Page 8 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020 ZBA approves variances for scaled down Sherman Street project By Adam Swift A scaled-down proposal for a four-story apartment building at the corner of Washington Avenue and Sherman Street has gained the approval of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Last week, the ZBA unanimously approved the variances for setbacks and parking, allowing Sarnaglia, LLC of East Boston to move forward with a 30-unit project consisting of studio and one-bedroom apartments and 36 on-site parking spaces. Initially, the developer was looking to build a five-story, 42unit building with a commercial space, but ran into opposition from Sherman Street residents and Ward 6 Councillor Richard Serino. After a recent community neighborhood meeting with the developer, Serino said he and the residents are happy with the scaled back project. “The community meeting was fruitful, and as a result, my client reduced the size of the proposed project,” said Kari-Ann Greene, a local attorney representing Sarnaglia. “He has removed a whole floor of the proposed building, so the building is now four stories tall, and he’s reduced the residential unit count by 12 units to 30 units and removed the commercial space. He’s also kept all the parking on the ground level for a total of 36 spaces.” Greene said the project will revitalize a key property in the Washington Avenue area, replacing the current rundown commercial structure. Serino, ZBA Chairman Michael Tucker, and Planning and Economic and Development Director Robert O’Brien all agreed the new development would be an improvement over the current building. “I have to be honest; I think they have done a tremendous job,” said Serino of the developer and attorneys. “Typically, I’m not a big fan of granting variances, in general, for development, but I think in this situation these 30 units of one bedrooms as well as studio apartments are going to work pretty well at that site. It will enhance the neighborhood by taking a broken down building and making something that is a lot nicer and more presentable for the neighborhood.” The one additional request Serino made on behalf of the neighbors was that the city not grant any residential parking stickers for the building. “There should be enough parking with 36 parking spaces for 30 units,” said Serino. O’Brien noted that the developer will be contributing $100,000 to the city’s Community Investment Trust Fund for community projects near the development. Tucker said the ZBA puts into all its documents that large developments include a contribution to the Community Investment Trust Fund and that no overnight parking stickers are granted if there is a parking variance granted. New public commission aims to help bring more public art to the city By Adam Swift B reak out the paintbrushes and the modeling clay – Mayor Brian Arrigo is looking to establish a Public Arts Commission in the city. “This is an exciting opportunity for our community to embrace art,” said Elle Baker, project manager in the city’s Office of Strategic Planning and Economic Development. “We’ve been trying to get some public art projects going forward, and I feel strongly that creating a Public Art Commission gives us the opportunity to elevate and promote public arts within the community.” Baker said public arts initiatives can involve many layers and a myriad of steps, and a commission could help both the city and artists more easily navigate that process. Creating or approving public arts projects for public spaces often also involves a permitting process, she added. “Forming a team to assist with artists and with the city to navigate through the process will really give artists a connection to the city and vice versa,” Baker said. “It will help with advocating for new projects; it will help spearhead funding and grant fund sources, and essentially, it will help expedite more public art.” Initially, Baker said, the commission will consist of five members, but it could expand to seven if there are found to be gaps in knowledge or ability that could be filled on a five-member commission. “This is a great idea, and I intend to support it,” said Ward 6 Councillor Ricky Serino. “I think that more public art throughout the city will help to beautify the city even more than it already is.” The City Council will hold a public hearing on the establishment of a Public Art Commission at its Dec. 7 meeting. Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna said a public arts commission is an idea that is long overdue, and something that was initially discussed with the mayor several years ago. “We’re such a vibrant city, and we already have some really nice cultural and arts projects happening throughout the city,” said City Council President Patrick Keefe. “But certainly, there is not enough, and I think this will help reinvigorate that effort.” RevereTV Spotlight H appy Thanksgiving! With another holiday here, RevereTV has been busy working with the city to inform everyone on safe gathering practices. As part of a state grant program, RTV has been helping to produce various public service announcements about the local spread of COVID-19. This week’s short segments were about the rising cases and the city’s hopeful preparation tactics for gathering over Thanksgiving weekend. Watch these PSAs for safety tips playing in between programming on television, or our Facebook, YouTube and Instagram at any time. Remember Frankie Fannabla’s viral Revere Flea Market video? Well, he’s back to remind everyone about how safe and easy getting tested for COVID-19 is in Revere. Fannabla brings his enthusiasm to the Suffolk Downs testing site, touts wearing a mask, and demonstrates getting a test through the drivethru. For some comic relief and real information about testing in Revere, check out this fun video produced by RevereTV on Mayor Arrigo’s Facebook page and all RevereTV media outlets. There is a new episode of “The Senior FYI,” hosted by Director of Elder Affairs, Debra Peckza DiGiulio. This week features Lauren Buck, the city’s new Public Health Department Director. Buck talks about her journey through her career that has led her to Revere and how she is excited to work with the city, especially the seniors. “The Senior FYI” is an informational show for senior citizens that plays on RTV on Tuesday at 6 p.m., Thursday at 1 p.m. and Friday at 8:30 a.m. All episodes can also be found on RevereTV’s Facebook and YouTube. Be sure to tune in to the upcoming Revere City Council meetings in December. RevereTV will be streaming the meetings live as usual, but is also now including a live Spanish translation of the meeting. To access this translated rendition, you will be able to find a YouTube link on the RevereTV YouTube and Facebook pages on the night of each meeting. On television for regular programming, the RevereTV government channel is 9 on Comcast and 13 and 613 on RCN.
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