Sarah Mitchell presided; 10 others attended, including 3 presenting for 243 Northampton St.

1. Notes from July meeting –
Approved, with one change/addition: “Groundwater was discussed; TCB indicated all properties within the Groundwater Conservation Overlay District would have groundwater recharge systems.”

2. Neighborhood Social – Tasha Smith, Sandra Alvarado, Solomon Baxter, Barbara Armandt and Sara Mitchell have begun to plan an event to bring neighbors together and showcase neighborhood businesses and organizations. Traditional games, face-painting, food, music will be in Chester Park September 21 (noon-4pm). The meeting voted to spend up to $500 for this event. Lloyd Fillion, Susan Faaland, Rudy Mitchell, Jim O’Donnell and Stephanie Avanessian volunteered to help and more volunteers will be needed. If you’re ready to help, please email info@chestersquareassociation.org.

3. TBC renovations – Carol Blair and Lloyd Fillion reporting
A letter was sent to TCB after our July meeting to recount items needing follow-up. They have since met on site with Michael Lozano (TCB Development) and Zan Bross (TCB Construction Manger for this project) to review the same items as a checklist. We are hopeful that these communications will facilitate timely and thorough cooperation with TCB.

4. Tree mulch –
Lloyd Fillion reported tree mulching will be completed Saturday, with Mark Carrig and Jim O’Donnell assisting.
Sara Mitchell reported she had enlisted Winn Management to help water trees on Northampton St between Washington and Shawmut. Carol Blair reported that ROXSE Homes resident Basari has begun to water the struggling young tree near 226 Northampton.
If you’d like to join our tree care team, please email info@chestersquareassociation.org.

5. 243 Northampton St. –
Attorney Eric Speed, property manager Adam Sarbaugh and architect Steve Reilly were present to request support for legalizing 6 units at 243 Northampton, claiming the building has operated as six units since 1990. Several of our members expressed gratitude to the presenters for repairs to the building. All agreed, however, that the building has not operated as six units. Rather, it was vacant and in dangerous disrepair for many years, with work occurring in the building from time to time over the last decade or so, and people moving in this past winter/spring.
A letter from Neal Armandt, next-door neighbor at 241 for 28 years, indicated a long period of neglect and expressed surprise and disbelief that the owner did not realize the 4-unit limit. Others raised issues concerning the demands these six units place on usable open space, parking, an antiquated jointly-owned private sewer line, and other infrastructure. The meeting voted to oppose the proposed legalization of six units and to support existing zoning for our Row House Subdistrict, which allows a maximum of four units per row house.

6. Next meeting date – September 4.

1. Plans for Summer Social
2. Coordination with TBC renovations – 19 buildings
3. Care for Street Trees
4. 243 Northampton – requesting approval for 6 units

Sarah Mitchell presided; 13 others attended.

1. South End Apartments Renovations –
Michael Lozano (TCB Development Project Manager) made brief comments about TCB’s plans to renovate 29 buildings – 146 units – most in our immediate neighborhood. He introduced his team, related the contractor’s (CWC Builders’) extensive experience in the South End, and indicated October 1 as the current start date (Contract not yet signed; date not “fixed in stone”.) The plans, about 60% complete, include 100% replacement of windows with aluminum-clad wood, some doors, all roofs, heating systems, some kitchens & baths; eight units are to be made fully accessible. Eight buildings on West Springfield St, formerly known as “Ebenezer Homes”, will be joined with “South End Apartments” as the new “Historic South End Apartments” (office at 792 Tremont St).

Tim Dowd (TCB Reg’l Dir of Operations) and Cliff Boehmer (Davis Sq Architects) joined with Mr. Lozano in responding to questions. Mr Boehmer showed plans for one of the buildings with a handicap accessible unit, describing improvements and repairs, materials and design. Many questions concerning the remaining buildings were addressed and particular treatments were described and explored, but drawings and specifics were not available for the buildings in question. Groundwater was discussed; TCB indicated all properties within the Groundwater Conservation Overlay District would have groundwater recharge systems.

The following items were noted as needing further follow-up: historic doors, gutters & downspouts, fences, mortar pointing and masonry repairs, dust/dirt/runoff, rodent control, landscaping/grading, meetings with individual abutters, timely coordination of roofing repairs with abutters, a 24/7 contact for residents and neighbors, and schedule and updates concerning TCB design team’s inspections of areas of concern during construction to verify compliance with design documents. Michelle Laboy, Lloyd Fillion, & Carol Blair agreed to work together as a committee to follow-up with TCB to review plans and investigate outstanding questions between association meetings.

2. Illegal activity at Dunkin Donuts (Mass Ave nr Washington St) –
Hilani Morales (Mayors Office) reported police have this location under surveillance. We can help by calling 911, with a description, when we see something suspicious – even if we don’t see an illegal act. Mark Carrig will ask Dunkin Donuts to come to our August meeting to talk about what they can do to address the situation.

3. Tree Mulch –
Lloyd Fillion and Mark Carrig have mulched 20-25 trees in the neighborhood. Additional funds up to $125 were voted to complete mulching of new trees, with many thanks to Lloyd and Mark.

4. Summer Social –
Sara Mitchell, Solomon Baxter, Barbara Armandt, Mark Carrig, and Sandra Alvarado have explored possibilities for a block party and a garden party. Sara will call a meeting and form a committee to plan for an event that draws on the best of both. Please email info@chestersquareassociation.org if you’d like to help.

5. Our next meeting will be Wednesday, Aug 7.

7 pm at Harriet Tubman House — 566 Columbus Ave
1. Renovation of “South End Apartments” & “Ebenezer Homes” – TCB will present plans for 18 addresses on Springfield, Northampton & Tremont Streets & Mass. Ave. The proposed work includes roofing & gutters, masonry, windows & doors, handicap access, fencing, landscaping, & rehabbing interiors. We’re pleased to see so much invested in our neighborhood. Please come to share your experience/perspective as we review these plans. TCB hopes to begin construction in October, so don’t miss this meeting!
2. Notes from June Meeting
3. Mulch for street trees
4. Summer Social
5. Other business
6. Next Meeting Date