Zoning board approves conversion of 4648 Library Street to 12 units, including two affordable units

Janice Tartarka, chair of the Chelsea Zoning Board of Appeals, on Monday approved special permits and variances allowing the owner to convert 4648 Library Street from a three‑unit structure into a 12‑unit apartment building.

John Mackey, representing owner Efraim Molino, told the board the project would be constructed on the existing building footprint and would include two units designated as affordable housing. “We’re gonna be providing 2 affordable units to the city,” Mackey said during the presentation.

Architect Beth McDougall described design changes to make the building appear as a single unified structure, said the rear elevation was stepped back three feet to permit bedroom windows and small recessed balconies, and explained the entrance and stair configurations for the reconfigured units. She also confirmed the project will provide rooftop open space divided among groups of units.

Board members questioned parking and circulation: the site currently has 10 parking spaces for 12 units. McDougall and Mackey said there are two existing curb cuts and that the site’s configuration permits vehicles to back out and turn; the planning department confirmed the location is well served by public transit. On drainage, McDougall said the project will meet Massachusetts state law by keeping stormwater on site and would require engineered catch basins and basins as part of the design review.

The planning department recommended approval and asked that the board carry forward standard conditions, including submission of a final landscaping plan, lighting plan, drainage plan, design review participation, and a restriction making new residents ineligible for on‑street parking permits. Staff also recommended roof‑deck rules (no gas grills or umbrellas) and adjustments to any white‑roof requirement to account for deck comfort.

After board discussion applying the special permit criteria — including neighborhood character, traffic and utilities, and fiscal impacts — Marilyn Vega Torres moved to approve the application with the planning department’s conditions. The motion passed by voice vote.

The board’s written decision will list applicable conditions, and staff said the decision will be filed with the city clerk and the applicant will receive a copy; the 20‑day appeal period begins after filing.

The planning department will complete design review and the applicant must provide the required plans before building permits are issued.