ZBA approves 5-story rear addition at 218–230 Broadway with inclusionary units

The Chelsea Zoning Board of Appeals granted a special permit and variances for a residential expansion at 218–230 Broadway after the petitioner reduced the unit count and agreed to conditions addressing historic preservation and open-space shortfalls.

Attorney and petitioner representative Anthony Ross told the board the project was revised from 48 units to 40, removing eight units and keeping the Broadway-facing historic façade intact. Architect David Choi described a five-story rear addition with elevator access connecting to the existing building; Ross said six of the 22 new units will be inclusionary.

The board reviewed required variances for rear-yard setback, usable open space and parking. The applicant acknowledged the project would provide 3,000 square feet of usable roof-deck open space while planning staff said the per-unit open-space requirement for 40 units would be 4,000 square feet. Planning staff recommended approval with conditions including design review, DPW and Fire Department sign-offs, a transportation-demand-management plan, and restrictions preventing new residents from participating in on-street parking sticker programs.

Members of the public — including local brokers Madeline Garcia and Nydia Peguero — spoke in favor, citing the local need for affordable housing. Garcia urged the board to “please consider these affordable units.” The petitioner also agreed to follow historical-commission recommendations on façade work and to pursue consistent storefront signage where leases permit.

The board approved the motion with the articulated conditions by voice vote and attached the planning department’s conditions to the permit.