The three City Council members representing Newtonville tell The Globe’s Ellen Ishkanian that the proposed Orr Building project will need some changes before it has any chance of approval. And the attorney representing developer Robert Korff says the message has been heard.
Ward 2 councilors looking for changes to Orr Building project
by Village 14 | Feb 19, 2016 | Newton | 26 comments
Ms Ishkanian reports that “… current zoning at the site would allow only five stories, so the City Council would also have to approve a zoning change,” which is incorrect. Current zoning (B1 and B2) requires a special permit for 3 or more stories. Mr Korff wants to have it rezoned to either MU4, still needing a special permit for 5 stories and a variance for an additional story or a new zone written just for his project.
Ms Ishkanian reports that “… current zoning at the site would allow only five stories, so the City Council would also have to approve a zoning change,” which is incorrect. Current zoning (B1 and B2) requires a special permit for 3 or more stories. Mr Korff wants to have it rezoned to either MU4, still needing a special permit for 5 stories and a variance for an additional story or a new zone written just for his project.
Goodwill trailer in ASP moving 3/1 to Rumford – where do residents take their stuff?
Is that a trick question?
They take it to Rumford.
Goodwill trailer in ASP moving 3/1 to Rumford – where do residents take their stuff?
Is that a trick question?
They take it to Rumford.
High density Newtville residents have their busy schedules for drop-off many times at odd hours. Not only is Rumford further away, but now confined to limited hours of operation with fencing. Does this not further create additional waste/tonnage/tax esp for those who come from outlying Newton villages, but in addition appears to be counter productive to enhanced recycling concept.
High density Newtville residents have their busy schedules for drop-off many times at odd hours. Not only is Rumford further away, but now confined to limited hours of operation with fencing. Does this not further create additional waste/tonnage/tax esp for those who come from outlying Newton villages, but in addition appears to be counter productive to enhanced recycling concept.
@Martibowen: The parcels in question are zoned BU1 or BU2, both of which allow up to 2 stories by right. BU1 allows 3 stories and up to 36 feet high with a special permit and BU2 allows 4 stories and up to 48 feet high with a special permit.
In order to build something taller than 3-4 stories, the parcels would have to be rezoned BU4 (up to 8 stories and 96 feet high with a special permit) or MU4 (up to 5 stories and 60 feet of mixed use commercial/residential with a special permit). Dimensional restrictions (lot size per unit and FAR) would also apply.
In order to build a 6 story building at this location, the parcel would have to be rezoned BU4 or a new zoning district, or an amendment to an existing zoning district (e.g. MU4) would be needed.
A variance, for which the ZBA is the permit granting authority, is something altogether different. It is relief from enforcement of a zoning regulation because it creates a substantial hardship for the owner–financial or otherwise–based on the shape, soil conditions or topography of the site, that does not generally apply to other properties in the same zoning district. In addition, granting a variance may not impose a substantial detriment to the public good and nullify or substantially derogate from the intent or purpose of the zoning ordinance. Perhaps I am mistaken, but that would not really seem to apply here.
@Martibowen: The parcels in question are zoned BU1 or BU2, both of which allow up to 2 stories by right. BU1 allows 3 stories and up to 36 feet high with a special permit and BU2 allows 4 stories and up to 48 feet high with a special permit.
In order to build something taller than 3-4 stories, the parcels would have to be rezoned BU4 (up to 8 stories and 96 feet high with a special permit) or MU4 (up to 5 stories and 60 feet of mixed use commercial/residential with a special permit). Dimensional restrictions (lot size per unit and FAR) would also apply.
In order to build a 6 story building at this location, the parcel would have to be rezoned BU4 or a new zoning district, or an amendment to an existing zoning district (e.g. MU4) would be needed.
A variance, for which the ZBA is the permit granting authority, is something altogether different. It is relief from enforcement of a zoning regulation because it creates a substantial hardship for the owner–financial or otherwise–based on the shape, soil conditions or topography of the site, that does not generally apply to other properties in the same zoning district. In addition, granting a variance may not impose a substantial detriment to the public good and nullify or substantially derogate from the intent or purpose of the zoning ordinance. Perhaps I am mistaken, but that would not really seem to apply here.
Ted, I meant BU1 and BU2 – left out the U in each. Otherwise I said the same thing, just condensed into “3 stories and up.”
The term “variance” was used by Ms Ishkanian in her 2/12/15 article to describe what Mr Korff would need to obtain to be able to build 6 stories in MU4. “The current zoning at the site allows for a five-story building with a special permit; the added floor will require not only the special permit, but also a variance from the City Council.” I didn’t know “amendment” was the correct term, but should have checked. Thanks for the clarification.
Ted, I meant BU1 and BU2 – left out the U in each. Otherwise I said the same thing, just condensed into “3 stories and up.”
The term “variance” was used by Ms Ishkanian in her 2/12/15 article to describe what Mr Korff would need to obtain to be able to build 6 stories in MU4. “The current zoning at the site allows for a five-story building with a special permit; the added floor will require not only the special permit, but also a variance from the City Council.” I didn’t know “amendment” was the correct term, but should have checked. Thanks for the clarification.
I have an off topic question: Does anyone know what is going on with charter committee? Any progress?
I have an off topic question: Does anyone know what is going on with charter committee? Any progress?
Tom, if you haven’t already, you might want to follow the Charter Commission on Twitter (@NewtonMACharter) or on Facebook. On the Commission’s website you can sign up for email updates and also review minutes and documents from past meetings.
Tom, if you haven’t already, you might want to follow the Charter Commission on Twitter (@NewtonMACharter) or on Facebook. On the Commission’s website you can sign up for email updates and also review minutes and documents from past meetings.
Thanks Jenn, will do
Thanks Jenn, will do
@ Harry Sanders. They can call Epilepsy Foundation of New England and Amvets. Each organization does home pickup once a month so that is two chances a month. All you have to do is put your stuff out and labelled by 7 am on the day of the pick up. Stuff is resold at Savers Thrift Store. Very convenient, and they leave a tax deductible receipt.
@ Harry Sanders. They can call Epilepsy Foundation of New England and Amvets. Each organization does home pickup once a month so that is two chances a month. All you have to do is put your stuff out and labelled by 7 am on the day of the pick up. Stuff is resold at Savers Thrift Store. Very convenient, and they leave a tax deductible receipt.
@Tom, Jen is right, and we’re going to try to use those tools to keep everyone up to date on upcoming items (such as this Wednesday’s regular meeting at City Hall at 7pm).
Also, we’re also counting on seeing you on the 29th for public testimony on Executive branch matters. And – as always – you can email any and all of the commissioners. You can hit the entire commission by email at [email protected] or me (for example) at [email protected].
Thanks
@Tom, Jen is right, and we’re going to try to use those tools to keep everyone up to date on upcoming items (such as this Wednesday’s regular meeting at City Hall at 7pm).
Also, we’re also counting on seeing you on the 29th for public testimony on Executive branch matters. And – as always – you can email any and all of the commissioners. You can hit the entire commission by email at [email protected] or me (for example) at [email protected].
Thanks
Hi Chris,
I’ll be there on the 29th, have you ever thought of streamlining meetings so some of us can observe the meetings without leaving the house? Or maybe skype so we can listen. Just wonderin’
Hi Chris,
I’ll be there on the 29th, have you ever thought of streamlining meetings so some of us can observe the meetings without leaving the house? Or maybe skype so we can listen. Just wonderin’
Hi Tom,
Well, we are limited to technology available to the city. However, there are full recordings of each meeting available here. It’s not being there, but it’s every word exactly the way it was said.
Hi Tom,
Well, we are limited to technology available to the city. However, there are full recordings of each meeting available here. It’s not being there, but it’s every word exactly the way it was said.