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Developer presents plan to convert 123 Washington Ave funeral home into nine residential units with retail; board takes no vote
Summary
At a first hearing, 123 Washington Ave LLC proposed converting a funeral home into nine apartments and two retail spaces with 11 parking spots; the zoning board left the application open for planning review and further public comment.
Developer Hector Angel and counsel presented a first hearing to the Chelsea Zoning Board seeking special permits and variances to convert the existing funeral home at 123 Washington Avenue into a mixed-use building with nine residential units and two retail spaces.
Attorney Anthony Rossi explained the project would expand the building façade to activate retail on the street level and place nine apartments on the upper floors. Architect David Choi said the unit mix would include five three‑bedroom units, three one‑bedroom units and a large studio, and the proposal calls for 11 off‑street parking spaces (nine allocated to residential units and two for retail). Rossi noted some parking and aisle‑width relief would be required because of existing aisle dimensions.
The owner, Hector Angel, said prospective retail tenants had expressed interest but the exact retail uses were not finalized; he said retail might include a barbershop or convenience store and acknowledged that particular retail uses could change parking demand and delivery patterns. Planning staff advised the board that retail and office uses are distinct zoning categories and that certain retail tenants could later require separate relief depending on the use intensity.
The board accepted letters of support submitted by nearby residents and business owners and left the matter open for the planning board review (Nov. 18) and a return to the ZBA on Dec. 9. No vote was taken at the hearing.
