Dance House appeal continued to June 8 as neighbors, developer and Planning seek negotiated fixes

Owners of Dance House asked the Board of Appeals on May 11 to suspend or modify a site permit for a proposed three-warehouse development at 1275 Connecticut Street, arguing the nearest building would block access to fire-sprinkler pipes, gas meters and legal windows that provide light and ventilation.

Appellant John Zane (also known as John Chion) presented documents and photographs, including historic parcel maps and contractor testimony, to argue existing windows and access had been established over decades. "The 30 foot tall proposed buildings would also block access to our fire sprinkler pipes and valves, gutters, drain pipes, and gas service," Zane said, citing maintenance and emergency-access concerns and providing contractor notes and OSHA considerations intended to show the practical impact of the permit as proposed.

Project engineer Rodrigo Santos said the sponsor followed Planning and building procedures, the site permit was filed in February and the development meets PDR-2 zoning limits. Santos acknowledged some utilities might require relocation and said a site permit and structural addendum process were underway.

Planning and DBI staff told commissioners that land-use rules in a PDR-2 district permit the proposed use and that property-line questions are often civil disputes; both departments urged negotiation where possible. During public comment a neighbor urged compromise and noted long-standing problems on the lot. Board members expressed sympathy for the Dance House’s potential costs but also noted limits to the Board’s authority on property-line disputes and encouraged a negotiated resolution.

Commissioner Frank Fung moved to continue the matter to June 8 to allow the parties time to negotiate and report back with short oral updates (three minutes each). The Board voted 4–1 to continue the hearing.