New businesses and continuing construction in the North End / Waterfront neighborhoods were hot topics this past week! Read the most viewed posts below.
North Square Oyster Opens in Boston’s Oldest Public Square
North Square Oyster opened this week at 5 North Square in Boston’s North End (former site of Gennaro’s 5 North Square). This is the second local establishment owned by Nicholas Frattaroli, following up on the success of Ward 8 Restaurant & Bar on N. Washington Street. Read more and see photos here.
Cycle Track Riders Better Not Follow the Signs
Many residents have voiced their complaints and concerns about flaws in the North End Cycle Track design and construction. To add to the list, a recently installed sign points cyclists in the wrong direction. See photos of the sign here.
Waterfront Condo Boards Take Issue With City Hall’s “Community Engagement” on Removing Brick Sidewalks
North End waterfront condo associations have signed a joint letter expressing their “deep concern” regarding City Hall’s “community engagement,” most recently regarding the handling of the North End Cycle Track and the sidewalks on Atlantic Avenue and Commercial Street. Residents are upset about the removal of the historic brick sidewalks in the North End without any public notification or input. Watch a video of the North End / Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) sidewalk discussion here.
13-Story North Washington Street Hotel “88NOWA” Approved by Zoning Board
The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) for the City of Boston voted to approve the construction of a 68-key, 13-story hotel at 88 N. Washington Street on the corner of Valenti Way. The project structure would be 128 feet tall (plus mechanicals), occupy 36,000 sq. feet and cost $16.5 million to develop. The NEWRA continues to oppose the hotel project. See photos of the construction plans and read the NEWRA’s opposition letter here.
K.O. North End Receives Support From Residents Association
The proposal for a K.O. North End fitness center to occupy one of the three spaces at 89 Salem Street was met with a favorable 30-4 vote by the NEWRA. K.O. North End will focus on self defense training, boxing, individual classes, and personal training. It will be open 7 days a week from 6 AM – 8 PM. Watch the video of the full discussion here.
Editor’s Choice
Five Policy Briefings to Suggest Boston Transportation Improvements
The City Council convened transportation policy experts, community advocates, and interested parties to discuss solutions to current transportation problems in Boston. The five policy briefings focused on include: Low Stress Bicycle Networks, Pedestrian Service and Safety, Systematic Safety and VisionZero, Transit Priority and Parking Management. Read more.
[hr]
In my capacity as a property manager on Commercial Street… I have observed many elderly and tourist tripping and falling on these brick sidewalks on a daily basis.
Brick sidewalks are in constant need of repair… loose bricks… uneven spots due to tree roots, weathering, etc.
They are difficult and expensive to spot patch with new brick… and time consuming.
3-chairs to our City & Mayor Marty Walsh for removing the Brick where it doesn’t belong.
When I was growing up the sidewalks were concrete… If you want to retain the historical Brick… keep it where it belongs… on the Freedom Trail, Paul Revere’s house, Old North Church, etc.
Ps. I agree, the community should have had some input about why the Brick was being replaced… and not be surprised that it is happening.
-Also can the City please ease up on the Street cleaning… construction signs are everywhere… no place to park except on roof tops.
-Thanks Sal (North Street)
Sal: ‘Spot patching’ is a thankless and endless task. I agree with keeping the bricks to historical landmarks. I am developing poor posture from watching each step I take to avoid a fall! I hope you join a committee in the future…seems you have a broader view of situations. Truthfully, it was a relief to read your suggestion. It is the one option that will work for us. Thank you.