By Michael Coughlin Jr.
Those in attendance at last week’s Harbor View Neighborhood Association (HVNA) meeting voted in opposition to a project at 3 Moore Street that proposes to bring multiple units to the area.
The proposal, as explained by Attorney Richard Lynds, involves demolishing the existing structure on the lot to construct a new three-story building with six units.
The building would include a mix of two-bedroom, two-bedroom plus, and three-bedroom units. Additionally, it is slated to include two roof decks, but would have no parking.
As for how the proposal, which is situated in the East Boston Residential (EBR)-3 subdistrict, aligns with zoning, it would need two variances: Lot width and parking.
Lynds explained that while up to six units are allowed in EBR-3, this is contingent on the lot’s width.
“Up to six units is allowed in the EBR-3 district, provided you have 55 feet plus one inch of width — we’re at 50 feet,” he said.
In terms of parking, Lynds said, “We believe that based upon the fact that this lot is large enough to accommodate a total of six units with no parking already, we believe that’s a technical variance and we’re happy to appeal before the Zoning Board and make that case.”
Moreover, during the presentation, Lynds outlined a by-right plan that would fully comply with zoning and include the construction of two separate three-unit buildings, but would not require parking.
“This comes up a lot — ‘Why wouldn’t we just do the two three-families?’ There are a number of reasons. One is cost, but second is impacts — if we do two separate buildings, you have to bring two water services, two utilities, two source services, and two fire alarms,” Lynds said.
“You only have to bring one in for a single building, and you can organize the building in a way that you have a single entrance, so that’s the reason why we’re proposing a single building.”
After Lynds outlined site plans, renderings, and more, the floor was opened for questions from those in attendance.
HVNA Board Member Skip Marcella asked about the abutters’ meeting for the project, noting that an attendee of the HVNA meeting at which the project was first presented had some concerns.
Lynds noted that his client has been working with the individual’s concerns about construction and its potential impact on their property.
There was also a discussion regarding the by-right proposal, with attendees wondering whether a setback was required between the two buildings. However, Lynds said that was not the case if the buildings were attached.
Another attendee wondered where the trash would be located. Lynds indicated there was space in the basement.
Ultimately, the project was opposed in an 11-3 vote.
To view a recording of the most recent HVNA meeting, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/harborviewna/. The next HVNA meeting is scheduled for May 4.