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Board approves conversion at 271 Washington Ave with code and historic review conditions
Summary
JCG Investments’ plan to convert a large two‑family into a three‑family at 271 Washington Ave was recommended for approval after the board discussed structural repairs, stairs, sprinkler and fire alarm upgrades, and recommended additional historic detailing and design review.
The Chelsea Planning Board recommended approval of a petition from JCG Investments to reconfigure an existing large two‑family at 271 Washington Avenue into three residential units, subject to code compliance and design review conditions.
Anthony Ross, appearing for the petitioner, said the work is primarily interior — adding kitchens and bathrooms on upper floors — and that the building will require code upgrades including a sprinkler system and an addressable fire alarm. The petitioner’s manager, James (identified in the hearing as the project manager), described structural repairs and replacement of unsafe porch and rear stairs in the same footprint with new footings and code‑compliant runs.
Board members probed the stair layout and drainage; panelists discussed the difficulty of a long, straight run and recommended terracing and landings to meet code and improve safety and accessibility. Several members urged the petitioner to incorporate historic porch details and columns where feasible; the project team said much of the front porch had been rotted and that restoration will be considered to the extent practical but that safety and cost constraints had driven the initial repairs.
The board’s approval included standard plan submittals (lighting, rodent control, waste management), design review with the Department of Permitting and Land Use Planning with consideration of Chelsea Historical Commission comments, and conditions addressing stairs and landscaping. The board voted aye to recommend approval.
