Condos could be coming to this spot whether alderman like it or not. ~Photo by Bobbie Toner Blogger leads activism against more density By Tom Nash The Planning Board recently learned it has little say in whether a developer can add three condos on the site of a Victorian era home known as the Giobbe house, despite opposition from both city officials and neighbors. MLM Realty's plan to subdivide a property at 1 Benton Road faced a storm of criticism last month, with aldermen and abutters saying the historic structure has been marred and an already crowded neighborhood will face more strain.

In response to concerns raised by aldermen and Spring Hill residents relating to the traffic danger faced by children attending the St. Catherine of Genova School, the board asked the developer to come back with a traffic study.

After Design Consultants Incorporated presented the study on May 6, board member Michael A. Capuano pointed out it was conducted in the late afternoon.

"I don't think (the study) comes close to addressing the concerns that we had," he said.

Alderman-at-Large Bruce Desmond said drivers often face blinding sun in the mornings, and that the area is dangerous enough as it is.

"For the safety factor alone, this should be turned down," Desmond said.

Assistant City Solicitor David Shapiro made clear, however, that the Planning Board can't keep MLM from subdividing without presenting insurmountable obstacles.

"We can't deny (the permit) unless there are intractable concerns," board member Dana LeWinter said. "I want to know what possible mitigation measures there might be."

Alderman-at-Large Bill White suggested the city find a way to wrest more control over the development. If the Department of Public Works denied a curb cut requested by MLM, the developer would have to go through a more restrictive special permit process in order to build a new driveway.

The board has asked the Traffic Department to explain what measures could be put in place to calm traffic at its May 20 meeting.

Meanwhile, an online petition against the project created by blogger Laura Slapikoff has generated dozens of signatures.

Slapikoff has posted before and after pictures of the house, built around 1890, showing the process undergone to convert it into a three-family home. Among the original features removed were its stained glass windows.

"That house is ugly," petition signer Steven Derocher said on the site, "and throwing away any historic building elements is a crime."