Neighbors don’t want more homes

By Jessica Smith
Roslindale Transcript
Wed May 28, 2008, 12:15 PM EDT

West Roxbury -
A debate about residential development in West Roxbury turned theoretical last week when residents requested that the Boston Redevelopment Authority place a moratorium on building.

According to many who live on and around Ruskin Street, located between Corey and Weld streets, proposed construction that will add two homes to their neighborhood should be halted. The homes that developer Gary Martell wants to build on both sides of 11 Ruskin Road are being proposed to the city as of right. In other words, no variances or special approval is required to build the structures.

However, because the houses would be built in an overlay district, the BRA must approve the plans to ensure they do not disrupt the character of the neighborhood. On Thursday, residents met with the city and the BRA to discuss their concerns, many of which might be hard to address.

At issue is the size of the proposed structures and how they might impact the community. As one resident stated, the abutters “did not envision McMansions.”

“If we could stop this project, we would,” said Jay Walsh of the mayor’s department of neighborhood services.

For Kerry Brennan, who described himself as a new homeowner on the street and “the most recent person to fall in love with the feel of that street,” the issue was bigger than the block in question.

“What is the attitude about scale and density in the neighborhood? What can be done about the overdevelopment of West Roxbury?” asked Brennan. According to Walsh, development is always something that causes worry.

“We have a concern about development in general. We don’t have the legal authority to say no to this project,” said Walsh.

George Philippides, whose home abuts 11 Ruskin, said that part of the problem is the text of the zoning code and the rules governing the overlay district.

“It has subjective wording. We need to get at how people feel about the character of the neighborhood they live in,” said Philippides, who with his neighbors, asked representatives of the city to halt all building.

Another resident appealed to state Rep. Mike Rush, who was in attendance and expressed an interest in working with other politicians, although his jurisdiction does not directly cover construction in the city of Boston.

“It’s pretty obvious there’s a problem. People’s lives are going to be disrupted,” said Rush, who was joined by At-Large City Councilor John Connolly.

“I’m with you on the massive frustration. That’s my wife’s favorite street. These streets are special. This does disturb the essence of the neighborhood,” said Connolly, who had disappointing information to add. “The BRA can’t put a moratorium on building. If the BRA blocked as of right development, they would get sued.”

Connolly further described the two-week comment period that started on Tuesday, May 27, as a chance for residents to allay their concerns about the project.

“We can comment on the inappropriateness to our neighborhood,” said Gwynne Morgan.

Jessica Smith can be reached at jsmith@cnc.com