Greenway Conservancy Changes Could Mean More North End Input

The North End Waterfront Neighborhood Committee met Monday evening and addressed three zoning issues and heard from State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz.

Michelwitz started by updating the committee on the status of pending legislation regarding changes with the Greenway Conservancy.

“We want to bring more people to the table to get more neighborhood and local involvement in what goes on with the future of the Greenway,” Michelwitz said. “The board would expand to 21 members with seven neighborhood reps.”

This would open up a seat for committee members as well as the Residents Association and other local neighborhood groups near the Greenway. The bill has passed The House of Representatives and is on its way to the State Senate.

Other comittee news

The council also addressed four zoning requests, three of which passed, while another was deferred.

The owner of 536 Commercial Street sought permission to build a wooden deck on the existing roof of their four-story single family. The new owners of this property converted the three-family in to a one-family and wants to build a private roof deck.

Abutters to the property voiced their concerns about the roof deck, saying the outdoor space would lead to obstructed views and noise. The committee deferred on the roof deck issue, but approved the F.A.R. (floor-to-area ratio) and the proposed changes to the head house on a 6-1 vote.

The owner of 7 Baldwin Place filed an application with the Zoning Board of Appeals to change the legal occupancy of the building from five to six bedrooms. This would not exceed 55 feet in height. The committee voted to support the application, provided the owner work with an abutting neighbor on light and shadow issues.

The owner of 4 Powers Court applied to construct a one-story addition, including a penthouse. The council voted unanimously in favor of the application as proposed.

The owner of 55 North Washington Street might decide to convert the property from a restaurant into a residential building. The council deferred on the application and noted that the application may be withdrawn completely.