North End / Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) executives and committees gave a series of reports at their May meeting. The updates are broken into three videos below, with a timeline included so you can follow along or jump to areas of interest.
(0:06) President Mary McGee opened with some agenda updates – 38 Fleet Street and 97 Salem Street have been postponed to a future meeting. McGee also provided some perspective on the history and interpretation of the 55 foot zoning height “limit” in the North End.
(3:32) Mary shared a note from Joanne Hayes-Rines who was honored with an award at the April NEWRA meeting.
(4:16) A reminder to nominate neighbors for the Good Neighbor Award which is a clean streets award.
(5:24) NEWRA has been participating in the New Harborfront Neighborhood Alliance which comes together to organize around current harbor issues. Let Mary know if you want to be involved.
(6:35) Sue Benveniste presents the Treasurer’s Report.
Recurring expenses are insurance, a P.O. Box, PayPal fees, and NEWRA’s Commonwealth of Mass registration. Major expenses also include the annual summer party and a new logo.
In the next video, Victor Brogna, Chair of the Zoning, Licensing & Construction addressed ZLC items.
(0:06) 38 Fleet Street has been moved to the next meeting due to some required paperwork.
(1:25) The executive committee voted at the April NEWRA meeting to send a no objection letter for 6 Hull Street to legalize an existing condition. Owner agreed no short-term rentals such as AirBnB would be allowed in the building.
In the final set of reports, Maria Lanza presented updates from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, and Michael Bonetti gave a report from the Office of Councilor Lydia Edwards.
(0:11) Mayor Walsh filed an amended ordinance establishing guidelines for short-term rentals, narrowing the classifications. Most notably, investor units have been removed from the ordinance and would not be allowed.
(2:25) Thank you to everyone who participated in Love Your Block this year. Over 80 individuals volunteered in the North End and West End.
(2:44) The Mayor’s Coffee Hour will be at Christopher Columbus Park on Thursday, June 28 at 9:30 in the morning (Maria originally said an incorrect date, but later corrected it to the 28th).
(3:36) The Parks Department is hosting a meeting about the Langone and Puopolo Parks improvements on Monday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Nazzaro Center.
(4:16) Michael Bonetti spoke about short-term rental updates, specifically Councilor Edwards’ support of the amended ordinance to remove investor units.
(4:44) The PILOT program to explore Boston’s colleges and universities payment in lieu of taxes, or PILOT payments.
(5:11) Property tax reform – Councilor Edwards called a hearing for seniors and low-income homeowners who are house-rich but cash-poor who fall behind on property taxes.
See the Community Calendar for the latest meeting and event updates!
