Reversing a previous vote on a controversial zoning request, the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) voted 5-3 to support a restaurant at 204 Hanover Street, the former location of High Gear Jewelry. Should the zoning application be approved by city officials, new property owner Charles Berry plans to lease the space to Pomodoro, the Italian restaurant currently at 319 Hanover Street operated by Siobhan Carew.
The new application has been simplified to contain only the occupancy change from retail to restaurant on the first floor, according to Attorney William Ferullo who represented the applicant. The restaurant will have 39 seats, including an 8 seat outside patio that is recessed within the owner’s property line. Inside, a dining counter will face Hanover Street similar to the existing Pomodoro at 319 Hanover Street. Ms. Carew intends to transfer her existing alcohol license to the new location.
As in the discussion last July, a representative of abutter Angela Romano (Romano Florist) vehemently objected to the restaurant proposal. Concerns include access through a gated alley, sidewalk lines and noise from the outside seating. Other issues cited include disruption to her tenants from new mechanicals and venting.
NEWNC previously sided with the abutter (3-6), but after extensive argumentative debate, the council voted 5-3 vote in favor of the property owner to allow the restaurant. The application will once again be heard on November 13th at the Residents’ Association before going back to City Hall where the Zoning Board of Appeals will make the final determination.
For more information, view the above video that includes the presentation and debate at the neighborhood council meeting held on November 10, 2014.
