NEWRA Membership Votes Against Renovation at 16 Hull St.
Friday, November 13, 2009 In a very close vote, the North End/Waterfront Residents' Association (NEWRA) voted 23 to 21 against a zoning application that would turn a 5 unit building into 8 smaller units.The application is by Peter McGinnis for his planned renovation at 16 Hull Street. The vote contrasts with the supportive vote (5-2) by the neighborhood council (NEWNC) earlier in the week. The votes by both neighborhood groups are advisory to the Zoning Board of Appeal that will rule on the variance.
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Peter McGinnis Presents Renovation Plan to NEWRAThe plan is to make 8 units out of the space, with square footages of approximately 525 sf for the 1-bedroom units and 628 sf for the 2 bedrooms up to 1061 sf for the largest unit.The first and second floor units will be duplexes. In order to meet zoning requirements for parking, he has also rented 3 parking spots from local garages to account for the 3 extra units. Residents asked about pest control which the developer plans every 3 weeks. The building will also have sprinklers throughout the property.
Primary concerns voiced by the NEWRA membership were:
- adding micro apartments brings more trash, noise and traffic without additional space
- small units tend to attract college students and young professionals that rent "by the room" for limited periods of time
- transient renters don't treat the neighborhood well
- the North End already has among the smallest-sized apartments in the City
- small units discourage families from staying in the City
Mr. McGinnis said that 95% of his other buildings (61/63 Charter St) are rented by young professionals. It was also noted that a zoning variance is supposed to relieve a hardship. One resident complained that change is being made solely to benefit the developer.
In response to street trash concerns, McGinnis is having a central trash room so that the garbage will be put out together rather than 8 times. The renovation will take 6 months and a dumpster will take up the space of 2 parking spaces during the 4 week demolition. No changes to the exterior are planned.
In conclusion, Mr. McGinnis stated that he is investing a substantial amount of money in the property and thought his upgrade of the property would help the neighborhood.
See also:
NEWNC Supports Zoning Change for Smaller Apartments at 16 Hull Street
Development/Zoning, Real Estate 
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