Applicant proposes nonprofit community center at 3095 Genesee Street; board tables request for revised site plan

An applicant seeking to open a nonprofit community and translation center at 3095 Genesee Street told the Zoning Board the organization will provide English-as-a-second-language instruction and assistance with paperwork for new residents.

Adel Munassar described the proposed use as a nonprofit community center: “we're going to do translation, English as a second language, help people ... with paperwork,” she said. Munassar said the parcel currently has roughly 22 parking spaces and that the applicant has discussed shared parking with a neighboring taekwondo business for nights when that business is not operating.

Board members raised concerns about parking geometry, hours of operation and the submitted floor and site plan sketches. Staff noted the submitted layout differs from the existing configuration and questioned whether the drive aisles and stall widths meet code. The applicant said the second floor would be used for counseling and social-services support once the nonprofit is fully operational and that interior and exterior electrical and finishing work remain in progress.

A board member moved to table the application until the applicant submits a revised site plan showing finalized parking, access and a clearer hours-of-operation schedule; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Munassar said the new location is intended to bring services closer to regional Arabic community residents and that fundraising is ongoing. The board recommended the applicant work with the architect and staff to provide a finalized site plan and clearer operational details before reappearing on the agenda.