February 7, 2008: This evening the Zoning board of appeals denied the request for a variance to build at 103-107 Norfolk Street. The vote was three in favor and two opposed. Four votes were required to grant the variance.
It feels like a hollow victory because there wasn't enough dialogue with Mr. Rothman — the property owner, Jim Rafferty — his lawyer, the architect, and the larger neighborhood. The coalition proposed a meeting in December; zoning board members encouraged discussion/negotiation, but no meetings were held. The owner thought discussing/negotiating with available abutters was enough to satisfy the board's request. In the end it wasn't.
If feels like a hollow victory because that part of Norfolk could definitely use improvements. The neighborhood could have benefited by careful urban design and attention to the scale of the project.
Because the appeal was denied on a continuation, they must wait two years to reapply. Rothman said he would reapply at the earliest possible date. We urged him to start making improvements to the lot now to show his concern for and commitment towards the neighborhood. We're sure people will be watching carefully.
Update: Mr Rothman has been in contact with the A4NC to plan for ways to spruce up the Norfolk Street lot in the Spring of 2008 prior to any new construction.
TEXT of Coalition letter sent to James Rafferty, property owner's lawyer.
