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Planning board approves revised 48 Library St. plan and grants delivery permit extension for Broadway restaurant with conditions
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Summary
The board approved McDougall Architects’ revised design for 48 Library Street subject to standard plan submissions, and granted a special‑permit amendment for a Broadway catering/takeout business to include delivery — with conditions: an unilluminated sign and no on‑site seating. The board also approved a withdrawal without prejudice for 320 Revere Beach Parkway.
The Chelsea Planning Board on Jan. 27 approved multiple routine land‑use items: a revised design for a family‑oriented housing project at 48 Library Street, a permitting amendment for a Broadway food business to allow delivery, and a procedural withdrawal of one case.
Case 2025‑2346 (48 Library Street) returned with revised plans from McDougall Architects after prior board feedback. Attorney John Mackie, representing property owner Efren Molina, said the team had acted on guidance from the board and refined siding, windows, entries and the rear massing to create a more cohesive streetside identity. Architect Beth McDougall described recesses on the rear façade that allow windows into bedrooms and small balcony sliders, an adjusted entry pattern to improve unit access, and preservation of three‑bedroom units that the client requested to attract families.
Planning staff recommended approval. The board moved to advance the project “with the standard conditions as applicable,” requiring the petitioner to submit landscaping and drainage plans, a lighting plan compliant with IDSA standards, a rodent control and waste management plan, a white roof and permeable pavers, design review, no on‑street parking stickers for new units, and prohibitions on gas grills or umbrellas on the roof deck. The motion passed unanimously.
In a separate matter, petitioners Jonathan and Francois Noel asked to amend a 2020 special permit for a small catering business at 103 Broadway so the license expressly covers delivery and takeout. The petitioner said delivery via third‑party platforms has been the majority of business since 2020. The board approved the modification with two additional conditions: the storefront sign must remain unilluminated and the permit will not allow seating or on‑site consumption, preserving the property’s nonconforming status in the R‑1 district. Staff noted the petitioner must still appear before the Zoning Board of Appeals on Feb. 10 as part of the zoning compliance and appeal process.
At the start of the meeting the board approved a request to withdraw case 2025‑25 (320 Revere Beach Parkway) without prejudice, allowing the petitioner to refile in the future.
Next steps: Petitioners for 48 Library Street will submit the required plans for final review; the Broadway petitioner will go to the ZBA on Feb. 10; the withdrawn case may be refiled.
