By Michael Coughlin Jr.
At last week’s Gove Street Neighborhood Association (GSNA) monthly meeting, attendees heard plans for a project at 1-4 Percival Place/108-110 Orleans Street and subsequently chose to support it.
As part of this project, which was initially presented to the GSNA in October, Attorney Richard Lynds explained that they want to confirm the occupancy of six units at the Percival Place building and conduct interior work that includes life safety upgrades.
“This is currently occupied as six units. The record of occupancy is in doubt, and therefore, we are required to go through a process with the City of Boston to confirm that occupancy as a six-unit dwelling,” said Lynds.
Lynds also noted that there would be no changes at 108-110 Orleans Street. “There’s no expansion of these buildings being proposed. There’s no change in the exterior; all the existing conditions are going to remain,” he said.
Moreover, Lynds talked about plans for a lot subdivision. “The building behind this building sits to the rear of the lot; the building here at 108-110 Orleans is toward the front of the lot. We would simply incorporate—for lack of a better term— the imaginary line to divide the parcels so these aren’t two buildings on one lot,” he said.
It should also be noted that there is an existing demolition plan for the 1-4 Percival Place building, and its headhouse will be removed.
Later, Lynds briefly outlined the zoning relief that would be necessary for the proposal but said, “The only relief that we would require is anything that would be triggered from the pre-existing conditions, but unlike a new development project, this doesn’t really impact or create any additional impacts to the neighborhood because all of the same conditions will remain.”
Eventually, attendees were able to ask questions and comment. One attendee wanted to ensure that the buildings would not be any higher. Lynds confirmed that would be the case and emphasized that the 1-4 Percival building would be lower due to the aforementioned headhouse removal.
Another attendee asked if the buildings were currently occupied, to which Lynds said yes. However, he mentioned that the renovations at 1-4 Percival were not imminent due to the permitting hurdles that still needed to be cleared.
“This particular property owner owns a good amount of units in the area. We have no issue with assisting with relocation and finding places before any construction starts, and certainly, we will work with those tenants in doing that before we get underway with any of the renovations,” said Lynds.
Neel Batra, a member of the GSNA Board, followed up on the previous question and asked if the plan was for temporary relocation, where the tenants would be able to move back in following renovations. Lynds indicated he was unsure about those plans but emphasized, “The concept is to not have any evictions in order to proceed with this renovation.”
Batra also wanted to clarify why two addresses were listed in this project. Lynds confirmed that it was because two properties currently occupy a single lot, which would be changed as part of the subdivision.
Lynds also highlighted the feedback from the abutters meeting regarding the project. He indicated that many questions were similar to those asked during this GSNA meeting and did not recall any opposition.
One resident asked if there were future plans for the Orleans Street building. Lynds said it could change, but currently, there are no plans.
Finally, Batra wanted to know about the evidence that shows the 1-4 Percival building being six units because Lynds mentioned that there was evidence that dates back to the 1950s.
Lynds cited the property’s building jacket and conflicting references in the building permits. He also added that tenants would say the building has six units, six kitchens, and six bathrooms.
Ultimately, eligible voters elected to support the project 8-2 in an online poll that was open until last Wednesday.
For more information about the GSNA, visit its website at https://www.govestreet.org/home. The next GSNA meeting is scheduled for March 24.