Meeting Summary This meeting occurred as scheduled, via Zoom, on February 11, 2021. Votes Letter to the ZBA: NEWRA supported sending this letter by a unanimous voice vote. The final letter can be read by clicking here. 81-81A Prince Street: NEWRA voted 14-0 in favor of this proposal. Video Archive A recording of this meeting is available for viewing on YouTube. The North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 7 pm, via Zoom. Details on using Zoom are provided at the bottom of this post.
Meeting Agenda 7:00 pm - Welcome 7:05 pm - North End Music & Performing Arts Center Progress report on NEMPAC's Music Center on Tileston Street regarding proposed outside work. Presenting: Sherri Snow, executive director, NEMPAC; James Smith, DND, City of Boston. 7:20 pm - State Street Traffic Reconfiguration The City of Boston is proposing to reconfigure State Street to one lane of traffic. Many residents and business are asking for traffic studies to be completed that reflects non-COVID utilization. Presenting: Susanne Lavoie, Wharf District Council. A template for contacting the city regarding this reconfiguration can be downloaded by clicking here. 7:35 Love Your Block Boston-based architecture firm Arrowstreet’s non-profit Environmental Design Group received a grant from the City of Boston for a community engagement project. They would like to collaborate with us and find ways of engaging with the larger community to discover the many gems of the North End neighborhood. Presenting: Alicia Tremblay and Victoria Wright. 7:50 pm - Voting Items Zoning Board of Appeals - Process & Procedure Members will review and vote on a letter regarding the process and procedures at the City of Boston Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). The draft letter can be read by clicking this link. 81-81A Prince Street 81 Prince Street, LLC has applied to the Board of Appeal for a change of occupancy from four apartments and one store to five apartments. The ground floor commercial space will be renovated and converted to a 2-bedroom residential unit extending into the basement. A new roof deck will be constructed over an existing ell in the rear of the property. The property is located in a Multifamily Residential/Local Services Subdistrict of the North End Neighborhood Zoning District. Violations arise under Article 54 of the Boston Zoning Code, Section 10 (floor area ratio excessive and rear yard insufficient), and Section 21 (off-street parking insufficient). The applicant advises that the existing floor area ratio is 3.82 and the proposed is 3.89 (floor area ratio applicable throughout the district is 3.0). Anyone seeking further information should contact Attorney Daniel J. Toscano at 617-391-9444 or [email protected] Meeting Summary This meeting occurred as scheduled, via Zoom, on January 26, 2021. Video Archive A recording of this meeting is available for viewing on YouTube. The ZLC will hold a meeting about one item, 81-81A Prince Street, on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 7:00 pm, via Zoom.
Meeting Agenda 81-81A Prince Street 81 Prince Street, LLC has applied to the Board of Appeal for a change of occupancy from four apartments and one store to five apartments. The ground floor commercial space will be renovated and converted to a 2-bedroom residential unit extending into the basement. A new roof deck will be constructed over an existing ell in the rear of the property. The property is located in a Multifamily Residential/Local Services Subdistrict of the North End Neighborhood Zoning District. Violations arise under Article 54 of the Boston Zoning Code, Section 10 (floor area ratio excessive and rear yard insufficient), and Section 21 (off-street parking insufficient). The applicant advises that the existing floor area ratio is 3.82 and the proposed is 3.89. The floor area ratio applicable throughout the district is 3.0. Anyone seeking further information should contact Attorney Daniel J. Toscano at 617-391-9444 or [email protected] Meeting Summary This meeting occurred as scheduled, via Zoom, on January 14, 2021. Votes Nando Trattoria: NEWRA voted 19-5 in support of this proposal. As a result, this letter was drafted and sent by NEWRA. 25 Atlantic Avenue: NEWRA voted 0-41 (with one abstention) against this proposal. Video Archive A recording of this meeting is available for viewing on YouTube. The North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 7 pm, via Zoom. Details on using Zoom are provided at the bottom of this post.
Meeting Agenda 7:00 pm - Welcome 7:05 pm - Rep. Aaron Michlewitz Representative Michlewitz will discuss legislative initiatives and the budget, and answer questions. Voting Items 7:50 pm - Nando Trattoria, 391-395 Hanover St. (former Green Cross Pharmacy) Nando 393 Hanover, Inc has applied to the Boston Licensing Board to approve the purchase and transfer of the seven-day all alcohol beverages license held by Zuma's Tex Mex Grill at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Nando's Trattoria will have approx. 42 seats (36/table; six/bar). The license calls for a 2:00 am closing and the applicant has proposed closing hours of 1 am Friday and Saturday and midnight Sunday-Thursday. Contact attorneys William Ferullo and Ryan Gazda, 617-946-4000, [email protected]and [email protected]. 8:00 pm - 25 Atlantic Ave. J3 Design & Development proposes to construct a five-story, six-unit residential building. All units are three bedrooms and two duplex and four single-floor units are planned. The first floor is for parking and there is a common roof deck for all tenants. The property is in a multi-family residential subdistrict. Zoning violations arise under Article 32 of the Boston Zoning Code, Section 4 (Groundwater Conservation Overlay District Applicability) and Article 54, Section 18 (roof structure restrictions). With respect to the latter, the ISD refusal letter notes the height of the proposed new construction exceeds the prior height of an existing building, and Section 18 specifics the height of a building existing as of June 24, 1985. The refusal letter also notes that projections located above the public sidewalk will require approval from the Dept. of Public Works. Contact Jessica Simons 857-408-8143; attorney William Ferullo, 617-946-4000, [email protected]. Renew Your 2021 NEWRA Membership Online https://www.newra.org/membership.html Meeting Summary This meeting occurred as scheduled, via Zoom, on December 16, 2020. Video Archive A recording of this meeting is available for viewing on YouTube. The North End/ Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) will hold a joint meeting with the North End Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC), to hear from local elected officials. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 7 pm, via Zoom.
Meeting Agenda 7:00 pm – Discussion with Elected Officials • Sen. Joe Boncore • Councilor Lydia Edwards • Councilor Annissa Essaibi George • Rep. Aaron Michlewitz • Mayor Martin Walsh Join your North End Waterfront neighbors to hear from our elected officials on state and city resources, budgets and other issues important to your family and business. There will be time for your questions during the call or you may email them in advance to [email protected] or [email protected]. Meeting Summary This meeting occurred as scheduled, via Zoom, on December 15, 2020. Video Archive A recording of this meeting is available for viewing on YouTube. The ZLC will hold a meeting about two items, 391-395 Hanover Street and 25 Atlantic Avenue, on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 7:00 pm, via Zoom.
Meeting Agenda 391-395 Hanover St. (former Green Cross Pharmacy) Nando 393 Hanover, Inc has applied to the Boston Licensing Board to approve the purchase and transfer of the 7-day all alcohol beverages license held by Zuma's Tex Mex Grill at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The restaurant, Nando's Trattoria, will have approx. 42 seats (36 at tables; six at a bar) and the license calls for a 2:00 am closing. The applicant has proposed closing hours of 1 am Friday and Saturday and midnight Sunday-Thursday. Contact attorneys William Ferullo and Ryan Gazda, 617-946-4000, [email protected] and [email protected]. 25 Atlantic Ave. J3 Design & Development proposes to construct a five-story, six-unit residential building. All units are three bedrooms and two duplex and four single-floor units are planned. The first floor is for parking and there is a common roof deck for all tenants. The property is in a multi-family residential subdistrict. Zoning violations arise under Article 32 of the Boston Zoning Code, Section 4 (Groundwater Conservation Overlay District Applicability) and Article 54, Section 18 (roof structure restrictions). With respect to the latter, the ISD refusal letter notes the height of the proposed new construction exceeds the prior height of an existing building, and Section 18 specifics the height of a building existing as of June 24, 1985. The refusal letter also notes that projections located above the public sidewalk will require approval from the Dept. of Public Works. Contact Jessica Simons 857-408-8143; attorney William Ferullo, 617-946-4000, [email protected]. Meeting Summary This meeting occurred as scheduled, via Zoom, on December 10, 2020. Votes No votes occurred at this meeting. Video Archive A recording of this meeting is available for viewing on YouTube. The North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 7 pm, via Zoom. Details on using Zoom are provided at the bottom of this post. Meeting Agenda 7:00 pm – Welcome 7:05 pm – ZLC Update 7:15 pm – NEW Health NEW Health’s Luisa Siniscalchi, health education and outreach manager, and Nate Merlan, public affairs, will discuss a holiday fundraising campaign in which every $25 donated to the Food Insecurity Program will entitle the donor to a holiday greeting card with a gift of giving message. NEW Health is hoping to expand their food insecurity efforts throughout the holiday season with the funds raised. 7:30 pm – Boston Water & Sewer Construction Update Update on BWSC water and sewer upgrade construction in the North End by Eileen Snedeker, communications program manager and Jean-Luc Teixeira, project manager. 7:45 pm – Cross Street Hotel Proposal The proposed Cross Street Hotel is currently a 135-room boutique hotel that will draw inspiration from the history of the neighborhood. The hotel project will adhere to the 55’ height limitation in 5 floors and will have a seasonal roof deck terrace open to guests and the public. The hotel will also integrate an open-air passageway to and from Cutillo Park and will have restaurant space looking onto the park on the back side with the goal of deterring and removing the nefarious park activity that currently exists. Bill Caulder, developer, will present. Renew Your 2021 NEWRA Membership Online Visit https://www.newra.org/membership.html to renew your NEWRA membership for 2021. Meeting Summary This meeting occurred as scheduled, via Zoom, on November 12, 2020. Votes No votes occurred at this meeting. Video Archive A recording of this meeting is available for viewing on YouTube. The North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 7 pm, via Zoom. Details on using Zoom are provided at the bottom of this post. Meeting Agenda 7:00 pm – Welcome 7:05 pm – Public Safety Update A presentation from Capt. Robert Ciccolo (Boston Police, Area A1). 7:20 pm – Boston Sewer Pipe Replacement Update Boston Water and Sewer Commission will provide an update on the water and sewer work in the North End - what's complete, what's underway, and what's ahead. 7:40 pm – MBTA Community Liaison Team Update on BWSC water and sewer upgrade construction in the North End by Eileen Snedeker, communications program manager and Jean-Luc Teixeira, project manager. 8:00 pm – Executive Suites Discussion Four zoning appeals to convert 24 units at Bricco Suites to Executive Suites. The NEWRA Executive Committee has requested a deferral of the Nov. 10 ZBA hearing to provide for community review. Renew Your NEWRA Membership Online Visit https://www.newra.org/membership.html to renew your NEWRA membership for 2021. Meeting Summary This meeting occurred as scheduled, via Zoom, on October 8, 2020. Votes No votes occurred at this meeting. Video Archive A recording of this meeting is available for viewing on YouTube. The North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 7 pm, via Zoom. Details on using Zoom are provided at the bottom of this post.
Meeting Agenda 7:00 pm – Welcome 7:10 pm – Forcella Restaurant Forcella is planning to expand the existing restaurant into adjacent space located at 37 North Square that has been vacant, to accommodate a seated bar and additional seating. They want to create a door through the party wall between the buildings. This will require approval from the Licensing Board for an Alteration of Premise application. Presenting: Shannon MacGowan, owner and Ryan Gazda, attorney. 7:30 pm – NEWRA Election of Officers The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has altered many normal practices and accepted traditions and NEWRA is no exception. Because many members have not been able to regularly participate in our monthly meetings being held virtually, the Executive Committee decided on 9/28/2020 to postpone the annual election of NEWRA officers for six months, until our April 2021 meeting when we hope in-person meetings can resume. Full participation of our membership in electing officers is vital, so we hope you understand our decision to delay. In the interim, the current NEWRA Board members will continue in their same roles. Renew Your NEWRA Membership Online Visit https://www.newra.org/membership.html to renew your NEWRA membership. The North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) will hold a joint meeting with the North End Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC), to hear from local elected officials. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at 7 pm, via Zoom. Details on using Zoom are provided at the bottom of this post.
Meeting Agenda 7:00 pm – Discussion with Elected Officials • Sen. Joe Boncore • Councilor Lydia Edwards • Rep. Aaron Michlewitz Join your North End Waterfront neighbors to hear from our elected officials on state and city budgets and resources, climate resiliency plans, COVID-19, and other issues important to your family and business. There will be time for your questions or you may email them in advance to [email protected] or [email protected]. Renew NEWRA Membership Online Visit https://www.newra.org/membership.html to renew your NEWRA membership. The North End/ Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, September 10, 2020 at 6:30 pm, via Zoom. Please note the early start time! Details on using Zoom are provided at the bottom of this post.
Meeting Agenda 6:30 pm – Welcome 6:40 pm – North Washington St. Bus Lane Presentation and Q&A The City of Boston and the MBTA have partnered on potential bus lane improvements to North Washington Street and proposing one northbound lane of traffic be dedicated to a bus lane that would not impact existing parking or the bike lane. Presenting: Jack Halverson, transportation planner, BPDA, Matthew Moran, transit director, Boston Transportation Department. 7:00 pm – Harbor Garage Redevelopment Project Presentation and Q&A Rob Caridad, project manager and Don Chiofaro Jr, VP, The Chiofaro Company will present their proposed project for a 600-foot high building with approx. 865,000 square feet of residential (approx. 200 units), office, and ground-floor retail and other uses to activate the streetscape, in a single building with below-grade parking, and public realm improvements. 7:35 pm – Save Boston's Waterfront Presentation and Q&A Rick Musiol, Jr. VP, external relations, New England Aquarium and Tom McShane, principal, Dewey Square Group, will discuss their opposition to the Harbor Garage redevelopment project and answer questions. 8:10 pm – NEWRA Draft Comment Letter on Harbor Garage Redevelopment Project Discussion and vote on a draft NEWRA letter to the Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs in response to the developer’s filing of an Environment Notification Form (ENF). The deadline for submitting comments on the ENF is Friday, October 2, 2020. 8:30 pm – Daily Catch Waterfront, 65-69 Atlantic Ave On November 14, 2019 NEWRA voted to support the transfer of a beer, wine and cordials license to the 1,700 square-foot existing restaurant space. Maria Freddura will present and seeks approval to expand restaurant use into the adjacent 650 square-foot former laser studio and have outdoor seating for 80 persons. Relief from the Board of Appeal and an amendment to the alcohol license are needed. Renew Your NEWRA Membership Online Visit https://www.newra.org/membership.html to renew your NEWRA membership for 2020. |
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