Sorry this is very last minute; the meeting is tonight.
Forgive me for not sharing Michael Brandon’s nor the Historical Society’s view that there is anything architecturally or even much retail space to save here. That does not mean we need to be concerned about what is proposed to be built.
PSNA will have someone there. I will try to go, and will report to you. Come if you want to enjoy a long night!
Ruth
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: | [PSNA] Tear-down of 18 White Street for mid-rise housing |
Date: | Thu, 12 Jul 2012 04:37:14 -0400 |
From: | Michael Brandon <mjbrandon@gmail.com> |
To: | psna@portersquare.net, st-james-neighbors@googlegroups.com, kaya-neighbors@googlegroups.com |
Those concerned about disappearing Porter Square retail options, the impact of redevelopment on the historical and architectural character of the neighborhood, and the possible need for zoning and parking reforms may want to attend tonight's public hearing on the planned demolition of the two-and-half-story structure at 18 White Street, which is currently occupied by Harvard Square Eye Care.
The property owner (Medford-based developer Ben Rogan of Highland Development) has filed plans to knock down the structure and replace it with a five-story, eight-unit contemporary residential building constructed "on stilts" over a ground-level parking lot for eight cars and four bicycles. The staff of the Cambridge Historical Commission (CHC) has determined that the Bracketed Italianate house, built in 1872, is "significant." If the commissioners concur and find further that the building is "preferably preserved," demolition would be delayed for up to six months while alternatives are explored.
A highly informative staff memo describing the threatened structure, its architecture and history, and that of White Street is Web-posted at this link. Current elevation drawings and architectural renderings depicting the proposed replacement structure are available here and here.
Members of the public will be allowed to ask questions and comment at the CHC hearing, which will be held on the first floor of the Central Square Senior Center at 806 Mass. Ave. (directly opposite City Hall). The meeting starts at 6 pm (in the right-hand meeting room), but the hearing on 18 White Street is listed late in the agenda and probably won't start before 7:30 or even later.
Michael
Michael Brandon, Clerk
North Cambridge Stabilization Committee