Board approves subdivision of 38 Beekman and 48 Ash; developers urged to address parking, scale and DRB conditions

Applicant representatives presented a plan to subdivide and return two previously combined undersized lots at 38 Beekman and 48 Ash to separate parcels, and proposed renovating the existing historic building at 38 Beekman while constructing a new three‑story mixed‑use building at 48 Ash. The board approved the subdivision on the grounds that the properties were pre‑existing nonconforming lots and that the proposed lot sizes would return the lots to dimensions consistent with surrounding parcels.

The applicant’s architect pointed to historical Sanborn map evidence showing a building on the corner since at least 1884 and said the new construction is designed to align visually with neighboring three‑story structures. Several board members accepted the subdivision but raised concerns about the proposed development’s massing and — repeatedly — parking: both 38 and 48 currently propose limited on‑site parking and board members asked the applicant to sketch alternative plans that provide more parking or present a neighborhood parking study before the next meeting. Design Review Board approval remains required for exterior materials and porch reconstruction on the historic building.