Ristorante Lucia is one step closer to offering live entertainment at 415 Hanover Street. In a vote of 7-0, the City’s Zoning Board of Appeal today approved the change in the currently zoned “Multi-Family/Local Service” to allow the live entertainment. Lucia’s is adjacent to, but outside, the border of the North End commercial zone and therefore both a zoning variance and entertainment license is required.
The application is for 1 vocalist, 2 instruments and a comedian up to 11:00 pm in the basement level of the 3 story restaurant. Ristorante Lucia is owned by Donato Frattaroli, a long-time resident and business owner in the neighborhood.
With the zoning relief in hand, the application now goes to the Mayor’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Licensing. In the past, this office has approved live entertainment subject to provisions. These conditions include an 11:00 pm stop, 2 instruments, 1 vocalist, no floor show and closed windows. Currently, there is one other North End live entertainment license in use at Fiore on Hanover Street.
This issue has been controversial in the North End with supporters highlighting the minimal scale of proposed basement entertainment along with Mr. Frattoroli’s reputation as a reputable business owner who has given back to the neighborhood. Resident opposition is concerned about the cumulative quality-of-life impact should the dozens of other North End restaurants receive additional live entertainment licenses.
Two neighborhood groups that advise the city agencies were split with the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council voting 5-2 in favor and the North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association voting 49-10 in opposition to the request.
See also:
NEWNC Supports Lucia’s Live Entertainment License Request
NEWRA Opposes Lucia‘s Live Entertainment Application
Plenty of "reputable business owners" have "given back to the neighborhood" – so what?