40 Warren Building Returns to CNC's Fall Agenda

As the Charlestown Neighborhood Council warms up to return to regular action in September, a familiar issue will return to the agenda.

Councilor Mark Rosenshein sent out a trio of meeting notices recently, including one for another round of hearings on the .

Last year, developer Vahid Nickpour proposed adding floors and residential space to the structure, which currently houses in its upper floors.

In response to criticism from neighbors who said the building's proposed height would block their light or view, Nickpour scaled back his plans several times. Ultimately, they were rejected.

MEETINGS:

40 Warren Street Redevelopment Meeting

The CNC Development Committee will be hosting a meeting for review of the proposed redevelopment plans for 40 Warren Street (Old English Garage). The meeting will include discussion of the zoning and architectural design expectations for the project. The meeting will occur at 7 pm at the new Knights of Columbus on Medford Street, on Thursday, September 27, 2012. It is anticipated that the project will be requesting approval from the Zoning Board of Appeal in October.

Building 39a, Navy Yard Development Meeting

The CNC Development Committee will be hosting a meeting for review of the proposed development plan for the vacant lot referred to as Building 39a in the Navy Yard. The meeting will include discussion of the zoning and architectural design expectations for the project. The meeting will occur on Tuesday, September 11 at 7 pm at the Building 114 large conference room. It is anticipated that the developer will be designated for development by the Boston Redevelopment Authority on September 13th.

CNC Development Committee:

Potential Zoning By-law Revisions

Article 62-29 Off-Street Parking

Table E Residential Off-Street Parking Requirements

The CNC Development Committee will be hosting a meeting, leading to a joint meeting with the Boston Redevelopment Authority and potential recommendation to the City of Boston Zoning Commission, for modification to specific sections of the Charlestown Zoning By-laws.

The meeting will occur at 7 pm at the new Knights of Columbus hall on Medford Street, on Wednesday. September 19, 2012.

The current Charlestown Zoning Section 62-29 Off-Street Parking regulation, along with Table E, requires one (1) off-street parking space per unit for each new single family dwelling unit in a project, for projects of one to three units. The requirement for parking obligates the City of Boston to allow developers to install curb cuts and remove on-street parking spaces without community input or review. The purpose of the meeting will be to review this condition and determine if the Zoning by-law should 1) remain as currently written, 2) be modified to a conditional use requiring community input on a case by case basis, while not changing the parking ratio requirement, or 3) remove the requirement for the parking space and require a variance for the installation of first floor garages and parking space. There will also be a discussion to determine if there are other zoning issues which should be considered for revision by the community during future meetings.