Exterior 1349-1357 Mass. Ave., in the Heights, in October.
The Arlington Redevelopment Board has approved plans by Arlington Coal & Lumber to renovate a building it owns around the corner on Mass. Ave.
At its Nov. 18 meeting, the board delayed three hearings, including the long-running discussion of the historic Atwood House, next to CVS.
One of the key agenda items was a proposed renovation of a building owned by Arlington Coal & Lumber at 1349-1357 Mass. Ave. Architect William Hubner outlined plans to update the building’s façade, improve its structural integrity and address water-infiltration issues. The project includes:
- Expanding the floor area by 29 square feet,
- Reconfiguring the front wall to align with the foundation and prevent basement water damage,
- Improving the rear of the property, currently covered in asphalt, with a concrete pad and a designated break space for staff; and
- Adding bicycle parking, with long-term storage proposed in the building’s basement.
Waivers requested
Hubner requested waivers from zoning bylaws that require bicycle parking to be stair-free, proposing the use of hanging bike racks in the basement. He also explained that the front door will remain in the same location but will be recessed for better accessibility.
Board members raised concerns about compliance with bicycle parking bylaws. Steve Revilak emphasized the need for at least one bike rack that does not require lifting bicycles, as stipulated in the bylaw. However, he expressed support for hanging racks as supplemental storage. Eugene Benson recommended that new residential doors be subject to administrative approval to ensure quality and compliance with town standards.
Chair Rachel Zsembery summarized the conditions for approval:
- Installing a channel on the stairs to allow bicycles to be wheeled.
- Administrative approval of the new residential doors.
- Making the discussed changes to the building’s siding.
The board unanimously approved the project, voting 4–0.
3 delays
The ARB delayed hearing three other applications:
- Docket 3798 – 821 Mass. Ave., the Atwood House: The applicant requested a continuance to refine plans with input from the building commissioner and Ricker. The board voted to continue this hearing to Jan. 13, 2025.
- Docket 3348 – 821-837 Mass. Ave.: Similarly, the hearing for this project, including the CVS property next door, was rescheduled to Jan. 13.
- Docket 3810 – 149 Pleasant St.: The applicant, Stephen Doherty, plans to demolish the existing single-family building and construct a three-family building. He requested additional time to prepare and submit materials. The board approved continuing the hearing to Dec. 2.
The board also discussed scheduling for 2025. Planning Director Claire Ricker announced a proposed new schedule to meet on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, adjusting as necessary to avoid conflicts with Monday holidays. A decision on completing the 2025 meeting schedule will be deferred until the next meeting, Dec. 2, as board member Shaina Korman-Houston was absent.
Watch ACMi video:
Oct. 26, 2024: Reopened Atwood House permit draws pleas for tree, disabled
This news summary by YourArlington freelancer Alyssa Enright was published Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024.
