Some North End residents fume over newly proposed development

This past weekend, The Boston Globe featured an interesting article based on a newly proposed mixed-use development on the North End waterfront, near the Charlestown Bridge. The development would consist of razing the three-story building at 585 Commercial Street and building an eight-story, 62-unit residential project. The building was recently the home to several law offices and a Roche Bobois furniture store. Gilchrest Associates, develpers of the recently completed 44 Prince Street condominiums, held a public meeting two weeks ago, in the old funiture stores showroom. Developer Byron Gilchrest presented the project to those in attendance, stating that he believes the mixed-use building, which will also include a restaurant, health-club, and marina, will add some much needed amenities to the area. Several long time North End residents were not happy at all. Several believe that the construction of another high-end, high-rise development in the North End will continue to bring in a new demographic of residents, unlike those that currently live in the neighborhood. One woman in particular, whose family had been in the area for nearly a century, believes that it's the people of the area who make the North End so special. A few others also rebuttled to Gilchrest's statements that the North End has no need for any new restaurants or high-priced living. Another opponent of the project was a resident currently living across the street from the site. Not only would the development create more high priced housing, but the current plans are to build the structure 30 feet taller than current zoning allows and would also block several nearby residents views of Boston Harbor and Charlestown, an obvious concern for those who have lived happily in the area for some time.

Although they are believed to be out there, few proponents attended the meeting on the projects behalf. Two such proponents, not present at the meeting, were actually telephoned for comment. One individual was unable to be reached, and the other refused to remark at the time. Apparent from the work that he has done at 44 Prince Street, Gilchrist understands that residents of the neighborhood have a right to voice their opinions, and that their voices should be heard. Gilchrest assured the public that he was willing to listen to any comments about the project and take them into serious consideration.