At its Tuesday, Oct. 13 meeting, the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) voted to approve a special permit for a development project comprising 692 apartment units housed in two high-rise buildings on Everett Avenue, situated across from the high school.
This proposal has been under review at City Hall for an extended period, moving through both the Planning Board and ZBA. Early this month, the Planning Board delivered a positive recommendation for a Special Permit, imposing no conditions on its approval.
Although the ZBA granted approval on Tuesday, several conditions were attached to the decision, though specific details were not immediately disclosed.
Since the project’s initial proposal, Council President Leo Robinson has emerged as a prominent opponent, citing concerns including the demolition of the historic Chelsea Clock building and various other issues.
Robinson submitted a letter expressing his objections to the ZBA on Tuesday. “fblikebutton_button” In his correspondence, he stated: “fblikebutton_button” “I know the Planning Board moved this project onto the Zoning Board with no conditions,” and continued, “I disagree with that conclusion by the Planning Board. I understand that something will be built, but I think we can get a better design. The proposed number o units is 692, which would be located in two buildings across from Chelsea High School, along with 2,500 sq. ft. of retail space and a 726-vehicle parking garage. It may improve the area, but it raises other concerns.”
Robinson outlined eight specific concerns in his letter, encompassing issues such as parking adequacy, the need for an updated traffic study, insufficient affordable housing, potential flooding on Vale Street, lack of job creation prospects, absence of public gathering spaces, and unclear community benefits.
The ZBA proceeded with approval of the Special Permit following deliberation. However, the project faces another significant obstacle: Site Plan Review approval from the Planning Board. Despite recommending the special permit, the Planning Board withheld Site Plan approval—a considerably more detailed undertaking—pending the submission of additional information.
During a Special Planning Board meeting last month focused on this proposal, numerous board members expressed considerable frustration regarding the late submission of materials, leaving insufficient time for thorough examination.
Site Plan Review proceedings are scheduled for the Planning Board’s Oct. 27 meeting.
Additional ZBA matters from the session included:
- A contentious proposal from Genevra Faber at 73 Winnisimmet St. proposing an eight-unit residential building was postponed until Nov. 10.
- Shadi Alallam obtained a special permit for a furniture showroom with accessory storage and associated parking requirements at 157 Clark Ave.
- Omar Mohammed received ZBA approval for a special permit to construct a driveway not conforming to zoning standards at 15 County Rd.
- Rod Rivera secured a special permit and variance at 75 Congress Ave.
- Moises Amaya was granted a special permit to convert an appliance repair shop at 12 Essex St. into a convenience store and laundromat operation.
- The DeNunzio Group obtained renewal of its three-year permit allowing storage of up to 646 rental vehicles at 245-257 Marginal St. in connection with Enterprise and Avis Car Rental operations. The previous permit was set to expire.
- Carol Brown’s request for a special permit and variance to construct a rear addition at 34 Beacon St. #1 was continued to Nov. 10.