose and then
subsequently to the uh uh city council uh for a special permit u and review and uh obtain conditions from them as well. Um uh applying under plan unit development, we believe we meet the the criteria uh in which uh uh the
application uh the proposal will improve the livability and aesthetic qualities of the neighborhood. It's consistent with the direction of not only the city but also the commonwealth uh where it promotes the development of housing uh in Reier. Um the uh the proposal uh
requires three specific variances uh total square footage of the lot uh number of parking spaces. We are proposing 20 parking spaces for the for the um uh building uh and the percentage of open uh area um to the uh to the
building. Uh following the application, we met extensively with both the ward counselor and the ward counselor elect uh who's here tonight. Uh during which there are a number of uh concessions discussed and agreed to. Um the most important of which is the number of
units that the uh the applica uh that the building uh will house. Uh we initially had a 39 unit proposal which is what you have before you. We have agreed to reduce that number to 29 units. All units being single bedroom.
Uh the reduction in units uh creates a better ratio of parking to unit. Um, it also creates a better ratio to open space, but those variances are still required and we would still ask that that they be uh approved um tonight. Uh,
the uh reduction in units have allowed us to shave um a portion of the building as you if you will uh to allow for a better um uh area in back of the building. It also allows us to stagger uh the floors above the uh second or
third floor uh so that it is not a box that just shoots straight up um from the foundation but staggers in uh creating better sight lines, better uh shadows um lesser shadows I should say. Um and uh
uh there are also uh uh con concessions that were made and will be imposed. Uh we expect that uh at the special permit um portion uh which will require uh improvements to the um uh water lines
and sewer lines uh implementation of a fire hydrant that's needed in the area. Um the uh uh and uh along with the beautifification uh um allowance for the ward and the ward council to use at his
discretion, most notably trees um that are uh needed in the area, but won't necessarily fit on our project, but will be available uh for the placement of other areas um in the ward. uh we uh would request that the this
first step be granted uh so that we can continue on. Again, we will be uh in compliance uh with all site plan requirements and all conditions that are implemented by the city council. Uh we are seeking the three variances tonight
and we're here to answer any questions you have. Thank you. Just for clarification, we will be voting on tonight 29 unit all onebedrooms. >> All one bedrooms. That's correct. 29 units. >> And you will be keeping 20 parking spaces.
>> 20 parking space to make that clear. >> The number of spaces will not change. That's correct. With the handicap spaces >> was she don't we don't have a new filing. So >> no, this was just a agreed to. Um we had very short time between the application
and the meeting. Um tonight we barely got the application in, but we did have um meetings with the again both the ward counselor who will soon be a counselor at large and the counselor at le who will be in place at the time that we come before the the council for the the
special permit. Um >> you requested the same >> same variances. Yes. Yes, they are. >> Yep. Okay. Seeing that it's a public hearing, I will ask if there's any proponents. >> Good evening, councelor.
>> Uh, good evening once again. Uh, James Mccuria, 193 Crescent Aav, councelor elect. >> I am a proponent of this proposal project for 18-22 Green Street for several important reasons. Both
councelor McKenna and I met directly with the developer and his attorney to address neighborhood concerns and improve the overall impact of this project. Through those discussions, we successfully negotiated meaningful
changes. First, the total number of units was reduced from 39 to 29, significantly lowering density. In addition, the top floor of the building will be recessed back 10 feet on all four sides, reducing
the visual mass and better fitting the surrounding neighborhood. The developer has also committed to making 10% of the building's units affordable, helping to address Rivier's ongoing need for housing that is accessible to
working families. Beyond the beyond the pro beyond the building itself, the project delivers substantial infrastructure improvements for ward one. Devel developer has agreed to furnish, install and install a new
water man running from River Beach Parkway the full length of Green Street, including all connections to properties along Green Street. A new sewer line main also be installed from Revier Beach Parkway the length of Green Street with
all connections to properties within Green Street. Lastly, the develop has agreed to furnish and install 25 2 and 1/2 in caliper trees within Ward One with locations to be determined
providing long-term envir environmental quality of life benefits for the residents. This agreement reflects responsible development, one that balances growth with neighborhood protections,
infrastructure investment, affordability, environmental improvements. We push it, we push for changes. The developer delivered inward one benefits. That's responsible development. And that's why I support this project
wholeheartedly. And I wish you could grant this gentleman, this developer the variances that he is requiring at this time. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> There [snorts] any other proponents? Seeing and hearing none, I'll close that side of the hearing. Any opponents? Anyone opposed? Seeing and hearing none,
I'll close that side of the hearing. I do have a concern that we don't have a plan in front of us, the drawings in front of us to vote on. Um, Mr. Chairman, if you can put this is
Just a little update on the recess of the floors. Although I don't >> I I don't >> It's the same footprint. It's just that you're taking >> the the the actual the footprint is going to be a little smaller because of
the the I call it shaving that the >> carving it. Yeah. Carving it out. Um and uh and I I didn't mention during my uh presentation, but the uh the ward counselor elect is correct. We are
agreeing to three units um affordable units in the in the uh project. There are plans that are being revised that will be needed for site plan application that will be consistent with everything we presented here tonight. However, the plans aren't presented to
us to vote on. Um, that's a a grave concern of mine. I we we normally have the plans in front of us that that are being voted on. Um, I would make a motion to continue other than if someone else wishes to go
forward, please state it. But >> to approve, >> there's a motion to approve. Okay. Then ask for a roll call, please. >> Yes. Before we go on. >> Yes.
>> My concern with this building >> is that we have one big building already on that street, one being constructed. Um the means of egress is through green street only in and out. >> Yes.
>> Out of green street. I mean, I like the affordability and the infrastructure uh up uh upgrade, but Green Street concerns me because Green Street is such a narrow street.
>> You can hardly a car can barely get through there right now. I was there the other day with the con new construction on the right side. >> Yes. >> And it was tight. So, with two buildings being there and a third coming up,
that really concerns me, you know, and I'm prodevelopment, but in this instance, I'll be honest with you, I I don't like it respectfully, that the the building itself doesn't affect the width of the street. Um, it it's going to be
the same width, you know, with the building there or not. So it'll be the same access and and and entrance and egress. Um there are improvements that are uh that we are uh participating in with regard to
sidewalks on one side of the street that will uh improve the um the street and uh and again we have shaved our structure the building as as best we could to account for that. Um, so we would, you know, we would hope that
that would be uh adequate consideration, but we there's nothing we can do to make the street wider. Um, and it'll be the same, you know, for any building that's there. >> Um, I understand the concern, but >> with removal of single family homes on
that street to put up such a big building, that that bothers me also. I have concern there. You know, it's not like it's an empty lot like the back where the where the
trailer park was. You know, these uh this is lots with single family homes being demolished to put up a a big structure and that concerns me. >> I Yeah, I don't have I don't know.
>> There's no answer. [clears throat] Well, I'm I'm not sure what the the the question is. Uh >> well, that's my concern. Taking away single family homes to put up another big building when there's three buildings, there'll be three large buildings on that small street, >> you know, in one
>> access point in one entry point, you know, >> I >> and I know the two buildings that be that are there now, they have two access point. So, they can come out of Green Street or they can go on to Route One. enter and exit.
I know that you guys own those properties, right? So, you guys have rights to that. >> That's your property. The exit and entrance, it's private. Okay. All right. Thank you. >> But the new one with that we approved is
just Green Street. >> There's no there's no access to the highway from that. That they didn't that's not part of the plan. Right. >> That's on it's on the highway portion.
>> Yeah, they they did make that change. >> Yeah. So again, with the the the number of parking spaces we're providing, the the fact that they're all single bedroom units likely to be, you know, very little um uh beyond the the the spaces
that are available, there won't be, you know, other street parking or or um you know, we could restrict that as well. Um but again the size of the street is the is consistent with the the application that was approved before us and and
anything that would be approved after. Um we also took into consideration although this isn't before the the the board um that the you know that there is a a building going up uh that would be completed before we even start. So that
that would be uh in place and and done and and then we would start our construction. So we we tried to take everything into consideration. >> Excuse me. I have one other question for you. >> Yes. >> On the end of Green Street, I noticed
that the majority of the people that come down Green Street cut in between the two properties to leave. Cuz when I come down Green Street, there were two cars in front of me and they cut between the big building and the auto body shop. There's no rightway through there. I I
take it. That's private property. So, I see kind of a problem if for some reason they should put up a fence or block that off from people cutting through there on Green Street because
like you said, it is so narrow that it's very hard to get traffic two ways on Green Street. All right. And like I say, when I was coming down Green Street, I noticed people cutting through the property. And I didn't know if there was a rightway through that property that
people could come out or if that was just everybody's so used to doing it, they're just doing it. >> I have We have nothing to do with that. That's not our >> No, I just wonder. >> Yeah. I believe though at the meeting that we
approved that property that's facing Notshore Road that they were allowing access from the back because they have all parking spaces along the back of that property for your business. Am I correct? >> But there was a concern about parking
only on the on the end of that you had the eight spots. or whatever at the end of the street, but it was mentioned that night that there are spots along the side of that property that people would be able to be used. >> That's for the 33
>> there. That's when you change from the office building to the other building that those spaces are are linked to that property. Correct. >> All right. Thank you for the clarification. with with regard to the variances that we're requesting that the the first being lot size. The building
is consistent with the the size of the lot as far as the similar developments on on similar lots and and ratios. In fact, we're reducing it to 29 units. We're below what uh what is consistently been approved. um number of parking
spaces. Again, we're providing a a an amount in greater ratio than similar projects. Um and the open spaces, again, we've we've reduced the size of the building, the footprint of the building to uh to better that ratio as well. Um
so for what we can control, we did address to to be um uh uh aware of the concerns in and in and the area providing the number of parking spaces, setting the building as as best we
could. Again, the size of the street um is going to be the same for everybody whether it's coming or you know the building that's that's going up now. Um, so we would, you know, hope with regard to the to the variances that we're
requesting that they be approved and we can move on to the city council and site plan review and and, you know, deal with the infrastructure and the the, you know, fire department and and items, you know, beyond the variances that we're asking for.
>> This would have to go forward to the city council. But they we would al we would also have parking restrictions. So they couldn't get parking permits, visitors passes that that's a standard restriction that we would impose >> right >> on this property. >> Yeah. Um
seeing that that plans were submitted now um again and not you would have to provide us the proper plans but those pl the stamp drawings that plan that was submitted does show this the the um setback of the building a little bit
>> and the staging of the >> Yes. But they would they would have to provide us stamp drawings. Um be so that within could we make a restriction that within the next 30 days that they provide us the stamp drawings
otherwise? >> Yes, that's we would accept that. That's fine. We would should be well within 30 days. We can get you those. >> Yeah. Now, my thing was to continue because we
going to have a new elected member. Um, him being here tonight in approval, that's not as much of a concern. If he wishes to state that you would wish to approve and not have this continued on, being the new elected member. >> Yeah.
>> Um, >> I I just like a little leeway on this. Also, uh, this is the first developer that came up here tonight with all the developers that's going to give you affordable housing. No other developer offered that tonight.
Okay. No other uh developer offered to do infrastructure improvements. He's going to update the water line, big bring a bigger water line for this building and for the SEA building. Okay? And he's going to update the soil line
for his building and the SEA building. The seekers are doing a great job down there. They're building a nice building. Their infrastructure is going to be the sidewalks, complete sidewalks, granite curbing all the way down and cement uh on for the whole sidewalk. So, this is going to be
a brand new street down there with good infrastructure by two good developers and they're offering affordable housing, which this city needs. and every developer that came up here did not offer any affordable housing.
Thank you. >> I appreciate that you're here tonight. So now we know your wishes as a new member coming on. >> What's the wish of the council? Motion to approve. I would ask for a roll call without standard conditions and then the
only restriction that within 30 days that we have the drawings. >> Standard ZBA conditions. If the rights authorized by this variance are not exercised within one year of the date of the grant of this variance, the right shall lapse. This variance shall not be valid until the appellant has recorded this variance in plan in the Suffach
County Registry of Deeds and submits document recording numbers and dates to the city clerk and building inspector of the city of River. The appellent must receive site plan review approval prior to applying for a building permit. The property shall not be eligible for participation in the city of River's residential and visitor on street permit
parking program and the applicant shall provide stamped drawings to the zoning board of appeals within 30 days. Shall the zoning board of appeals grant the relief requested subject to those conditions? Mr. Lemina. >> Yes. >> Yes. Mr. Lopes. >> No. Mr. O'Brien. >> No.
>> No. Mr. Pelton? >> Yes. >> Yes. And Chairman Tucker? Yes, >> Barance has been denied. >> Having no further business, wishing everyone happy holidays.