BROOKSIDE—Maple Hurst Builders passed another milestone in its bid to build a 3.5-story mixed-use development on Green Street between Amory Street and Brookside Avenue this month.

The project, proposed for 154-160 Green St., is undergoing design review by the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA). As part of that process, the BRA hosted a community meeting to review the development proposal on March 13. Support for the project was strong among the about 25 meeting attendees.

"I know people are excited about the idea of life after dark [on Green Street]," Cornwall street resident Joe Fallon said of the project, which proposes three street-level storefronts and 13 residential home-ownership units.

Maple Hurst plans to seek out a cafe or eatery to occupy at least one of the retail spots, on the corner of Green and Amory Streets. That space will be attached to a small outdoor patio, said Cheryl Tougias of Spalding Tougias Architects, the firm that drafted the proposal.

The plan was criticized by one meeting attendee, Victor Dibona, controller, or financial manager, at Carlysle Engineering, a fire-safety equipment installation company located around the corner from the proposed development at 132 Brookside Ave.

The neighborhood the proposed development and Carlysle would share is zoned for light industrial use, so Maple Hurst will have to get a variance to build a residential building there. Dibona told the Gazette earlier this month that his main concern about the project is the use. He is concerned that residential encroachment will squeeze out the remaining businesses in the area, he said. (Read the rest of article)

BROOKSIDE—Maple Hurst Builders presented a third parking plan at the third community meeting it hosted Feb. 26 to go over designs for a proposed mixed-use commercial/condominium development on Green Street between Amory Street and Brookside Avenue.

The plans themselves have generally been favorably received by neighbors at all three of the meetings, but some community members have expressed concern about the project in the latest go-round.

Francesca Fordiani of the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) said she thinks Maple Hurst is trying to move through its Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA)-mandated community review process too quickly. She wants a community review of the development’s proposed affordable housing component, she said.

Victor Dibona, controller, or financial manager, for Carlysle Engineering, located across Brookside from the proposed development, said he is opposed to any residential development in the area. The parcel is zoned for commercial and industrial use, and Maple Hurst will need variances to realize its plan for 154-160 Green St. (Read the rest of article)

BROOKSIDE—Maple Hurst Builders’ latest plan for a mixed-use development on an 11,000-square-foot property on Green Street between Amory Street and Brookside Avenue received a warm welcome at a second developer-hosted community meeting Jan. 16.

In response to community recommendations expressed in the first meeting in September, the parking situation around the building has been significantly altered. Maple Hurst has also committed to including a heat-saving green roof in its design.

The new site plan calls for three ground-floor retail units and 12 residential units in three upper floors. A smaller fourth story will house an additional unit as well as a second story for two duplex residential units. All of the residential units will be owner-occupied.

Susan Harter, president of the Brookside Neighborhood Association, said she is especially pleased with the inclusion of retail space in the plan. “I think it will reduce crime and increase the vibrancy of the corner. I can’t understand why Green Street is not like Centre Street. I think it could be, and this will help with that,” she said. (Read the rest of article)

The Flaherty Dolphins, a team of outstanding swimmers aged 6-14, are enjoying a fine season in the Metro Swim League. Dedicated Coach Rich Mojica leads his talented swimmers to meets against local suburban teams, as well as teams in New York, Washington D.C. and North Carolina. The Dolphins swim in the championship meet at BU’s Aquatic Center on March 15, 2008. (Read More.)

Maple Hurst Builders players look forward to spring and the upcoming season in the Junior Division of the Regan Youth Baseball League (www.reganyouthleague.org). The squad finished 2-11 in 2007, but remains optimistic the new season will bring more wins and perhaps a division title. Manny Del Carmen, a key member of the 2007 Red Sox World Series Champions, displayed fine form and a nasty splitter during the 1994 season in the Regan League. (Read More.)