Neighborhood Meeting Tonight re: 39 Chester St.

[lancedavisward6.livejournal.com]

Text of the notice provided to abutters regarding a neighborhood meeting this evening:

THERE WILL BE A NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING REGARDING THE PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL ADDITION TO THE EXISTING TWO FAMILY DWELLING AT 39 CHESTER STREET, SOMERVILLE, MA (Adding one (1) new residential unit)

SPONSORED BY ALDERMAN LANCE DAVIS - WARD 6

The Developer their Attorney and the Architect shall be present to speak with neighbors and answer any questions.

WHEN: MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2016

TIME: 6:30 p.m.

PLACE: REDBONES RESTAURANT

55 CHESTER STREET

SOMERVILLE, MA 02144

Comments

[ron_newman]

I saw the notice on paper in my building, but I'm wondering why the addition of a single residential unit needs a neighborhood meeting?

[lancedavisward6.livejournal.com]

There are currently no specific rules for when a neighborhood meeting should be held (the proposed zoning overhaul may include specific provisions for neighborhood meetings... if anyone has specific thoughts on that concept, please feel free to share them with me!). I'm generally inclined to err on the side of holding a meeting if there is any question, particularly when a proposal includes substantive changes to the exterior of a building.

In this case, the proposal is an addition to the existing structure that would accommodate a 3rd residential unit. I felt the neighbors should have the opportunity to share any thoughts or concerns.

[somerfriend.livejournal.com]

My concern is that a property owner would have to go through hoops to build a 3 unit building, walking distance to Davis Square. And then we all wonder why housing is so expensive.