[responsive_youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTTv7M6kEqc]
Restaurant Rigoletto (former Sapori di Napoli / Cafe Napoli) at 115-117 Salem Street presented to the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) meeting on March 10, 2014 at the Nazzaro Community Center, North End, Boston.
Represented by Attorney Diane Modica, Salem Group LLC owners Clara Diaz, Nestor Patino and chef Alex returned to the neighborhood groups this week to change the conditional use to allow for a full restaurant menu and kitchen equipment with a vent fan to the roof. The previous use only allowed for a limited cafe.
The Salem Group LLC was awarded a Malt, Wine & Cordials license in early 2013 after appearing at NEWNC (rescinded support) and NEWRA (supported) under the previously presented plan for a limited cafe. No changes to the alcohol license are being sought at this time.
A Stop Work order was issued by city authorities in May 2013 as a result of the failure to obtain necessary permits to install the new kitchen equipment for a full restaurant. As such, the owners are now going through the process required to add the new conditional use for a restaurant.
NEWNC members expressed concerns regarding neighbor notification within the condo building at 115-117 Salem Street as well as at 44 Prince Street. In the case of the latter, resident Paul Valentine said notices were not sent to the owners of the property, just the Board Chair. He asked that they have a chance to meet with the proponents to discuss the proposed restaurant plans.
In a vote of 8-1, NEWNC voted to table the application until its April 14, 2014 meeting to allow more time for the proponents to work with abutters on the proposed restaurant plans.
A hearing at the Boston Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for March 25, 2014, but may also be deferred.
This was brutal, reluctant to watch all the way through.