On Feb. 6, the owner of 61 Hancock Street will appear before the Beacon Hill Civic Association’s Zoning & Licensing Committee, to present a proposal that includes changing the legal occupancy of this building from a 20-person lodging house to 7 apartments and 4 rooms. As the applicant states, the property near the corner of Myrtle and Hancock Street, has been physically configured as apartments since the early 1980’s. Neighbors are encouraged to attend the meeting, which will take place at 7:30 pm at 74 Joy Street.
The applicant also seeks to convert the basement/garden level space into a living space that will be combined with the floor above, as a single apartment. This conversion would add approximately 750 sq ft of living space thus increasing the floor area ratio (FAR), which is already exceeded, requiring a variance. The building also faces insufficient usable open space and off-street parking, so variances are also required. The owner has filed an appeal and is scheduled for a hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeal in March.
Anyone with questions and comments regarding this matter is encouraged to attend. Those unable to attend, but who would like to express an opinion to the BHCA may call (617.227.1922) or send an email to the Executive Director MaryLee Halpin ([email protected]) prior to the meeting. Additional information and updates on this matter are posted at www.bhcivic.org.