By Gazette Staff
A community meeting for abutters and neighbors of a proposed development at 19 Kenton Rd. revealed unanimous opposition to the plans for a new, three-story, eight-unit building with roof decks by local developer Joseph Federico. The eight units will consist of five, 2-bedroom units and three, 3-BR units on a lot size of about 10,000 sq. ft.
Kenton Rd. is a small side street directly across Washington St. from the Scagnoli-Nihill Athletic Complex in the Stonybrook section of Jamaica Plain.
Siggy Jonson, a Community Specialist from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, served as the moderator of the meeting, which was held via Zoom, Jonson noted at the outset that Federico’s plans “do do not comply with the Jamaica Plain zoning subdistrict, which has triggered a zoning code refusal for a building permit that has been appealed to the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals.”
Federico’s proposal requires four variances. There is a lack of parking (the code requires 10 spaces, but Federico is proposing eight spaces); the structure will be a multi-family building in a zoning district where it is forbidden; there is a problem with the “mode alignment” of the building on the lot because it requires nine feet of setback vs. the seven feet in the plans; and the floor area ratio (FAR) is excessive (an FAR of 0.7 is required per the building code, but the plans call for an FAR of 1.14).
Scott Glidden, a realtor with Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, opened the meeting for the developer and presented architect Robert McNeil, who outlined the specifics of the proposal. Federico, who recently completed a similar development at 97-99 Williams St., spoke briefly about the project.
Jonson then opened the meeting to abutters and other area residents, all of whom spoke against the proposal.
“We’re going to be looking out at this thing from our home and it is unacceptable — it is huge and it is ugly,” said Michael Babcock of 18 Kenton Rd. “If you want to propose something that looks like the other buildings on the street, that would be a starting point for discussion. But this will rip up the fabric of the street and the neighborhood.”
“Kenton Rd. is a lovely beautiful place, but what makes you think you can put something so big there?” asked Carla-Lisa Caliga.. “How many more people will be living there than are there now?”
After Federico noted that eight persons live on the property today, but his project would increase the residency to 16 persons, Caliga continued, “The building is too big. Is it greed only that drives development? Do you not care about the quality of life for people who live there? This is a lovely quiet, wooded street. We don’t need more people. Our quality of life in this neighborhood matters and we have been overdeveloped already. Do we need to double the people on this lot? Washington St. is congested enough.”
Josh Haney of 11 Kenton Rd. suggested, “It’s a perfect lot for two, three-family buildings that would fit in with the neighborhood and we would be in favor of that.”
Jan Wampler of 39 Kenton Rd., who has lived in the neighborhood for 50 years and who is an architect, also criticized the proposal. “This is an historic road with 8-10 homes that were built by the 1860s,” said Wampler. “I find it unbelievable that you would tear down one of those homes, which was built in 1862. The proposed structure does not relate to Kenton Rd. in any way and is insensitive to those who live here. The architecture does not relate in any way whatsoever to the neighborhood.”
“This will only add to the congestion in the area,” said Jennifer Hein of 47 Rossmore Rd., noting that a five-story residential project is being planned for the Keegan’s Service Station lot at the corner of Washington St. and Kenton Rd. “There is no reason to demolish this two family house and you can add to it. This would respect the historic nature of the street.”
Hein also noted that neighbors have had issues with Federico’s project at 99 Williams St. “because of a central open hallway with huge glass windows that have caused light pollution to the neighbors, in addition to light pollution from the open parking. You also could have more green space by constructing a smaller building. I hope you can respect the character and scale of the neighborhood.
“Also,” Hein added, “please do not make it gray or white or another color from a muted color palette — make it something interesting,”
Kristina Tobey of 9 Kenton Rd. added she would like to see two, three-family homes instead of one large building . “This giant, massive structure being proposed does not match the character of the street,” she said.
Alcurtis Clark 36 Gartland St. also spoke in opposition. “We need to keep that house,” said Clark. “It is a beautiful, wonderful house on a beautiful street. There is nothing in the neighborhood that looks like the proposed building, which resembles the ugly development now being built on Washington St.”
K.C. of 9 Shurland St. said, “My primary concern is housing for people who are being displaced throughout our city and I do not believe that this will be affordable housing. The integrity of the building can be preserved and still accomplish the goal of housing more people. I cannot understand why this house has to be demolished.”
Another long-time resident, Carolyn Kelley 44 Kenton Rd., who said her family has been there since 1961, added, “I agree with the comments and also oppose it as it stands. I think there is a possibility for development that retains the character of both the area and the present structure.”
“I also would like to see the existing building preserved,” said Jonathan McCurdy of 47 Rossmore Rd. “There is no reason to demolish the existing building. I understand it’s business and that people want to make money, but there still is a financial incentive to rehabbing things without knocking down the existing building and affecting the character of the neighborhood.”
At the conclusion of the comments from the neighbors, Federico addressed the group.
“We started this presentation by saying we’re not here to force anything down peoples’ throats. It’s pretty clear that there is no support for this project. We’re here to listen to comments and make changes. We’ve heard everyone tonight and we will go back to the drawing board.”
The proposal will come up at the meeting of the Stonybrook Neighborhood Association (SNA) on September 9.