Neighbors applauded a local rabbi/ landlord’s plans to remake an “eyesore,” the former St. Francis Home for Children in Prospect Hill.
Rabbi Shmully Hecht (at right in photo) recently purchased 682 Prospect St., a large brick home in the Prospect Hill neighborhood, which he intends to turn into a three-unit house.
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved Hecht’s plan at its monthly meeting on Tuesday night, after hearing from neighbors who came out in support of the rabbi’s plan.
Hecht (who has been in the news before) owns rental properties citywide and has his own home nearby on Prospect Street. He told the board that his brother would move into one of the new units at 682 Prospect.
In giving its unanimous approval to Hecht’s application, the BZA voted to reject the advice of the City Plan Department. City Plan’s advisory report recommended against Hecht’s application, saying that it did not satisfy the necessary criteria for a variance and that a three-unit dwelling would compromise the “single family nature of the area.”
BZA Chairwoman Cathy Weber said that she was swayed by the neighbors who showed up in favor of Hecht’s application and by the absence of any opposition. Three neighbors voiced their support. Several others raised their hands to be counted as being in favor.
“This is a very pretty house,” said Weber. “I would like to see us pass this for the neighborhood.”
Elizabeth Lopez, who lives at the corner of Highland and Park, said that 682 Prospect has long been a problematic, neglected property in the area. The renovation would be a “huge improvement in the neighborhood,” she added.
Prior to 2007, the building was owned by the St. Francis Home for Children, which used it as a dormitory. Neighbors said that the building had deteriorated under the care of St. Francis.
Hecht described the property as “an eyesore in a beautiful neighborhood that’s only getting better.”
The rabbi picked the house up in a “short sale” from the most recent owner, listed on an online database as “Halon Beata.”
The only point of contention that came up in association with Hecht’s proposal was the issue of parking. City Zoning Deputy Director Tom Talbot voiced his concern about what appeared on the plans to be parking spots in front of the house. Hecht was quick to allay his concerns.
“I will pay him [the architect] to do whatever you tell us to do,” he told Talbot.
In the end, the board’s approval included a condition that parking be limited to four surface spaces.
Rev Shmuel, son of the L-rd, you do amazing things for many people. A true Tzadik Nistar! I am one of those many inspired by you. May G-d bless you in abundance like your hair! With deep respect, admiration and love, DL & ML, Ballarat, Australia
halevai everyone should have his hair /hatzlocho and his buildings. kein yirbu!
you bunch of clowns, you all are great
you make people laugh, and that is indeed a great mitzvah,
and real chabad style thanx
HaRav Shmuel Hecht is like his namesake, Shmuel HaNavi, and the Rogotchover, a nazir.
Don’t be fooled by the business engagement–HaRav Shmuel is a gaon olam and a yrei shamaim baseiser!
PS, please keep us posted on his next haircut and whether the hair will be for sale. Thanks.
which 2 am were you ?
Shmuli has taken his success bli ayin horah and went on shlichus and then wisely invested and is investing in his community. Yasher Koach Shmuli. Keep up the good work and much success in all your shlichus. Remember Montreal…2 AM?
that is amazing, but I am also renovating my house on crown st, can you report that as well, it was a terrible “eye sore” for the neighbors.
shmully keep on rocking
does the Rabbi need to drive all the way to NY to get a haircut?!