By Michael Coughlin Jr.
During the Harbor View Neighborhood Association’s (HVNA) monthly meeting last week, a large majority of attendees voted to support a project at 704 Saratoga Street that would bring some improvements to the roof of the building on the property.
As part of the project, railings will be installed on the upper roof, a new staircase will be added, and a pergola will be put on the building, with a roof deck located underneath.
“There’s no changes to the height of the building, so we’re not going any higher, we’re not going any wider,” said Matthew Kramer, the owner. Skip Marcella, an HVNA Board Member, also noted that there would not be an increase in the number of units when he introduced the project.
Kramer also noted that the existing windows would be replaced with sliding doors, allowing them to get out onto the deck.
“This is a conditional use approval for the stairs, the pergola, and the railings for the roof deck, and there’s no variances requested here, so we’re looking to confirm that this is in compliance with setbacks, the use, and occupancy,” Kramer said.
Following the brief presentation, the floor was opened to questions. One resident wondered why the project had to be presented if it did not require any variances.
“The code requires conditional approval for the use of the space as a roof deck. So, the community has to vote on this in order for us to use the outdoor roof deck,” Kramer said. “It’s part of the code even though there’s no variances.”
There were no other questions from those in attendance, and since this was the project’s second presentation before the association, it went to a vote.
Ultimately, the project received overwhelming support, with 21 attendees voting in favor and only two opposing it.
For more information about the HVNA, visit its website at https://harborvieweastboston.com/ or its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/harborviewna/.
The next HVNA meeting is scheduled for October 6.