Meetings

Welcome & Announcements (Lorraine Curry)
a. Welcome attendees and Steven from Adrian Madaro’s office & Patricia from Senator
Boncore’s office

1. Boston Police Updates (Sargent Cintolo & Officer Simmons)
   a. Car breaks are up – Maverick St & Cottage St: 7-8 break ins (cars left unlocked – no signs
   of forced entry)
   b. House break on Maverick – woman arrested & looking at another person of interest
   c. These are crimes of opportunity – Lock all doors (car, house)
   d. One resident caught a car break in on tape, bicycle seen going up and down street
   brought tape to D7 – Thank you!
   e. Nothing is too small – call when something happens
2. Office of Neighborhood Services
   a. Early voting begins tomorrow: 12pm-8pm at EB High and all week at City Hall
3. “Fresh Slate Eastie” candidates (Victoria Dzindzichashvili (DiLorenzo)
   a. Vickyis from Orient Heights – Upcoming Ward Committee election
   b. Ward Committee – trys to bring more people into the voting process – Bring up civic
   engagement via frequent, widely advertised meetings, get people registered to vote, etc
   c. Flesh Slate will be on the ballot listed as Group 2 – by selecting this, you vote for all
   members of Fresh Slate. There are 2 groups running.
   d. Question: Can you vote a mix of members? Yes, but Vicky requested a vote for the
   Group as a whole as they have shared interests.
4. Cargo Ventures
   a. Introduction by Pat Cappogreco, who works for Cargo Ventures
   b. They are asking for feedback on Upper Chelsea Creek Industrial District – to develop
   Coghlan bypass all the way to Revere, offer a back door to the airport (950 trucks/per
   day go to Logan – they would now use this bypass) Potentially connect to Suffolk Downs
   c. Jake Citrin (presenter) – looking for feedback and to improve the vision for
   redeveloment – increase industrial development and increase parking
   d. They control a number of properties a number of industrial buildings along McClennan
   Hwy
   e. Most are airport related – cargo, catering, etc.
   f. Old Boston/Maine railway (Coghlan bypass to bring you into the airport)
   g. Phase 2 of Coghlan Bypass development – This is 600K sq ft of development
   h. Create parking structure – accommodate Park and Fly and airport employees
   i. First floor with potential Retail– Silver line stop and parking
   j. Need agreement with CubeSmart – if not, move parking up McLellan Hwy
   k. Questions: Do you plan to limit public waterfront access? No.
   l. Concerns raised over adding more cars to the roads. They are adding transportation- the
   Blue Line, Shuttles, etc. Also taking the trucks off the roads by creating bypass
   m. Question: Is Mass DOT selling their property to them? Unsure. Mass DOT is doing a
   planning study now to determine how it best be used. They are working independently
   from MassDOT with developing their properties.
   n. Website will be created soon
5. Neighborhood Updates
   a. Jason Ruggerio – PLAN EB – Feb 25, 6:30 – 8:30 @ EB Social Center – Open House re:
   Today’s Transportation Network Meeting
   b. Memory Café – First Friday every month @ Paris St Gym, 10:30am-12:00pm
6. Project Presentations
   14B Geneva: –
    Attorney Jeff Drago presenter- 4 Unit condo (3 stories, 34 ft high – 35 ft allowed) with 4 parking
   spots
    Addressed concerns about left side set back – Now have 3 ft set back on left, and at the property
   line on the right – Not the minimum of 5 ft, therefore asking for variance. Moved door and
   garage entrances to accommodate changes
    Abutters mtg on Feb 27
    VOTE Taken: Yes – 12 / No – 4
   Anyone with a financial interest in the project must disclose their interest prior to voting. Board may
   198 & 200 Maverick
    Attorney Jeff Drago presenter – Proposed change 3 family into a 4 family – add 4th story, no
   parking.
    Question: What is the legal basis for the hardship? Adds additional housing, helps with housing
   crisis, allows for assistance with renovation costs.
    VOTE: Yes – 7 / No – 8
   303 Maverick
    Change from 3 family to 4 family – add 4 th story, basement living part of 1 st floor unit
    Will be brought up to code – sprinklers, each unit has own mechanicals, central air, etc.
    Recessed top floor in the back to pull in on the top floor to help provide sunlight
    Abutters concerned about lack of parking and loss of sunlight by extending building back, despite
   the 4 th floor set back
   175 Orleans St/155 Porter St – Loftel Update
    Attorney Lynds and Ashok Patel presenters
    Jamison properties purchased the property with the approved plans, but permits not ready
    Still planning 123 hotel room with restaurant/lounge, 65 parking spots
    Some minor design changes, but the rest of the plans are the same – 6 th level and bakery have
   been eliminated
    Telecommunications companies own the right for their antennas to be there. Negotiations with
   them to move the antennas from the sides of the building to the middle of the building
    Preserving the windows to get historical tax credits– historic significance of the original building
   being one of the first manufacturing buildings (Aproved fall 2019)
    Contractors have been hired to prep the building – within 2 weeks we will buildings covered,
   then scaffolding will go up to then wrap building
    Antennas will be moved at a later date

 Construction financing is preliminary approved with a local lender
 Property is not being sold, the developer is committed to the project
 ZBA approval complete through January 2021, final design plans submitted to BPDA for approval
 Expect the permits by the end of May – building process expected to be about 12 months
 No explanation for the delay to wrap the building – the windows take time.
 Question: Will the windows we tinted or clear? The windows we will clear class
 Question: Do we know the name of the hotel? – “Cambria” there is one is South Boston – still a
boutique hotel
 Question: How many shuttle vans? Plan is 1 shuttle van to the airport – entrance and exit on
each side of Porter and Orleans Streets
 Community shared their disgusts about the condition of the building and Attorney Lynds
expressed agreement.

• Welcome & Announcements
• Boston Police Updates – Sergeant Cintolo and Officer Simons
  • 2019 Part 1 decreased by 12%; commercial break-ins were up (24 in 2019; average 6-8); Car break-ins were up; 2020 car break-ins on Maverick and Sumner St – detectives are looking for a suspect with a limp; house breaks are way down;
• Office of Neighborhood Services Updates – Lina Tramelli
• Neighborhood Updates – Nat Taylor
• Project Presentations:
  • EBNHC – The proposal before the Zoning Board of Appeal is to amend the zoning authorizations for the 20 Maverick Square and 10 * Gove Street East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC) facilities to remove the references to the provision of ancillary parking at the following off-site lots: 75-115 Bremen Street, 164 Orleans Street, and 147-163 Orleans Street. We will also authorize existing parking spaces located at 21 Gove Street and 79 Paris Street for use ancillary to the EBNHC facilities. The purpose of this amendment is to allow for the release of liens on the off-site lots. EBNHC is not requesting authorization to develop the off-site lots; any future development on the off-site lots would require full public and community review through the City’s Article 80 process.
    • Federally qualified community health center with 350,000 visits per year that sees everyone without any qualificiation
    • We employee 1,200 people, about half of which live in East Boston
    • 50 year history in East Boston
    • Community based board
    • ISD rejected our request for an administrative change, so we are going through the formal process
    • Our attempt to build admin failed, so now we are seeking proposals for the project
    • We are shifting liens between parcels
    • The practical use will not change (from parking) right away
    • It does not affect the potential to develop
    • On employee parking: we are responsible for employee parking, and it is currently free and part of their employment, so we will continue to provide that through different means including a multi-year public transit effort, a TNC effort. We will try to decrease the single occupancy vehicle trips into East Boston.
    • ZBA hearing is tentaviely in early March with 5 projects
    • Q: What is your parking plan? A: We are making a multi-year plan and it won’t change until there is a development. Next fiscal year will give out transit benefits. We will assess additional benefits. We have hired the consultant he reformed MIT’s transit benefits.
    • Q: How many vehciles do you own and run? Will that change? A: I don’t know offhand. We have a P.A.C.E program that we store some at Bremen St. We have security vehicles. P.A.C.E will grow if/when patients grow. We want to have satelite lots and build a transit system.
    • Q: Can you do something about cars that park and get tickets in front of your inactive entraces? A: Yes, please contact me.
    • If you have concerns or complaints, please share them with our patient run board.
    • Q: Will you be merging with any health plans? A: We are not an insurer, but we want to merge with the South End Community Health Center.
  • 198 & 200 Maverick – The proposals are to change the occupancy of the three-family residential dwelling to a four-family residential dwelling.
    • Zoning Variances: FAR (2.35), Height (43’), Side yard (pre), rear-yard (pre), parking
    • Q: Are there any flooding risks? A: We did not get triggered for flooding, but there is not living space in the basement.
    • Q: Will there be a garage? “We don’t got no parking space.” A: No, since there is no change for the structure.
    • Q: How many units currently? A: 6 (3 & 3) The new is 8 units.
    • Q: Will the porches remain? A: Yes.
    • Q: Will there be any roof decks? A: No.
    • Q: There will be so many cars. What will you do? A:
    • Q: If you dig there will be mice? A: We aren’t digging and we will put out traps.
    • Q: Condos or apartments? A: Rentals (But could be converted.)
    • Q: Why are there 3-bed 1-baths? A: They are existing.
    • Q: Is the corner door staying there? A: Yes.
    • Q: Will there be a safety inspection? A: Yes.
    • Q: Will you need jersey barriers? A: No.
    • Q: When do anticipate starting the rehab? A: Best case is the fall, but it could be later.
    • Q: Are there current leases? A: Yes.
    • Q: Are all the units going to be market rate? A: Yes.
  • 14B Geneva – The proposal is to erect a four-family building with four parking spaces.
    • Currently an empty lot.
    • Chris McQue is the owner and propoenent. Peter Vanko is the architect.
    • We are looking into setback changes.
    • Zoning Variances: additional lot area per dwelling unit; lot width (29); frontage (29); FAR (1.68); Open space (100sqft); front yard (0); side: 0L 3’R; rear: 10’; parking (4); flood hazard; IPOD;
    • First floor has a handicap list
    • Q: Will you build the sidewalk? A: We would like to but it is a private way.
    • Q: Are there any sewers? A: The units to left had to put in 8″ sewer and water main from Maverick. We are going to extend the water main and add a fire hydrant.
    • Q: Can they put poison in the sewers for the rats? A: We don’t know.
    • Q: What is the distnace to chain link fence? Will you have to use the existing side yard? A: 3’. Yes.
    • Q: Why can’t you split the side yards? A: We need to have windows. We are exploring flipping it, so there is a 6’ side setback.
    • Q: Where will the electrical lines go? A: That’s just cable and it will get shifted back in the lot. Eventually they will go underground. It is dead and I have asked them to cut it.
    • Q: How will you build when its so close? A: We do it all the time.
    • Q: What is the plan for the street? A: It would have a curb cut and we want to have side walks. The process for changing from private to public way requires the City and a 51% vote on the street and then the owners are assessed based on individual area. We eventually want lighting and green, and we want to copy the adjacent aprons.
  • 279 Maverick – Brief Update
    • Richard Lynds (attorney) Tim Leandre (architect) – we have made some updates to the project.
    • Subject to Article 80E-2 BPDA review process
    • Changes:
      • reduced to 36 residential units (5 inclusionary development policy IDP units)
      • increase open space to 5,040 sqft
      • Improved streetscape to blend
      • Reduced FAR from 2.84 to 2.76
      • Proposal to integrate with parking garage at 287 Maverick.
    • Aligning with the existing path from the park
    • Concept is to be pedestrian and bike friendly
    • Q: Is there a cut through the Everett? A: Yes, pedestrian only.
    • New street trees
    • Rear gardens / yard area
    • Zoning variances: use, add’l lot area, rear year (10’), FAR (2.76), height (59’6″), Open Space (<300), parking (23), IPOD
    • Process: If approved, construction could begin in Winter 2020 for 12-14 months.
    • Q: Will the adjacent spot have a cafe? What will go into the retail? A: Yes. Maybe the cafe will move to this project’s larger space, so the other space could become offices.
    • Q: Has this always gone through GSCA? Last week was the first I heard of this. Can you provide a rendering from the Everett Street side? Yes. What has the process been? I am concerned about the huge 60’ foot wall, since it is nearly twice as tall. What about the pedestrian right of way? It will be on our property and there will be a fence. We could limit the use.
    • Q: Will the pedestrian way be lit? A: It will be BPDA approved down-lighting.
    • Q: Will there be an abutters meeting? When? A: Yes, through the Article 80 process. It will most likely be here. It will be flyered and in the newspaper. We expect it to be in March at the earliest.
    • Q: There is a big unit at 202 that has 1-1 parking, so why can’t this project do that? A: The units are larger whereas 1-beds require less parking, and the BPDA looks at these and determines whether 1-to-1 parking aligns with the City’s goals of density and transportation. There are other factors too.
    • Q: What does it mean if we continue to vote it down? A: The community group process is advisory.
    • Q: Has a development ever been voted down for having too much parking? Almost every person wants parking. This parking is inadequate. A: 245 Sumner St was built with more parking than the BPDA recommended.
    • We don’t have cars and so we don’t want to pay the premium for parking.
    • Q: How will waste be handled? A: There is an internal trash room with private management.
    • Q: For the IDP units, what is the rate? Will you sell them at exactly that rate? A: For a 2-bed based on size the maximum sale price is $239k through a lotery system. For a 1-bed based on size, it’s $189k. It’s a 50 year deed restriction. You can sell them for more than a 5% increase. They will probably be listed at the max rate, then it is up to the market.
    • Q: How big is the commercial space? A: 2,000 sqft.
    • Q: Is there space for public accomidation? A: There is an amenity room at 287 for people in the building, but nothing for 279.
    • Q: Will there be roofdecks? A: They are balcony roof decks off the units in the set back.

Meeting adjourned at 8:13 P.M.

• Welcome & Announcements
  • No December Meeting
• Office of Neighborhood Services Updates – Lina Tramelli
• Boston Police Updates – Officer Simons
  • Congratulations and thank you Sergeant Martin
  • Welcome Officer Cintola
  • Increase in commercial break-ins but we made an arrest
  • Beware of phone scams – don’t give personal information or send money
  • Q: What should I do if I get a call that my number is compromised? A: Make sure you speak to someone.
  • Q: Cross-walks at Maverick are chaos? A: It isn’t a police matter.
  • Q: What about cars double parking? A: We’re not in the business of rushing people; we make people or give them a ticket if they are there after 2 loops.
• Neighborhood Updates – Nat Taylor
  • East Boston Tree Council
  • Beautification Committee
• Revised GSCA By-Law Approval Vote – Shawn Lu / Nat Taylor
  • Q: Do we require a quorum? A: No
  • Q: What is the definition of abutter? A: State definition
  • Q: What types of financial disclosure? Are they allowed to vote? A: Direct only. Yes the are eligible.
  • Q: Could the abutter exception have unintended consequences? A: Yes, but that’s a sign of an engaged neighborhood.
  • Vote: 11 YES 0 No
• Project Presentations:
  • 10 Geneva Street A proposal to erect a 4 story multi-family dwelling (7 units) with parking at grade. 2 nd Presentation / Vote – Attorney Richard Lynds
    • Materials: 1st story masonry; upper stories hearty plank that resembles neighboring buildings
    • Height: 37’2″ and no roof deck or head house; similar to other 4 story buildings on Geneva street. Adjacent 3-story building is 32′ feet.
    • The change of use from industrial to residential is consistent with the Master Plan
    • Project is required to bring in water and sewer and make public realm improvements
    • Q: Can you make it 3-stories with more parking? A: We understand 1-1 parking but the City thinks that is excessive; we are trying to be transparent
    • Vote: Yes 3 – No 8
  • 255 Maverick Street A proposal to raze the existing building and erect a mixed use 4 story building with 9 residential units and one retail unit with parking at grade. 2nd Presentation / Vote – Attorney Richard Lynds
    • Mid-facade decks will be used to break it up aesthetically
    • Height is 37’2″ with an elevator head house which aligns with adjacent buildings
    • Q: Can you commit to street trees? Keeping the rear trees? A: Yes to street tress. There are no rear trees.
    • Q: Will there be retail? A: Yes, low-intensity
    • Vote: Yes 7 – No 4
  • Legislative Update – Representative Adrian Madaro
    • $30M New Police station at base of Eagle Hill! Finally after mid-1800s
    • State budget: Piers Park sailing center included amendment for $50,000; Funded grant for Greenway extension to Winthrop; cross-roads family shelter is getting $245k for workforce development; EBSC is getting $50k for daycare service during relocation; YouthConnect got $25k for a social working position; Vocational Education: $75k for job readiness program at EBHS; $75k for STEM pilot schools in all EB elementary schools
    • Greenway renamed in honor of Mary Ellen Welch
    • I am the vice-chair of transportation; I am EB’s seat at the table; We need more money for big ticket items like ferries, Red-Blue connector, late-night service, Blue Line to Lynn and for reliability (including for the Blue Line); Leadership, House, Senate and Business Community agree its a big issue;
    • Study Opportunity Act to be signed tomorrow to add $1.5b to close opportunity gap (including East Boston!)
    • Hands-free Driving will be enacted soon
    • I respect veterans; new legislation for mental health needs of veterans as state schools
    • Announcements
      • I have been appointed the vice-chair of transportation (new office and added staff)
      • Eastie’s Elves
    • Q: Is the BPS funding going to public schools? A: Yes
    • Q: EBNHC is seeking to develop the parking lots? A: Yes but it is ambiguity and there will be a community process.
    • Q: How will you alleviate congestion? A: I have written a TNC-fee bill. I have a bill on regional ballot initiatives to get things on the ballot to get new taxes. Gas tax is in play. Toll reform (equity and congestion pricing) may be in play.
    • Q: Can Worcester Airport be moved closer to the Mass Pike? A: I would support it.
    • We are experiencing in 2019 the Logan ESPR projections for 2040, so regionalization and mitigation are essential. I am advocating for HEPA filters in our schools. I am advocating for night curfews.

Meeting adjourned at 8:10.

Bylaw Proposal Links

• GSCA Bylaws – November 2019
• GSCA Bylaws – Approved July 2015
• GSCA Bylaws Proposal Overview

Project Presentations

• 255 Maverick St
• 10 Geneva St

Minutes

• Welcome & Announcements
• Introduce new Gove Street President – Lorraine Curry
• Office of Neighborhood Services Updates – Lina Tramelli
• Neighborhood Updates – Nat Taylor (link)
  • Logan ESPR Consultation Session
  • ZBA Hearings 10/29 10:30 AM (58 Lubec Street, 69 Lubec Street, 48 Geneva Street)
  • Gino’s Auto Body Proposal “Reduced”
  • Mt. Carmel Demolition Delay Applications – Final step before construction begins
  • Loftel Update – Problem Property fines in place; City is pursuing more severe fines.
• Revised GSCA By-Law Administration Proposal- Shawn Lu / Nat Taylor
  • Key Proposed Changes
    • Boundaries
    • Voting
    • Presentations
    • Restructured Sections
  • Timeline
    • October Meeting – 1st Presentation
    • November Meeting – 2nd Presentation & Vote
  • Discussion:
    • Thank you
    • What about AirBnB? Students? Short term residents?
    • Does 2 project attendance eligibility still apply
    • Abutter proxy voting?
• 10 Geneva Street – A proposal to erect a 4 story multi-family dwelling (7 units) with parking at grade. 1st Presentation / No Vote – Attorney Richard Lynds
  • Proponent: Nick Yebba; all 2-bed 2-bath avg 900sqft; intended for home ownership
  • Site context: multi-family residential; current use: parking lot;
  • Plans: ground floor: 1 unit for ADA adaptability; parking; other floors: 2-units per floor; subject to change based on BPDA feedback
  • Zoning: Variances: FAR: 1.6 (1.0); Height: 4-story/37’ (3 story 35’); Open Space: 206 sqpu (300 sfpu); Parking: 7 (9); IPOD
  • Process: Long form Aug 2019; ZBA Appeal Sep 2019; Community outreach: TBD; ZBA Hearing: Jan 2020; BPDA Design Review: Winter 2020; Permit Issuance: Spring 2020; Construction begins: Spring 2020 (10-12 months to complete)
  • Comments
    • Prefer 3 stories to be consistent with existing buildings and there is a lack of parking. Response: It’s a short 4-story, but we feel this is the best design to be cost-effective and include parking; It’s consistent with the rear the units.
    • We appreciate the efforts on the height; this building would block views from 14 and 14A, which is 4-units, 8 parking spots. Response: I hear you. Your building is an anomaly with parking. Your roof deck could be raised.
    • What about the power lines? The rendering is illustrative, not exact.
    • Q: Is there any commitment to alleviate the conditions of the street? A: We are required to bring in our own utilities and will probably be tapped from Maverick St and will have to be up to the City standards. Paving or sidewalks will have to be a collective effort.
    • Q: Who owns this street? A: It is complicated. The City assumes a responsibility to ensure it is open and passable, but the strip they took by tax liens is probably returned to private ownership due to inaction.
• 255 Maverick Street – A proposal to raze the existing building and erect a mixed use 4 story building with 9 residential units and one retail unit with parking at grade. 1st Presentation / No Vote – Attorney Richard Lynds
  • Proponent: Nick Yebba; Architect: Dan O’Sullivan
  • Project: 2 bed 2 bath avg 1000 sqft; intended for home ownership
  • Site context: 3-family; this side of the street has manufacturing uses and 4-story buildings;
  • Plans: ground floor has an entrance for cars; building has elevator; maintain retail space; typical floor plans; indoor trash room; height: 37.5’;
  • Zoning: Use: multi-family (3-family) (retail is allowed non-conforming use); FAR: 1.67 (1.0); Height: 4-story/37’ (3-story/35’); Open Space: 192 sqpu (300 sfpu); Parking: 9 (12)
  • Process: Long form Aug 2019; ZBA Appeal Sep 2019; Community outreach: TBD; ZBA Hearing: Jan 2020; BPDA Design Review: Winter 2020; Permit Issuance: Spring 2020; Construction begins: Spring 2020 (10-12 months to complete)
  • Discussion
    • Q: What is the rear setback? A: 30’ (code) Q: Where is the parking? A: 3 indoor, 6 outside; Q: Do you have a rendering of the rear? A: No. BPDA will require lots of screening (Architect gave out a copy)
    • Q: I think this is appropriate for Maverick Street. We think the prospective owners will have multiple cars.
    • Q: Is there space for bike racks? A: Yes.
    • Q: What will the retail be? A: Not restaurant; small grocery or professional offices;
    • Q: Will the existing market come back? A: It’s possible because it is a similar space.
    • Q: Is the current building deeper? A: Yes, the proposal has more setback.

Adjourned at 7:48PM.