The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) is seeking public comment on its review of the design of a controversial housing project at 207-209 Chestnut Ave.
Developer Pat McKenna plans to demolish an existing vacant house and replace it with two two-family houses. Neighbors complain that the plan destroys the 130-year-old house and several trees, and have expressed concern about foundation drilling into the local Roxbury puddingstone.
The project requires no zoning variances. But it falls under the Glenvale Park Neighborhood Design Overlay District, which requires BRA review of the design to make sure it is consistent with the architecture and historical nature of many nearby homes.
The BRA is accepting public comments about the design through July 13. The plans can be seen at the BRA’s office in City Hall downtown or online at tinyurl.com/jp-ndod. Comments can be submitted to BRA planner Marie Mercurio at marie.mercurio.bra@cityofboston.gov. A community meeting about the plan is scheduled for July 10. See the JP Agenda for information.
Updated version: The comment period has been extended and a community meeting announced since this article was published.
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Split puddingstone creates fissures encouraging upward gushing ground water. 26 breweries took advantage of this phenomenom before prohibition in only a 1 1/2 mile radius in the mission hill area & stoney brook valley. Sump pumps are the norm even on hilltop homes. Pridefull locals have struggled hard to maintain the beauty of this area. I'm against any developer turning a blind eye or deaf ear to the legitimate concerns of vested abutters. Raze a sound house to crowd in two? Spill water downhill? I don't think so! Edmund Foley