A dedicated group of JP residents achieved a major victory for the integrity of our historic buildings! Michael Epp, Gert Thorn, Ed Forte, and Kevin Moloney rallied the community in an effort to preserve the storefront and appearance of the space at 701 Centre Street, the soon-to-be Chase Bank location in Jamaica Plain. Their efforts culminated in a request by Mayor Marty Walsh for these residents, all architects, to sit down with the Boston Planning and Development Agency, the city, and Chase Bank to come to a resolution that would preserve the historic storefront.
After a meeting with all parties, these volunteers released the following statement:
On December 13, 2019, after a directive from the Mayor, the BPDA organized a meeting between representatives of Chase Bank, the BPDA, ISD and members of the Jamaica Plain community (Edward Forte, Gert Thorn, Michael Epp and Kevin Moloney).
At this meeting, the members of the community presented a detailed proposal for a solution for reconstruction of the storefront(s) consistent with the overwhelming community consensus for a full and accurate restoration of the historic storefront (the ‘Community Proposal’).
Subsequent to the meeting, the bank communicated its willingness to substantially comply with the Community Proposal in detail and intent.
ISD agreed to not issue a permanent Certificate of Occupancy to the bank until the bank’s re-design has been approved to the satisfaction of the BPDA and the Community.
The parties agreed to have a follow up meeting within one week to review the bank’s revised progress drawings and illustrations conforming to the Community Proposal.
It was further agreed that the parties will proceed promptly so that reconstruction of the storefront can be completed in the most expeditious time frame.
Many thanks to these dedicated volunteers, and our sincere hopes that they continue their great work!
