Posted on

Monthly Meeting Agenda – September 24 @ 6:30

  1. Welcome 
  2. Boston Police Updates – Sargent Martin & Officer Simmons
  3. City of Boston Office Neighborhood Services Updates – Jesus Garcia
  4. East Boston Social Center 100th Anniversary – Marisa DiPietro
  5. Project Presentations
    1. 197-207 Maverick Street (aka 205 Maverick Street)
      This project consists of the demolition of the existing commercial structure containing Maverick Street Market and construction of a new 5 story, community-based redevelopment (without displacement) containing a new home for the existing marketing and potential laundromat operation, if desired, along with 55 rental units and 34 off-street parking spaces.
      Attorney Joe Hanley, 3rdst Presentation/VOTE
    2. 113-115 Cottage Street
      This project is a change in occupancy to a 4-unit residential building with interior and exterior renovations.
      Attorney Richard Lynds, 2nd Presentation/VOTE
    3. 66 Lubec Street
      This is a project to erect a 6-unit residential dwelling with parking for 3 vehicles.
      Attorney Richard Lynds, 1st Presentation
    4. 175 Orleans Street (aka Loftel Hotel)
      Project updates to the proposed hotel at the corner of Orleans and Porter Street.
      Attorney Richard Lynds

Next Meeting date: Monday, October 22, 2018

Location: The Catherine Leonard-McLean (formerly Noddle Island) Community Room is located on the first floor of the Logan Airport Rental Car Center, situated at the end of Porter Street. Free event parking in front of the building and in the Porter Street parking lot adjacent to the building.

Posted on

Monthly Meeting Minutes – July 23

WELCOME & PROJECT UPDATES:

  • 202 MAVERICK STREET:
    • Currently Demolished
    • Granted reprieve for one year extension for zoning — They can start construction as soon as tomorrow.
      • Jesus (Jose) will find out why there was repreve.
        • Timeframes requested from Jesus (Jose).
      • We are not sure.
    • CARMEL:
      • Jack spoke to the fellow who represents the owner. They mentioned they are in the redesign phase and Jack recommended to hurry up – due to tariffs.
      • No BPDA presentation has been submitted.
      • Only submitted the letter of intent to BPDA.
      • Proposed 115 units
    • EAST BOSTON NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH CENTER:
      • May sell parking lots – 5 MAJOR Blocks of Development.
      • [GET STREETS INVOLVED]
      • CDC and NOAH are trying to get involved:
        • Not Condos
        • Market Rate
        • All Rentals
      • Another For-profit organization that seems to be involved in the development as well.
      • Whoever picks up the project → there will be parking spaces that will be created due to need.

BOSTON POLICE UPDATES:

  • Statistics:
    • 10% up compared to last year (37 total incidents)
      • Burglary; Homicide, serious crimes
    • 411 – priority 1 calls
    • Any questions or concerns to feel free to reach out to the police department. Encourage to reachout at the moment that question or concern comes up. Encourages not to wait until next months meeting to bring up any concerns.
  • COM
    • 381 – Part 1 Crimes for the CY.
  • Summer Flashlight Walk
    • August 16 @ 6 PM
  • National Night Out
    • August 4 @ 2:30 PM
    • 3:15 PM with Mayor
    • Ice cream truck for children
    • Awards will be presented
  • Peace Walk
    • Every Thursday, July 26 — Until September
    • 6 PM @ Police Station
  • Capitan – Encourages people to come to the police station to speak about
  • Police Commissioner, William Evans is retiring from the force to join Boston College
  • New Police Commissioner –
  • Biggest Issues:
    • New Development
    • College Students
      • Suffolk University and Emerson College
    • Airbnb:
      • Lubec Street:
        • Breaking locks to leave packages and exchange keys.
        • No way to capture the influx of the # of Airbnb and the state and city have not be able to manage and regulate.

GSCA PROJECT TRACKER, WEBSITE:

  • Project tracker and website will be available soon

CITY OF BOSTON NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES UPDATES:

  • Jesus (Jose):
    • August 13th – Walk Tour: for the updates on the Ners Park
    • Civic Engagements:
      • For nominations:
        • Many categories
        • City of Boston – East Boston Newsletter subscribers.

PROJECT PRESENTATIONS:

197-207 MAVERICK STREET:

  1. “Community Based Development without Displacement”
  2. 7 affordable units:
    1. AMI% Breakdown
  3. Both existing businesses will have new upgraded spaces, if they would like to stay.
  4. June 25th – 1st presentation
  5. Small Project Review w/ BPDA – June 28
  6. July 13thing – Zoning
  7. Tuesday, July 31st for [Meeting]
  8. No Hearings are currently scheduled. → Moving forward with Project.
  9. Neighborhood Traffic Patterns:
    1. Flipped the building so that the traffic would filter through from Frankfort not Maverick.
  10. Matching the Neighborhood Characteristics
    1. Use a brick material
  11. Stepping Back to 5 floors — did not reduce the stories from the initial project.
    1. Match the scale.
    2. 3 levels of Set-Back on the property.
      1. Retail (3.5 ft off the property line);
      2. above the 40ft (40ft matches the existing structure of neighborhood building height — brick);
      3. then on the top (5 ft set back)
    3. Entry Courtyard:
      1. Offset the main entry door to create a larger usable space in the Courtyard.
    4. Green Space in the backyard
    5. Zoning Board for appeals on list of variance that have not change

Questions:

  1. Parking – Currently no meters;
    1. Series of curb cuts – Provide more on-street parking
      1. On-street parking: in conversations w/BPD about 10-15 mins parking/resident only parking.
        1. Market closes 11:30 PM
      2. Loading trucks for supplies, where are they going to deliver?
        1. For the large opening on the delivery truck – 30 ft (length)
        2. Large Commercial Trucks — These trucks need to be one their property when doing delivery not to disrupt
  2. Size of the building is too large. 5 Stories — Jane requested to Lower the building.
    1. Owner proposed to lower the number of floors of brick.
    2. The Lawyer mentioned that the “reason” for 5 stories is because they want to maintain the commercial building
  3. 55 units (700 sqft). Resident — requested for more than 7 units be made for affordable.
    1. 12 Studio apartments
    2. — “We are trying” the owner said.
    3. 34 proposed parking spaces
  4. Owner said they want to keep as a rental project
    1. Market:
      1. People who lives in East Boston: 21 – 25 years old who are moving into the neighborhood
      2. They are trying to keep the rents low
    2. Renegotiate the terms of lease with the owner, Jay, of the existing Market that is not going anywhere “for a long time”
  5. Laundry – Micheal is the existing manager of the Laundromat, there is a potential that he may not stay and Jay, the owner of the market may take over the laundromat.
  6. Building is too high, we won’t be able to see Boston from my House.

 175 ORLEANS STREET (THE BOUTIQUE – HOTEL):

  1. Building built around 1920’s.
  2. Submitted final design under review with the BPDA w/in the last 10-12 days
  3. City of Boston — Apply for Building Permit
  4. In the process of getting a building permit.
  5. Designs:
    1. Added windows Glass block windows from 1920’s. — Original Design.
    2. The owner would email project
  6. Cell towers are trying to work with the cell towers company to move then further on top of the building.
    1. BPDA have adopted new cell tower regulations that not everything will be approved.
    2. Originally the cell towers were built within the building.
    3. Additional towers were added within the last 90 days.
    4. American Towers — third party is in between owner.
  7. Door was open last week
  8. A resident saw a crane there.
  9. No documentation for the towers back in the 1990’s — Original. — Owner is requesting for help to find these original documents.
  10. Jose (Jesus) to check out the permitting process for the
  11. WIll be migrating into a national hotel company:
    1. Hilton
    2. Marriott
    3. Intercontinental
  12. Owner says he visits every other week.
  13. The windows are going sealed up to the second floor.
  14. Keeping the driveway on both Porter and Orleans street;
  15. Parking lot would be in and out;
  16. 65 parking spots;
  17. Bakery proposed.
  18. Teshy requested for a presentation.
  19. Safety and Security issues with
  20. Systemic designs have been updated and need to be approved on the design by the building department.
  21. This week there will be progress on the clean up and tighty up the area.
    1. Weeding the parking lot; clean up property.
  22. Landscape to work with direct abutters for design.
  23. State Rep. Adrian Comments:
    1. Eye Sore;
    2. Deeply concerned about the lack of project updates;
  24. Safetly;
    1. Constituents have been reaching out to the State about this property;
    2. Requesting maintain the property as business/property owner
    3. Encouraging neighbors to reach out to the State Rep. about issues with this property.

East Boston Master Plan:

Email comments to: City Councilor Edwards

Second Hearing will be scheduled in the future.

Posted on

Monthly Meeting Agenda – July 23 @ 6:30 PM

  1. Welcome & Project Updates
  2. GSCA Updates: Project tracker, website
  3. City of Boston Office Neighborhood Services Updates
  4. Project Presentations
    1. 197-207 Maverick Street
      This project consists of the demolition of the existing commercial structure containing Maverick Street Market (aka 205 Maverick) and construction of a new 5 story, community based redevelopment (without displacement) containing a new home for the existing marketing and potential laundromat operation, if desired, along with 55 residential units and 34 off-street parking spaces.
      Attorney Joe Hanley, 2st presentation
    2. 175 Orleans Street (Formerly Loftel)
      This project consists of the rehabilitation of the historic structure at 175 Orleans Street into a 127 room hotel. The rehab will include one additional story and 65 parking spaces with retail space on the bottom level. The owners will be present to provide updates on the status of this project.

Next Meeting date: Monday, August 27, 2018

Location: The Catherine Leonard-McLean (formerly Noddle Island) Community Room is located on the first floor of the Logan Airport Rental Car Center, situated at the end of Porter Street. Free event parking in front of the building and in the Porter Street parking lot adjacent to the building.

Posted on

Monthly Meeting Agenda – June 25 @ 6:30

Gove Street Citizens Association
Monthly Meeting Agenda

Monday, June 25, 6:30-8:30pm
Catherine Leonard-McLean Community Room
(formerly Noddle Island Community Room)
Logan Airport Rental Car Center

  1. City of Boston Updates – Jose Jesus Garcia, Neighborhood Services
  2. Piers Park Sailing Center
    Executive Director Alex DeFronzo will provide updates regarding the Piers Park Sailing Center.
  3. Massport
    Jason Ruggiero, Assistant Manager, Urban and Community Affairs for Massport will provide project updates.
  4. Project Presentations
    1. 197-207 Maverick Street
      This project consists of the demolition of the existing commercial structure containing Maverick Street Market (ask 205 Maverick) and construction of a new 5 story, community based redevelopment (without displacement) containing a new home for the existing marketing and potential laudromat operation, if desired, along with 55 residential units and 34 off-street parking spaces.
      Attorney Joe Hanley, 1st presentation
    2. Suffolk Downs
      Project updates presented by Tom O’Brien, HYM Investment Group

Next Meeting date: Monday, July 23, 2018

Posted on

Monthly Meeting Agenda – May 29 @ 6:30

Gove Street Citizens Association Monthly Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, May 29, 6:30-8:30pm
Catherine Leonard-McLean Community Room
(formerly the Noddle Island Community Room) 
Logan Airport Rental Car Center

  1. Welcome & Project Updates
  2. Elected Officials Updates
    Senator Joseph Boncore
    Representative Adrian Madaro
    City Councilor Lydia Edwards
  3. Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC)
    BWSC has been upgrading and/or replacing the water, sewer and drainage systems in the neighborhood. BWSC Director of Construction Irene McSweeney will discuss the next phase of construction for the coming months.
  4. Friends of the East Boston Greenway
    Update on funded work in the Greenway – Kannan Thiru & Chris Marchi
  5. Project Presentations
    25 Everett Street 
    A project to demolish existing structures, combine front and rear lots and erect a 4 story, 8-unit residential building. Attorney Richard Lynds, 2nd presentation/VOTE
    28 – 30 Geneva Street
    A proposal to demolish existing structures and to build 6 stories, 32 units, and 15 parking spaces.
    Attorney Jeff Drago, 3rd Presentation/VOTE
  6. Neighborhood Services

    Location: The Catherine Leonard-McLean (formerly Noddle Island) Community Room is located on the first floor of the Logan Airport Rental Car Center, situated at the end of Porter Street. Free event parking in front of the building and in the Porter Street parking lot adjacent to the building.

Posted on

Monthly Meeting Agenda – April 23 @ 6:30

Gove Street Citizens Association Monthly Meeting Agenda

Monday, April 23, 6:30-8:30pm
Catherine Leonard-McLean Community Room
(formerly the Noddle Island Community Room) 
Logan Airport Rental Car Center

  1. Welcome and Project Updates
  2. City of Boston’s Zero Waste Plan
    City of Boston’s Recycling Policy Director, Susan Cascino will give a brief presentation on the city’s Zero Waste Plan and waste reduction measures.
  3. Project Presentations
    1. 25 Everett Street
      A project to demolish existing structures, combine front and rear lots and erect a 4 story, 8-unit residential building.
      Attorney Richard Lynds, 1st presentation/No vote
    2. 113-115 Cottage Street
      Change occupancy from 3-unit to a 4-unit residential building with interior and exterior renovations.
      Attorney Richard Lynds, 1st presentation/No vote
    3. 28 – 30 Geneva Street
      A proposal to demolish existing structures and to build 6 stories, 32 units, and 15 parking spaces.
      Attorney Jeff Drago, 2nd Presentation/No Vote

Location: The Catherine Leonard-McLean (formerly Noddle Island) Community Room is located on the first floor of the Logan Airport Rental Car Center, situated at the end of Porter Street. Free event parking in front of the building and in the Porter Street parking lot adjacent to the building.

Posted on

Monthly Meeting Agenda – March 26 @ 6:30

Monday, March 26, 6:30-8:30pm
The Noddle Island Community Room– Logan Airport Rental Car Center

Boston Planning and Development Agency 
The BDPA community planning staff will discuss their role in the community planning and development process and will answer questions residents might have about the community planning and development process.

Community Preservation Act 
Kannan Thiruvengadam, member of the Community Preservation Committee, will briefly discuss the Community Preservation Act which funds historical preservation, parks and affordable housing and how one can apply for funding.

Project Presentations

  1. 173-177 Maverick Street (formerly DeAngelis Bakery)
    A complete rehab of three buildings into a proposed occupancy of a single retail space and 9 dwelling units. Attorney Richard Lynds 2nd presentation/VOTE to be taken
  2. 128 Gove Street/Mt. Carmel
    A proposal to demolish the existing structures on the Mt Carmel property and to build new housing structures on the vacant lot on Frankfort Street for a total of 115 units. Project consists of 50% condos and 50% rentals. Attorney Jeff Drago, presenting updates/No vote
  3. 28-30 Geneva Street,  Attorney Jeff Drago, 1st Presentation/No Vote

Location: The Noddle Island Community Room is located on the first floor of the Logan Airport Rental Car Center, situated at the end of Porter Street. Free event parking in front of the building and in the Porter Street parking lot adjacent to the building.

Posted on

Letter to the Editor

The GSNA is a strong neighborhood group

This letter is sent to correct misinformation in an article in the last issue about the Gove Street Citizens Association. The article describes the Association as “a sort of splinter group of the Jeffries Pont Neighborhood Association.” This is not true.

The Gove Street Citizens Association operated for 35 years as a strong, effective neighborhood group representing the Mount Carmel area. The GSCA worked very hard on many issues over the years. It organized residents about the issue of a third harbor tunnel when the route was along the railroad right of way and then at the foot of Jeffries Point through the Jeffries cove. Working with the Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association the groups lobbied the Governor and other state officials to have the tunnel surface on the airport.

Continue reading “Letter to the Editor”