The applicant for 711 (presented as a nearby address associated with the proposal) told the Landmarks committee the ramp at Charles Street is part of a Department of Transportation and building‑code requirement tied to a change of use application converting the property to a commercial banquet hall. The presenter described the ramp as concrete with welded steel handrails and concrete steps; draft drawings show a 5‑foot turning radius on the landing and a pedestrian clearance of about 7 feet 9 inches on the sidewalk.
The committee asked whether a powered door opener is proposed; the presenter said the entrance will have a bell and a human‑operated entry and was unsure whether an automatic opener would be installed. Committee members said they would want the metal elements painted black (a common Landmarks preference for metal fixtures) and requested confirmation of paint and handrail finish. One committee member also recommended tightening the stair width to match the ramp and to ensure a landing edge to prevent a wheelchair from accidentally rolling off the stair side of the platform.
The applicant said the ramp and associated railings are intended to meet code and DOT requests; the committee did not take a final vote and asked for the applicant to confirm materials, finish, and door‑opening hardware.