Members of the Orient Heights Neighborhood Council (OHNC) heard informational presentations on four development projects at the group’s August meeting.
The group received presentations on projects at 917 Bennington St., 1201 Saratoga St, 137 Leyden St and 1088 Saratoga St.
At 917 Bennington St., Attorney James Christopher said his client is proposing to add commercial spaces at the garage level of the building currently being constructed at the former Kirby Rapino Funeral Home site.
The BPDA approved project consists of 42 units with 31 spaces. Christopher said the original permitting and zoning was done under a different owner/developer and his client has decided to add commercial space to enhance the project.
The second proposal at 1201 Saratoga St proposes a six unit building on a 6000 sq ft. parcel. Attorney Mike Ross said his client has recently decided to reduce the number of units from 7 to 6.
However, abutters unanimously decided that they only want 1 or 2 family dwelling there. Abbutters reminded OHNC members of a pledge Mayor Martin Walsh made to the group when he stopped by a meeting last year that when a 1 or 2 family building is sold it should remain a 1 to 2 family building.
The third project was at 137 Leyden St. where Architect Arthur Choo said his client wants to erect a 7 unit building at the same height as surrounding buildings.
Choo said the developer has met multiple times with the abutters and has reduced the size of the building and made significant changes to the design as a result.
Finally the group heard from the developer at 1088 Saratoga St. Attorney Riochard Lynds said his client would like to erect an addition and change occupancy to a 5 unit building with 3 parking spaces.
However, some felt the building was too tall and lacked sufficient off street parking.
Lynds said his client was looking to remove the penthouse level and doing a roof deck instead. Lynds said this was in response to some concerns from abutters and this would make the height of the building more consistent with the area on Saratoga St.