By Gazette Staff
The Stonybrook Neighborhood Association (SNA) held a Special Meeting last Tuesday, June 17, to review the proposed plans for renovating the property at 14 Meehan Street. According to the SNA’s agenda, the plans call for “the addition of one livable unit in place of the former office space on the first floor; upgrades to front facade; upgrades to three parking spaces; and upgrades of landscape/green space.”
The agenda further stated that the purpose of the meeting was for the developer, Jose Hartnett, to:
“Update landscape plan to show existing trees and provide written confirmation about preserving the two existing trees on the southwestern portion of the property along Meehan Street;
“Consider adding shade trees in the front left area and rear of the property instead of only arborvitae;
“Evaluate reducing hard- scaping in front of the building where not needed for parking or access;
“Ensure the parking space layout doesn’t interfere with the fire sprinkler access on the left side of the building;
“Review window design for the garage door replacement area, considering larger panes to better fit the opening size; and
“Review the previously approved site plan for 14 Meehan Street sent by Patty to evaluate potential changes to parking and landscape layout.”
Alcurtis Clark chaired the meeting which was attended by SNA members Jennifer Uhrhane, Jonathan McCurdy, Tulin Dadali, Roye Abel, Jenny Nathans, Jonathan Abrams, Rory Coiffey, Ari SingerFreeman, Sue Zobel, Patty Yehle, and Caliga.
This was the third meeting with Hartnett, who was represented by attorney Lorene Schettino. Schettino explained that the project is seeking to eliminate the commercial office space and expand the residential use to three units. She said the project needed zoning relief for lack of parking, an insufficient lot area for three residential units, excessive floor area ratio (FAR), insufficient front yard, and insufficient open space.
Schettino presented architectural drawings for the project, including the outdoor space, and added that the developer will plant shade trees and a landscaped bed with hydrangeas. She also added that new windows will match the style of the existing windows as much as possible.
Jen Nathan, who lives across the street, noted that work was already being done on the building and asked Schettino to clarify what she was seeking the SNA to approve. Schettino reiterated the aspects of the project that need zoning relief and noted that a three-unit residential use is permitted in the neighborhood’s zoning district.
However, the members did not focus on the zoning requests so much as they raised issues relating to the landscaping. Sue Zobel led off that discussion, raising the members’ various concerns, which led to questions about the amount of hardscape vs. grass, treescape, and garden beds.
“Generally, the neighborhood welcomes new housing, especially if there is a property like this switching over from commercial to housing,” said McCurdy, summing up the general feeling of the members.
McCurdy also added requests that the exterior lighting be dark-sky compliant and that the basement shall not be a living space. He further suggested that the changes being proposed by the neighbors be placed in writing by the developer.
In the end, the members unanimously voted 11-0 to approve the project, subject to the following conditions: that one or more shade trees (as opposed to arborvitae) be planted on the northwest corner of the property, that the developer retain the two big trees currently standing on the property; that the exterior lighting be dark-sky compliant; that the basement shall not be used as a living space; and that the developer should reduce or eliminate hard-scape pavers.
“I appreciate your advice and your time and will do my best to meet all of the requirements you are suggesting,” said Hartnett, who was slated to go before the Zoning Committee of the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) the following night (last Wednesday).
The Zoning Committee’s recommendation then will go before the full JPNC after which Hartnett then must go before the Boston Zoning Board of Appeals in order to obtain his variances.