The Zoning, Licensing and Construction (ZLC) Committee of the North End / Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) issued a report of upcoming agenda items. This information is courtesy of the NEWRA ZLC Committee. Questions and comments can be emailed to zlc@newra.org.
At the April 24, 2012 ZLC Committee meeting (7pm, Mariner’s House, 11 North Square), the following items are on the preliminary agenda.
266 Hanover St., Il Panino Express, Frank DePasquale has applied to the Licensing Board for a new Malt and Wine License to be operated on the premises.
371-373 Hanover St., Nicola Varano has filed a zoning appeal to change the use of the first floor retail store (formerly Casa di Stile) to a restaurant with take-out.
350-352 Hanover St., Jennifer Pittore has filed a zoning appeal to change the use of the first floor retail store (formerly Hanover News) to a restaurant with take-out and has also applied to the Licensing Board for a new Malt and Wine License to be operated at same location.
94 Endicott St., Salvatore Onessimo has filed a zoning appeal to change the use of the first floor to ice cream take-out shop, Dip It Sweet. (This item was recently supported by NEWNC.)
In addition, the ZLC Committee has been following other projects in the neighborhood that involve building changes and possible zoning relief needs. They include:
94-96 Salem St., (aka 1 Wiget St.): The building is located at the corner of Salem and Wiget streets. The Wild Duck liquor store is on the first floor. The owner of the building filed an appeal in January 2012 to demolish a one-story structure behind the building, on Wiget St., and construct a 5-story addition to the main building to increase the number of residential apartments from 11 to 16. A hearing before the Board of Appeal was scheduled for April 24, 2012 on this matter. The ZLC Committee reported to the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services that the North End / Waterfront community groups had not been informed about the project and related zoning appeal. The Mayor’s and Councilor LaMattina’s offices and the BRA have since recommended deferral of the hearing to accommodate community review. The owner of 94-96 Salem St. has not yet approached NEWRA, as of April 12, 2012.
536 Commercial St.: Recently, the building adjacent to Copp’s Hill Terrace underwent construction and renovation to convert use from a 3-family to a single family and to add a first floor, 2-car garage. According to the Mayor’s Office and ISD, the building conversion, renovation and parking garage are allowed by the Zoning Code and, therefore, no zoning relief was needed to obtain the building permits. The owner has applied to the Boston Department of Public Works for a curb cut to allow cars to cross the sidewalk and enter the garage. The City is in discussion with the owner regarding the curb cut application, which is not subject to community group review. The ZLC Committee will track the progress of these discussions and report progress or decision. The owner also proposes to file for construction of a roof deck, which may require zoning relief and community review.
