The North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) supported the zoning variance application of Ed Gates at 93 Charter Street for a proposed renovation with the provision that an abutter provide written consent.
Ed Gates purchased 93 Charter St in June 2009 and plans to live in the upper floors after renovating the unoccupied property. The property is currently zoned for four residential units, although the new owners only intend to have three units and will rent the other two units. Attorney Daniel Toscano is representing the applicant for zoning relief which used an LLC known as Charter Boston Properties LLC.
Gates is a former North End resident returning to the neighborhood. His plan needs zoning relief to increase the floor area ratio (FAR) and to expand a rooftop headhouse to create a penthouse area. Plans also include a deck and garden on the roof. Occupancy will change from 4 to 3 apartments, including a 3-bedroom duplex on the 2nd and 3rd floors and expansion of two first floor units into the basement. The height will be about 51 feet.
There will be no provision for common roof deck. The current owner would use it mostly for a garden, and future owners could use it as a deeded roof deck.
Abutter Celily Foster said they have met with the applicant a few times and are close to an agreement on sloping the roof to preserve their sight lines of the Old North Church and Customs House Tower. The Fosters would like to see a more visible mock-up to understand the impact.
Meeting minutes are available at NEWNC’s website: www.NEWNCBoston.org
