The North End / Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) strongly opposed a 5-story addition in the rear of 92-96 Salem Street, voting 4-23 against the proposal.
Proponent Nicholas D’Amore, represented by Attorney Daniel Toscano, is looking to develop the space and change the legal occupancy of the premises from 6 residential units to 11, keeping zoning for 2 stores on the ground level. The address is also known as 3 Wiget Street on the opposite side of the property.
The applicant is proposing to tear down the 1-story building, build a 5-story new building and combine the parcel with the adjacent property. The five new units would be 1-bedroom apartments in the 500-600 square foot range. By combining the property, the new units can access existing stairwells.
Attorney Toscano was defiant in response to questions about trash and a history of problems at the property. There are no current plans for an internal trash room, although Toscano said trash could be taken down from a rear stairwell that forms a second egress. NEWRA President Ford Cavallari said city data confirms an excess of trash violations.
Zoning relief is being sought for open space violations, no off-street parking, insufficient rear-yard setback and an increased floor area ratio (FAR) from 2.1 to 3.4. The owner intends to live at the building.
Resident Thomas Schiavoni questioned whether the proposed development would comply with affordable housing requirements given the combined property will have over 10 units.
A tentative hearing date in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for October 16th.
