HYDE SQ.—The plan to turn the Norbert School building into 21 apartments has moved back to the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) after the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) issued a “revised ruling” on variances needed for the project, according to project manager Dave Traggorth.
BRA review is still pending for the project, but it is unclear exactly what the process will be.
ISD had issued the developer, Norbert School Associates, an April 5 letter that said the project was in violation of “dimensional application” (two or more dwellings on the same lot), forbidden use (“dwellings in basement per inconsistent plans”) and insufficient off-street parking.
But, Traggorth said, that is “resolved” after ISD issued a “revised ruling.” He said the developer has the “same plan,” except that two affordable units will be included in the 21 apartments.
“We hope to be back on board and moving forward, but it is unclear right now [when that will be],” said Traggorth.
The BRA and ISD did not respond to requests for comment.
The Norbert building is located at 20 Sunnyside St. on the Blessed Sacrament Church campus. The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation (JPNDC) and New Atlantic Development purchased the campus in 2005. The Norbert building originally housed the COMPASS School, but it left in 2009, leaving the building empty.