BOA_157 Boston Street - Statement of Grounds
157 Boston Street, Salem
Josh Chmara | joshchmara@gmail.com | 508-801-9276
Variance Request
I am seeking a variance from 5.1 of the Zoning Ordinance (Off Street Parking). The property currently has
no off-street parking. If allowed to convert my property into a two-family residence, I plan to add 2 off
street parking spaces on my property. One space would be deeded to e ach of the two units.
The Zoning Ordinance would require 3 parking spaces for a two family residence. I am seeking a
variance that would allow me to construct only 2 spaces. I am only able to fit two spaces on my property.
Relief from this variance would be beneficial to the public good because it would add two new off-street
spaces for a property that otherwise would only have off-street parking. Relief from having 3 spaces and
only having 2 would still follow the spirit and purpose of the off-street parking spaces ordinance.
There are currently 3 bedrooms in the existing structure. The proposed two -family would have 4
bedrooms combined – this is only 1 additional bedroom than the existing structure. This limits the
potential impact of incremental drivers living at the property.
Special Permit Request
The existing structure on 157 Boston Street is a legal non-conforming single family residence in a B2
Zoning District. I am seeking a special permit to convert this into a two-family residence under Section 3.3
of the Zoning Ordinances. The existing footprint would remain constant – there will be no changes to the
footprint of the existing structure. I will be the owner occupant of one of the units.
See below for commentary on each of the points of consideration for a special permit laid forth in Section
9.4.2 in the Zoning Ordinances:
1. Community Needs Served By Proposal: Allowing for a two-family residence would add one new
and fully renovated housing unit to a very tight housing stock. A new unit would augment Salem’s
tax base. SIGNIFICANT NET BENEFIT VS. EXISTING NONCONFORMING USE
2. Traffic Flow and Safety: If issued a special permit to convert into a two family residence, two off-
street parking spaces would be constructed (see Variance request above). Currently the property
has no off-street parking. NET BENEFIT VS. EXISTING NONCONFORMING USE
3. Adequacy of utilities and other public services: There should be no detrimental impact here. The
newly renovated units will have high efficiency systems and proper insulation which will serve
‘Green’ initiatives. MINIMAL NET BENEFIT VS. EXISTING NONCONFORMING USE
4. Neighborhood Character: This section of Boston Street it is the norm, rather than the exception,
to have a property be a multi-family residence. This property was foreclosed nearly a year and a
half ago and has remained vacant until I purchase it last month. The property requires substantial
renovations to bring it back to its former glory – let alone make it inhabitable. There is no heating
or plumbing. There is limited curb appeal as the property looks unkempt after all the time left
vacant. I take pride in my property and intend to make my house look like the gem of the street.
SIGNIFICANT NET BENEFIT VS. EXISTING NONCONFORMING USE
5. Impacts to Natural Environment including View: The existing footprint will remain constant so
there should be no change to the natural environment or view. INDIFFERENT VS. EXISTING
NONCONFORMING USE
6. Potential Economic and Fiscal Impact (including services, tax base, and employment): As
discussed in point #1, adding a new housing unit to Salem will augment its tax base and provide
much needed housing for someone who would also like to make Salem their home. There will be
all the streams of cash flow / taxes / spending associated with a new resident(s). Additionally,
with the renovations I am planning, the dwelling can probably be assessed at a higher value,
which will benefit Salem for the long run. SIGNIFICANT NET BENEFIT VS. EXISTING
NONCONFORMING USE