. . . the Swiss House agreed that it would not change the building’s exterior. Now, several years later, the Swiss House is seeking both a variance and a Special Permit to do exactly that . . .
As I am sure you know, the Swiss House obtained its current institutional use zoning relief via a Special Permit in 1999. This Special Permit was extended indefinitely upon its review. When obtaining its initial Special Permit, the Swiss House agreed that it would not change the building’s exterior. Now, several years later, the Swiss House is seeking both a variance and a Special Permit to do exactly that, greatly expanding the size of the building and increasing the variety of uses that could fit into the newly enlarged structure.
This last point, the larger number of uses that could fit into an expanded Swiss House, is crucial, because the zoning relief will pass with the building to future owners, whoever they may be.
The major issue here is that the Swiss House was not to change its exterior. Now it wishes to expand and with that expansion, combined with the fact that zoning relief will pass with the building to future owners comes risks for the surrounding neighborhood. Before the BZA agrees to the Swiss House’s request, I urge the BZA to perform a thorough review of why the original Special Permit did not grant enough relief for the Swiss House’s activities in the building and whether the proposed Special Permit and Variance for site development are compatible with both with the residential neighborhood and the institutional use provisions of the zoning ordinance.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have at 617-354-8353.
Sincerely, Craig A. Kelley, Esq.
6 St. Gerard Terrace Cambridge, MA 02140