[responsive_youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir8qbSaIor4]
Video: 57 Snow Hill Street zoning relief application at NEWRA on April 11, 2013
The top floor owner of 57 Snow Hill Street, James Ferrera, received a close, but favorable, vote of 14-13 from the North End / Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) in support of his requested zoning relief. Represented by Attorney Daniel Toscano, the applicant wants to build an addition that would expand the existing head house from 52 square feet to 245 square feet for additional living space.
The building height will remain at 52 feet, 8 inches including the addition. The roof will have outdoor living space with a railing around the edge. The unit is expected to be rented out as a 2 bedroom apartment. One resident raised the concern that the owner will be an absentee landlord. Others objected to the lack of a final design and material selections. The owner of the lower units in the building spoke in support of the project and referred to the building condo documents that restrict renting units to students.
Review is expected by the Boston Redevelopment Authority and the Parks Department because the property is within 100 feet of a public park, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground. The Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) also voted in favor of the zoning relief. A zoning hearing is scheduled on May 21, 2013 at City Hall, Room 801.
Watch the video above for the detailed presentation, discussion and NEWRA vote. Below are the “before” and “after” photos presented at the meeting. Please note that the “after” rendering has not gone through the city’s design review.
head houses that are expanded for living space, if they can be seen from the street, should be required to match the existing building. For example, this expansion should be required to continue the brick facade of the current building up the 10′ feet or so on the outside so it matches the building is not an eyesore (the current rendering).
My understanding is that roof deck railings need to be set back from the street by the same distance as they are high (ie. about 3 and a half feet). Does anyone know whether that’s right? I’m wondering because it doesn’t look like the railing is set back in the rendering above.
The two story addition on the corner of snowhill and sheafe (a Giant testament to Greed) is blocking much needed light. As there was no valid reason for adding this monstrosity, There is no valid or necessary reason to add additional living space to a rental condo unit that already has two levels of living space. I am sure there will be no problem renting this two story unit. However there is a Big Problem with blocking much needed light and sunshine.