GOWAN, Albert J. Designer, writer and Professor of graphic design, Albert J. Gowan passed away peacefully from complications of congestive heart failure on November 2, 2017 at 83. "Uncle Al" to generations of students at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Gowan was an inspirational educator, trusted advisor and mentor, and a skilled strategist.
Porter Square Intersection Safety Improvements Community Meeting. Learn more about the City's plans to improve Porter Square:
Thursday, November 16, 2017 (Annual Meeting)
Porter Square Neighbors Association
North Cambridge Senior Center
2050 Massachusetts Avenue
AGENDA
* Annual Election of Officers
* Email List Update
* Future PSNA Activities
* Ears to the Ground
ANNUAL ELECTION OF OFFICERS
We elected the following new officers:
President: Ruth Ryals (who conducted the rest of the meeting)
Vice President: Vacant
Secretary and Treasurer: Margaret Studio
Last night the Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA) voted 5-0 in favor of granting a comprehensive permit for the proposed fully afforadable housing development at 1791 Mass Ave which will provide 40 units (many 2-3 bedrooms, allowing families).
The plans call for the restoration of the Second Empire Victorian (the "old dentists home") on the Avenue, a large new building behind it, and the renovation of two historic houses at the rear (on Frost Terrace).
Please note that the developers posted updated plans, renderings, etc. on our website today for the 1791 Mass Ave proposed affordable housing project (www.1791massave.com). The BZA hearing is scheduled for 7pm next Thursday January 11th at the Senior Center in Central Square.
I'm organizing an "on site" tour and Q & A session with the developers next Saturday (January 6) at noon. It will last less than one hour and won't interfere with any football watching.
If you haven't heard about 1791 Mass Ave, the developers are proposing to transform the run-down Victorian on the property (last used as a medical office) into a 100% affordable family community with 40 apartments. The front building will continue to have its Victorian look but a new structure will be added in the rear.
There will be a BZA Hearing on the Comprehensive Permit sought for the affordable housing development proposed for 1791 Mass Ave on January 11th at 7:30 pm at the Citywide Senior Center 806 Mass Ave.
Please come and speak that evening or offer your comments in writing to mpacheco@cambridgema.gov. Written comments must be submitted prior to the Hearing and include the Case Number (#4874).
The developers were asked by the Planning Board at the meeting on 12/5/17 to reconsider the design (especially of the part of the building facing the Newport Rd. Condominiums) and other issues raised that night. The video of the meeting can be found at htpp://cambridgema.igm2/citizens/default.aspx?
The revised design and additional materials should be posted at 1791MassAve.com on 1/5/18.
The PB refused to hear comments on parking issues that evening, but in the face of numerous complaints on the proposal to provide NO parking, the developers commissioned a parking study showing that at 7:30 on a week night there are 130+ parking spaces available on nearby streets. I will ask them to post that study, so you may review it vis a vis your own experience.
PSNA members overwhelmingly affirm the need for affordable housing and confirm the appropriateness of this location in our neighborhood, with some reservations re size, design, open space. Many have concerns over the lack of parking in an area already short on that. The folks at Newport Condominiums oppose both the design and the size of the development and have hired their own consultant who testified at the PB meeting.
This will probably be the last chance for anyone (pro or con) to speak up about this important proposed development.
See you there!
Ruth
Porter Square Neighbors Association
November 16, 7-9PM
North Cambridge Senior Center
2050 Massachusetts Avenue
AGENDA
• Annual Election of Officers
• Email list update
• Future PSNA activities
• Ears to the Ground
