LONGFELLOW AREA NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

BIMONTHLY MEETINGS

January 11, 2021

Minutes

LANA Meeting Minutes 1.11.21

The bimonthly meeting of the Longfellow Area Neighborhood Association was held via Zoom on MondayJanuary 11, 2021 at 7:00 pm. Board members in attendance: Wayne Beitler, Joe DeMasi, Sue DiMatteo, Sue Forti, Jonna Iacono, Kathy McCabe, Julia O’Brien, Pauri Pandian, Raphael Sulkovitz, Hillary Sullivan, David Wean, and Rachel Young.

Representatives in attendance were ONS Representative Joe Coppinger, Peter Favorito from Councilor Matt O’Malley’s office, Yasmine Raddassi, policy director for Councillor Arroyo and Ann Cushing from Representative Rush’s office and Councilor Annissa Esaibi George. There were 31 participants.

Justin Roshak, representing the Bulletin was also present.

Contact information provided:

Yasmine RaddassiPolicy and Budget Director for Councilor Arroyoyasmine.raddassi@boston.gov617-635-4210

Peter FavoritoCouncilor O’Malley’s WR/Rozzie Community Liaisonpeter.favorito3@boston.gov617-635-4220

The meeting was recorded.

Meeting Minutes

Sue Forti moved to approve the meeting minutes as amended. The minutes were unanimously approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Sue Forti reported that LANA has $2,563.21 in bank. LANA received $3,700 in income, mostly the CEDAC grant. Expenses are $2,500 for the architect. LANA has 51 paying members.

Susan DiMatteo moved and David seconded to approve the treasurer’s report All approved.

Councilor Assaibi George

Councilor George presented her work as vice chair of the committee on public health. Wednesday is the first council hearing of 2021.

She reported she has filed ordinance to require pharmacies to take back sharps. There are 10 locations where you can hand in sharps, but most are near Melnea Cass boulevard.

She reported on work with BPS including the Special Commission on Homelessness, and noted the large number of homeless students in BPS.

She also mentioned all schools are to get family liaisons.

Bylaws

Sue Forti and David Wean presented on revisions to the bylaws.

The category of participating member has been added. This category of member has no vote but otherwise can be a member.

The second revision was a slight change to bylaws wording.

No more than one member of a household OR family can serve as director at the same time.

Directors may be removed by a majority of Directors.

Committees must be chaired by director or have a designated neighborhood liaison.

Vacancies can be filled by the board of directors at any meeting.

Annual meeting can be virtual.

For amending bylaws or articles, a director can vote by written proxy if they cannot attend.

For liquidation, vote by proxy is allowed.

Julia O’Brien moved to approve, Joe DiMasi seconded. The board voted unanimously in favor of the revisions. The bylaws were amended as presented.

15-17 Arborough

Dennis and Julia Patch presented on proposed renovations to their single family dwelling, work which requires a variance from Inspectional Services.

They would like to renovate the basement, adding 2 bedrooms in the basement. The variance they are seeking is for exceeding the permitted FAR.

Julia Patch noted that there is no change to the floor plate or exterior work.

David Wean asked about egress. Owners indicated that there is an existing door and converting a window into a door.

Julia O’Brien moved to approve this work and Wayne Beitler seconded. The board voted unanimously to take no opposition to the proposed renovations at 15-17 Arborough.

34-36 Guernsey

Ginny Tierney presented on proposed renovations to their 2 family dwelling.

She seeks to convert the garage into living space (could be a bedroom), accessible from the kitchen.

The variance she is seeking is for exceeding the permitted FAR.

Neighbors were contacted, but Joe Coppinger hadn’t gotten any comments.

David Wean asked if there is off street parking? The parking belongs to the upstairs tenant. The other unit would use the street.

Ms. Tierney isn’t presently living there but they are looking to have a family member rent it. They presently live in Connecticut.

Kathy wanted to make sure the lower level doesn’t become a separate unit.

Julia O’Brien moved to approve this work, David Wean seconded. The board voted unanimously to take no opposition to the proposed renovations at 34-36 Guernsey.

104-108 Walter

Wayne Beitler gave an update on the proposed redevelopment at 104-108 Walter.

BPDA now owns both properties. 108 will be transferred to the conservation commission, after a lot line adjustment. 104 will be converted into 4 units of affordable housing in accordance with the approved site plan.

James Costello asked how far back from Walter are they going to build?

Wayne responded that the developed portion on 104 will not be further back than the existing barns.

Mike F asked where the driveways were for 104 and explained that it is on 108, taking advantage of the easement.

James Costello asked about resale and Wayne said they are going to go for the longest deed restriction. He also shared that his mother Patricia Costello passed away in August and he would like a portion of the wetlands be named after her. She grew up on Coniston and was active in the Wetlands Taskforce.

Deb B. said that the wetlands task force cannot decide how the areas of the wetland is named but would support it.

Office of Neighborhood Services

Joe Coppinger gave an update from the mayor’s office. He responded to the news that Mayor Walsh will step down to take a position in the Biden administration. If the mayor leaves before March 5, home rule. After March 5, Kim Janey becomes acting mayor.

882 South Street is going in front of 1.26 (tentative date) in front he of ZBA. Kathy McCabe would like to update a letter to the ZBA.

168 Belgrade Ave (Silva’s) is looking to do a change of ownership.

Roxbury Prep wanted to reschedule, looking to reschedule for around early February.

Kathy McCabe asked that the 104-108 meeting not be scheduled at the same time.

Net Zero Energy

James Michel made a brief presentation about this program.

Community Choice Electricity

James (Jom) Michelle, Boston Clean Energy Coalition and Aidan Smith from the City’s Community Trust Electricity Program gave a presentation on the Community Choice Electricity program and energy efficient building construction.

Screen shot of attendees: