At the last Planning Board meeting, a meeting that at times resembled the old Abbott and Costello “Who’s on First” routine, the board discussed several issues. They included an update from Richard Kleiman, chairman of the Wind Energy Committee; a hearing on 36 Central Ave; and a hearing on extended hours for 88 Wharf.
Mr. Klieman reviewed specific issues with the board such as set backs and flicker concerns. He is hopeful the wind turbine will begin ground breaking in early April. If all goes as planned, the wind turbine could be in operation next spring.
During Citizen Speak, the board heard from Keith Mills proprietor of Esprit de Vin, the wine and cheese shop at the junction of Central Ave and Eliot Street. The construction of 36 Central Avenue was having an impact on his business due to the loss of parking spaces. Jersey barriers, red cones and the trucks that are parked along Central Ave and up Maple all subtract parking spots according to Mr. Mills. He sought relief and suggested removing the yellow curbing on Eliot street to allow for parking there. His point was: if people can’t park, they can’t shop.
Mr. Mills was a preface to the hearing on 36 Central Ave. (Mr. Mills had to get back to work which is why he spoke at Citizens Speak and not during the hearing). Paul Sullivan updated the board on the ruling by the Zoning Board of Appeals, which ruled in favor of the developer’s request to increase the height of the building. The request was made because the developers want higher ceilings in the condominium units so as to improve their sales potential. The building will have three commercial units, two of which are retail, and 18 condos, two which will be at affordable market rates.
During questioning, the board learned that Mr. Sullivan, a principal in Milton Partners who owned the land and were doing the construction, no longer owns the land. “I am an investor.” So who is the owner?” he was asked. The owners are now Michael Moore and Patrick Costello. Milton Partners sold the property after the Board of Appeals ruling. According to The Real Reporter, a blog on Boston real estate, the property was purchased for $350,000 in 2004. Moore and Costello, principles of Oranmore Enterprises, purchased it of $1.57 million about a week ago. You can find The Real Reporter‘s full post here.
Mr. Duffy asked where the owners live. One lives in Dorchester, and the other has dual citizenship in the US and Ireland, stated Sullivan, which didn’t really answer the question.
The questioning and public testimony that followed regarding roles, relationships, business addresses and responsibilities became confusing. When asked by Ms. Innes for an address residents could use to mail concerns, Mr. Sullivan said that neighbors had his cell phone number. One resident said that there had been a committment from Sullivan to be at the construction location to manage development and be available to residents. But they coud not find him. Sullivan explained his presence was not necessary. The site supervisor is Seamus Moore. Margaret Donovan, a resident who spoke at length, said the site supervision for the most part was going well. Whiteside quipped, “Then maybe we should leave it as it is.”
The board wants to meet with the new owners and expressed concerns with the overall manner in which the construction was being done. “The merchants deserve better than they’re getting,” said Whiteside. Mr. Duffy added, “You got to tighten it up.”
Lastly, John Collins, one of the owners of 88 Wharf, went before the board to request that the restaurants hours of operation be extended. But concerns were expressed about parking. The decision was deferred until a future date.
If you are unfamiliar with the Abbot and Costello routine, “Who’s on First” – you can find it here. The topic is different from the Planning Board discussion of 36 Central Avenue, but you will get the general idea.