Planning board grants special permit for 4 Medford Street, imposes conditions on roof deck

The Chelsea Planning Board granted a special permit for alterations at 4 Medford Street that convert an existing building into multiple units and include a spiral stair second means of egress and a proposed roof deck, subject to conditions addressing safety and visibility.

Property owner Michael Masucci and architect Jeffrey Moretti presented the plan. Masucci said the basement will serve as an office and bedroom space for Unit 1 with egress‑sized windows where possible, the ground floor will contain living space with a half bath, and the upper floors will be arranged as additional units. Masucci said the spiral staircase provides a second means of egress for the upper unit and continues to the proposed roof deck.

Board members questioned the roof‑deck access and safety, including concerns about a metal spiral staircase as the only outdoor access and the size and setback of any roof deck. The petitioner said an alternative could be interior access with a roof hatch, which would eliminate exterior access to the roof for some units. The board noted standard safety and setback requirements must be met.

The board approved the special permit with standard conditions as applicable and added conditions: the roof deck must comply with required setbacks and safety standards; the petitioner may not use gas grills or umbrellas on the roof deck; the roof deck must not be visible from the street; and the petitioner was asked to consider providing a water spigot for rooftop plantings. The board also instructed the applicant to make tenants aware of on‑street parking rules. The special permit decision will be forwarded to the zoning board hearing scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 14.