In other Planning Board business discussed on 2/10, developers proposed a redevelopment plan for 17 Canton Avenue, the site of the old DeWolfe building. It was not well received. The plan calls for  expanding the footprint by 371 square feet and the second floor by 1600 square feet. The number of parking spaces would be increased from 17 to 24.  The building would be occupied by a law firm that specializes in nursing home law and also has a complementary business which manages nursing homes.

Several neighbors, including Forbes Sargeant, co-chair of the Milton Hill Neighborhood Association, spoke about concerns they had with the designs. There were several; but almost all related to the design’s failure to account for the historical significance of the building and preserve it. Mr. Sargeant noted, “The historic nature has not been carried over.” Sargeant also noted that some old trees had been removed and some grading had been done. Pete Jackson questioned why this had been done. Another resident and an architect, George Lovely, pointed out that the addition was expanding on a bad idea and resulted in the structure having a salt box appearance. The building lost its gables and as a result, much of its architectural interest. Resident Edie Clifford noted that the house had been built in 1831 and is part of the Milton Hill Historic District. “The soul of this building is gone. . . it’s dead,” resident Endicott Peabody said.

Chairman Whiteside strongly recommended that the developer team meet with neighbors before the issue is taken up again before the Planning Board.  The board plans to continue the hearing on the 3rd March at 8:00. – they will hopefully meet with the neighbors before that.

Here are some screen captures of the presentation. Please click on an image for a larger vesion.

The Planning Board passed a motion to amend the special permit for 88 Wharf that will provide parking relief to the restaurant. 88 Wharf does not need as many spaces as initially anticipated and John Collins, General Manager, has been seeking to reduce the number as a cost savings measure.  The board unanimously voted in principle to draft an amendment th will reduce parking spaces, retaining 10 for use on Fridays and Saturdays and which will be periodically reviewed. Parking will that increased in demand requires it.