491 Geneva Avenue

A proposed 5 storey community lodging facility at 491 Geneva Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02124.

The community lodging facility location is conveniently located adjacent to the Fields Corner MBTA station. The project will adhere to the Mayor’s Office of Housing Design Standards proposed in August 2022 for such projects including energy efficient wall and window construction, single person occupancy (SPO) square footage area and accessibility.

The SPO will contain at least 150 sf of basic living/sleeping area and furnished with a single bed space, dresser, mirror, nightstand, writing desk, 2 chairs, small table and a shelf with space for tv/radio. It will also contain a closet (> 15sf), small sink, under counter refrigerator, and microwave oven. Cooking facilities, bathroom and a living area will be provided on each floor for the 4 occupied units.

A laundry, maintenance room and bicycle storage area will be available on the first floor along with office and community support areas.

The building height will not impact the light of adjacent residential areas. The north/street side faces an overhead street rail trestle and the northwest side a rail track. The adjacent building to the northeast outside of the proposed building’s shadow cone is 4 stories in height.

Plot size limitations require use of all available land up to the property lines and five stories. Zoning variance allowed in the district for community lodging recognizes the need for this type of housing to service single individuals using public transportation.