By Sue Ellen Woodcock
Temple Tifereth Israel on the corner of Shirley Avenue and Nahant Avenue has been closed for a year and now developers are ready to come in and build condominiums and retail space.
Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky, who has led the congregation at Temple Tifereth Israel, held a public meeting last week for the Shirley Avenue, Dehon Street, Nahant Avenue and Walnut Avenue neighborhood regarding the application of the Nakasian Brothers.
The Nakasian Brothers also own ARM Construction. They are requesting a variance to petition the Zoning Board of Appeals to construct a mixed use building at 43 Nahant Avenue. The variance is for side and rear yard setback and a seeking to have fewer parking spaces than is required according to city ordinances.
Novoselsky said if all goes well with the Zoning Board at the September 28 hearing, the developers will go through with plans to demolish the building and build 30 units with retail space below and 23 parking spaces. The housing will be for veterans and will include a community room and service rooms for doctors and other practitioners to visit residents.
“There’s nothing for veterans housing in the city,†said Novoselsky.
The current building was built in 1888. It was formerly a Methodist Church from 1888 to 1912 after which it became a synagogue.
Construction could begin as early as March 2017 and take nine to 10 months to complete.