One of the largest development projects in the history of the Stonybrook neighborhood is underway. But, as the Gazette reports, the builder might not have city approval for the work they’ve begun.
Buildex Real Estate Ventures has begun construction of two wood-frame three family condominium buildings at 93 and 97 Brookley Road.
The 1.8 acre parcel – the largest in the residential neighborhood – has quite a history. It was the site of Forest Hills Nursing Home, built in 1964. Then it was vacant for about ten years and was bought by Planet Street, a subsidiary of the Mayo Group, in 2003. Planet Street razed the one story brick building in 2005 but ran into financial problems and the city put a tax lien on it in 2012.
Buildex bought the site on June 26, 2013 for $2.18 million. After many neighborhood meetings, Buildex decided to subdivide the lot into twelve parcels for twelve three-family condominium buildings. It has filed for the construction of two, one of which is nearly framed and the second in foundation stage.
Some neighbors say the builder’s strategy of subdividing one large parcel into a dozen small ones is meant to circumvent city regulations. For more details on this angle, including a response from the Stonybrook Neighborhood Association, please visit this Gazette article.