Neighbors Eye Runkle School Addition, Request Selectmen Investigate

Michael Oates, Dean Road resident, is concerned about a 10-foot structure situated on the upper roof of the  addition, which he believes is a noise-dampening enclosure. He brought these concerns before the Brookline Board of Selectmen in the public comment segment of their meeting.

According to plans filed with the ZBA, this structure is supposed to be located on the lower roof of the addition. Oates acknowledged that it may have been a design change, or an oversight, but that he believes the town did not have the rights to make that change without public process. 

“On the lower roof, it minimizes their impact. Moving them to the upper roof, it maximizes their impact.” Oates added, "it's like adding another floor.”

He urged the Selectmen to investigate the matter.

Selectwoman Nancy Daly explained that while she did not recall the exact location of the structure on the plans, there is a set for next Monday, Oct 24. It was originally scheduled for 8:30 a.m., but was pushed back to 10:30 a.m. due to scheduling conflicts.

She added that they would have more information after that meeting. 

Oates wasn't alone: Gill Fishman, a Town Meeting Member and neighbor, went on to add that he felt that adding "another very visible floor" showed "dishonesty," "disregard" and "disrespect."

“I’ve kind of been nice about this, but it’s outrageous,” Fishman added.