At this week’s NEWNC and NEWRA meetings, both neighborhood groups supported the proposed renovation and zoning relief for 31 Tileston Street. Mirella Petruccelli has filed for a zoning relief as part of a renovation of three residential units on the upper floors of the 4 story building. Extension of nonconforming commercial use (first floor) is the reason indicated for relief although commercial use is not intended. There are no changes planned to the exterior.
Attorney George Morancy represented the applicant, Mirella Petruccelli. The property has been in the same family for decades. There has not been commercial use in decades and the entire building is currently unoccupied. The property needs some structural support and will be upgraded to include fire sprinklers.
A refusal letter was issued by Inspectional Services for an extension of non-conforming commercial use on the first floor. Attorney Morancy believes this is an error because there is no extension, nor commercial use. There will be added balconies or other decks.
The owner intends to rent the top 3 floors which will be 725 square feet, one-bedroom units. Then, the owner plans to take out a loan to fund conversion of the first floor into a residential unit. This will likely require additional zoning relief at a later time.
On Monday, North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) voted 7-0 in support of the application. On Thursday, the application was also supported by the North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) in a vote of 42-1.
