updated 07.04.12 – illustration added
Ned Corcoran, the attorney representing the Sullivan family, presented an update to the Planning Board last week that incorporated feedback they had received regarding the building from the last hearing. The principal concern had to do with the design of that portion of the building that faced Eliot Street.
It is actually the back of the new apartment building being proposed by the Sullivans that is on view from Eliot Street. Comments the developer had received included access to Eliot Street from the building and an overall more friendly appearance. The design Corcoran and the architect presented included inclusion of an Eliot Street entrance. This required handicapped access. Corcoran explained that the ramp might be redesigned to go to the right and make more efficient use of space.
John Zychowicz, the co-chairman of the Milton Village/Central Avenue Revitalization Committee, again appeared before the board and reiterated recommendations the committee had regarding the proposal. The key sticking point between the Revitalization committee and the developer are the balconies on the Eliot side. The committee’s concern is that they will become outdoor storage areas for items such as bicycles etc and be unsightly. Mr. Zychowicz said that 88 Wharf used bay windows and did not suffer any decreased demand. Corcoran said the balconies were a key amenity and critical part of the design. Juliet balconies were mentioned as a compromise. Juliet balconies don’t protrude dramatically from the side of the building. spoke also. You can find the full text of the letter and the Revitalization’s recommendations here.
Another concern that was raised during the public input portion of the hearing was enforcement of conditions the developers had agreed to with the neighbors. This proposal is a little unique in that the developers are seeking 9 variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals to construct the new apartment building. Chairman Whiteside recommended that the resident voicing the concern write it up and submit it to the Board of Appeals.
Take a drive down Eliot Street and keep your eyes peeled for bicycle, tricycles, Big Wheels, etc. on porches, in driveways and on lawns. It’s a little hard to believe that the residents who claim this privilege for themselves would want to deny it to those moving into this new building. I say bring on the balconies!
If a balcony, poorly-designed, is an unpleasant place to be, or is not big enough for use as an outdoor living space, then, yes, people will use it for storage. But well-designed balconies, I think we can trust residents to make good, enhancing use of them. I agree with Mr. Davis’s final sentence.
But, Mr. Davis, do you have some basis for believing balcony opponents live on Eliot Street?