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Board continues 395 Arkansas appeal after neighbors raise asbestos and permit-scope concerns; hearing set for May 9
Summary
Neighbors appealed a permit for renovation at 395 Arkansas citing demolition beyond permitted scope and alleged asbestos/lead containment failures. Planning staff and DBI found the bay-window addition likely exceeds planning-code limits; the board continued the appeal to May 9 to allow plan revisions and inspections, and asked parties to meet.
Neighbors and the permit holder returned to the Board of Appeals on April 11 over construction at 395 Arkansas Street. Appellant Laurie Perez said demolition exceeded the scope and timing of permitted work, that asbestos testing had not been done before demolition and that netting and containment were inadequate near homes with children.
Architect Matt Baron and owner Neil Sullivan said initial interior-demolition work was permitted and that contractors 'jumped the gun' on some exterior work; they said they obtained a second permit after stop-work notices and had hired a licensed contractor to handle asbestos removal. Planning Department representative Scott Sanchez said the enlarged bay window likely exceeds permitted projections and could violate front-setback requirements, and DBI inspector Joe Duffy confirmed a notice of violation had been issued for exceeding the original permit and that a stop-work had been issued.
After discussing options — including revocation, requiring revised plans, or conditionally amending the permit — the board continued the appeal to May 9 and asked the permit holder to meet with neighbors and to work with Planning and DBI to submit compliant revised drawings by May 3. DBI said it would inspect for abatement and advise on penalties for exceeding the scope.
Outcome: Appeal continued to May 9; board directed the permit holder to confer with neighbors and to submit revisions and supporting documentation in advance of the continued hearing.
