Neighbors of 221-227 Commercial Street were hoping to get some answers at last night’s North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) meeting regarding the future plans for the triangular parcel on the corner of Atlantic Avenue & Commercial Street. But when the owner failed to appear, there were only more questions to ponder.
The requested variance is to add the existing ATM machine in the description of allowed uses on the property, which is leased to the Lavanderia dry cleaners. Zoning currently allows for a one-bay car wash, gas and service station as well as a drop off/pick up laundry. Old timers remember when there used to be a gas station there, but it is unclear if the tanks are still in the ground.
Neighbors attending the NEWNC meeting were primarily from the Prince Building at 63 Atlantic Avenue to hear what the future plans are for the abutting property.
Here are some of the questions asked at the meeting:
- Who owns the property?
- What is the proposed use of the property?
- Why legalize the ATM now, which has existed for several years already?
- Is this a request to add a new enclosed ATM?
- Is the property being prepared for sale to a developer?
- Are there permits for the eight billboards that plaster the building?
The name Kevin Curry is on the zoning appeal application, but neighbors speculated that Nick Dimori was the property owner. They have heard rumors that a 10-story building has been proposed for the parcel, which would greatly concern them.
At the previous City Hall hearing, the Board of Appeal ordered the owner to present his plans to the neighborhood groups. So far, that has not happened. NEWNC will write a letter to the City’s Board of Appeal listing the questions and concerns raised at the meeting.
Full meeting minutes are available at www.NEWNCBoston.org. Next, the issue is on the agenda for NEWRA’s ZLC committee on April 27, 7pm at the Pilot House (2 Atlantic Ave.). NEWRA could vote on the issue at its May 13th monthly meeting (Nazzaro Ctr, 7pm). The Board of Appeal will then re-consider the variance on May 25th at City Hall. All the meetings are open to the public and abutters are encouraged to attend.
