Davis Malm Represents Boston Condo Owners in Defeating Conversion of Neighboring Office Building for Life Sciences Use

Davis Malm represented condo owners of Port45 in South Boston in opposing the conversion of an unoccupied neighboring office building into a “boutique” life-sciences building. The property owner of 69-71 A Street and 95-103 Athens Street, South Boston filed an application for zoning relief, seeking to convert the building from office to biotech use. The project was supported by the Mayor’s office and local elected officials.

Jim Gallagher represented a sub-group of 21 condo owners at Port45 in front of the Boston Zoning Board of Appeals. Jim argued the proposed conversion should be denied because it represented a step backwards in planning, given the amendments to the Boston Zoning Code which created Article 68, known as the South Boston Neighborhood District. Article 68 changed the district from a mostly industrial to a primarily residential area. Jim also contended repurposing the building would have a detrimental impact on the neighboring condo owners, stating that new mechanical systems needed to accommodate biotech space would create excessive noise and reduce available sunlight and air flow.

On August 31, 2021, the Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously rejected the building owner’s request to repurpose the building.

For more information, contact: Joanne Thorud; (617) 589-3894; jthorud@davismalm.com