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Monthly Meetings

2nd Monday of the month
Open to the public

7:00 pm
Nazzaro Center
30 N. Bennet St.

July 12, 2010

(No August Meeting)

September 13, 2010


Council Members

2010 - 2011
Elected Council Members

 Mario Alfano

Luciana Burdi

Donna Freni

Ryan Kenny

David Marx

Jorge Mendoza

Stephen Passacantilli

 Marie Simboli

Jonathan Sproul

Anne Devlin Tagliaferro

Giancarlo Tiberi

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Wednesday
Jul072010

Agenda for July 12, 2010 NEWNC Meeting

NEWNC July Agenda
Monday July 12th 7:00 p.m.
Nazzaro Center

1.    Call to order & Roll Call – Stephen Passacantilli

2.    Meeting Protocol – Marie Simboli

3.    Update from the Office of Neighborhood Services — Nicole Leo

4.    Report from the offices of local elected officials

5.    Committee reports
       A.    Public Safety
       B.    Greenway

6.   Cafe Nuovo, 76 Salem Street, Vincent Ferrara has applied to the Licensing Board for a Common Victualler License and a Beer/Wine and Cordials License to be exercised at the above address. Proposed hour of operation will be from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. 

7.   50 Snow Hill Street, Damian Szary seeks a zoning variance for alterations to the existing roof including an expansion of the headhouse and other renovations of the building.

8.   Meeting Adjournment

 

in | | | Print ArticlePrint Article | | Posted on DateWednesday, July 7, 2010 at 8:44PM
Monday
Jun212010

NEWNC Meeting Minutes: June 14, 2010

 

  • The meeting was called to order by NEWNC President Stephen Passacantilli at 7pm at the Nazzaro Center.  The following members were in attendance:
    • Mario Alfano, Donna Freni, Ryan Kenny,David Marx, Jorge Mendoza, Stephen Passacantilli, Marie Simboli, Jonathan Sproul, Anne Devlin Tagliaferro, Giancarlo Tiberi
  • Marie Simboli read the meeting protocol.
  • Steve Passacantilli reported the following:
    • City Councilor Sal LaMattina posted a letter to US DOT supporting the City’s request for a 15-month extension to complete its “haz mat” public safety study.
    • A new group is being formed under the auspices of NEWNC to address “dog issues” in the neighborhood.  Sal LaMattina and Aaron Michlewitz are sponsoring this effort.  The first meeting will be at the Nazzaro Center, June 23, 6:30 pm.
  • Committee Reports:
    • Officers, elected in executive session were announced:
      • President: Stephen Passacantilli
      • Vice President: Marie Simboli
      • Secretary (Acting): Mario Alfano
    • Safety committee
      • NEWNC sponsored a “No Haz Mat” meeting on June 2 at the Battery Wharf Fairmont Hotel.  A record 180-200 residents were in attendance to hear Boston Transportation Commissioner, Tom Tinlin, speak.  Also in attendance were Sen. Petrucelli and Rep. Michlewitz.  City Councilman LaMattina was tied up in a Council meeting at City Hall and was unable to attend.  The attendees were overwhelming supportive of maintaining the current City “haz mat” regulations, but voiced their ultimate desire that hazardous cargo be banned from the City altogether due to safety concerns.
      • The NEWNC Public Safety meeting will continue to meet on the first Thursday of the month, 6:30 pm, at the Nazzaro Center. Council members will rotate in chairing the meeting, along with Area A-1 Boston Police. The next Public Safety meeting is scheduled for July 1st.   In the meantime, Anne Devlin and Mario Alfano are active in a neighborhood “No Haz Mat” task force.
    • Greenway committee
      • Donna Freni, a member of the Greenway Leadership Council, will chair this committee.
  • Hazardous Material Vehicles in the North End / Waterfront
    • A NEWNC letter, also in support of the City’s request for a 15-month extension, was approved in executive committee and is ready to be sent to Anne Ferro of US DOT.
    • This letter, with a few editorial adjustments, is available for viewing at NEWNC LETTER.
  • Number Production, Inc., Mark Fitzgerald
    • The Council approved Number Production’s request to film a proposed follow-up scene to “What’s Your Number?” 
    • Filming would take place on June 19 with July 7 as a rain date.
    • The filming will take place on Cooper Street and at the Corner Café on Prince Street.   Filming would occur between 9am and 4pm, but “no parking” signs would be posted between on Prince Street between Thatcher and Salem from 7am to 7pm. 
    • 10 parking spaces will be required and 20 parking vouchers will be provided to residents affected.  A full communication plan will be put in place; flyers will include a “hot line” telephone number.
    • The filming itself and relative dates still need to be confirmed; Mark Fitzgerald to get back to NEWNC with its decision.  The Council indicated tentative approval.
  • 221 Commercial Street, Kevin Curry
    • In order to sell the above-mentioned property (Lavanderia at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Commercial Street), co-owner Curry requested that the Council support his request to the zoning board to obtain the necessary permits the ATM machine that has been there for several years.
    • Curry confirmed that ROA removal of gas tanks (former Sunoco gas station site) had been complied with about 20 years ago.
    • The Council approved his request.
  • Meeting adjournment
    • The meeting was adjourned at 7:28 pm.



| | Print ArticlePrint Article | | Posted on DateMonday, June 21, 2010 at 9:30PM
Friday
Jun112010

NEWNC Letter Against Hazardous Cargo Trucks in North End

Below is a letter sent by the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council to the U.S. Dept of Transportation. It supports the City of Boston’s request for a 15-month extension to finish its crucial public safety study regarding hazardous material trucks in the North End. It also states our position to oppose any routing of hazmat trucks through the North End, specifically Commercial St.

Click here to read the PDF format of the NEWNC letter.

June 15, 2010

Anne S. Ferro
Administrator
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Suite W60-300 Washington, DC 20590

Dear Administrator Ferro:

Federally mandated changes to regulations that govern the transport of hazardous materials through the City of Boston have raised a number of serious concerns among local residents and businesses, including safety issues.

The North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) serves as an advisory board in municipal affairs to the City of Boston. Comprised of twelve elected members, NEWNC addresses issues which impact the community and participates in the City’s decisions which affect the quality of life in the North End/Waterfront neighborhood.

It is our understanding that new guidelines are scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2010, and that trucks carrying hazardous material will then be allowed to pass through our neighborhood during the daytime. We are extremely concerned about the negative impact of this decision and strongly urge the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to grant the City of Boston’s request for a 15-month extension to complete a public safety analysis essential to protecting our historical neighborhood from the dangers of hazardous cargo vehicles.

We believe that the FMCSA’s preemption of the daytime ban and the re-routing which allows hazardous material trucks on Commercial Street create a grave danger for North End/Waterfront residents and visitors whose safety should be the first priority. This ruling not only promotes cut-through hazardous material traffic through our neighborhood but it was made without representation from the community. Most disturbingly, our voices were not heard before this ruling was made and, thus, industry concerns were allowed to trump those of the community. This is simply wrong, unjust and must be corrected.

Despite its name, Commercial Street is comprised of residential buildings, parks, recreational facilities, senior housing, a nursery school and neighborhood businesses. Our children cross this street to access the neighborhood’s little league fields, community pool and skating rink. Along
Commercial Street is the Harborwalk, which provides public access to our historical Boston waterfront. In addition, the famous Freedom Trail, a tourist destination with three million visitors annually, runs along Commercial Street. Recently, our residents recorded frequent speeding and traffic violations by trucks carrying hazardous materials. Needless to say, this is an extremely serious safety concern and one that should not be ignored by the FMCSA.

We respectfully urge the FMCSA and the USDOT to grant the City the additional time required to conduct the public process to determine appropriate time prohibitions and routing. This is critical to protecting the public safety of our residents and visitors. During the process to complete the public safety study, the daytime ban should be reinstated and the hazardous material vehicles should be banned from Commercial Street. Further, we request that in the longer term these vehicles to be banned from our neighborhood and put on an alternate route.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Stephen Passacantilli
President, North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council

cc: President Barak Obama
Governor Deval Patrick
US Senator John F. Kerry
US Senator Scott Brown
US Representative Michael Capuano
The Honorable Ray LaHood

in | | | Print ArticlePrint Article | | Posted on DateFriday, June 11, 2010 at 4:35PM
Saturday
Jun052010

NEWNC Meeting Agenda June 14, 2010

 North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council
www.NEWNCBoston.org

NEWNC June Agenda
Monday June 14th 7:00 p.m.
Nazzaro Center

221 Commercial St., Kevin Curry
Seeking to add an ATM machine as an approved use for the property at the corner of Atlantic Avenue & Commercial Street. Current zoning includes a car wash, gas and service station, and drop off/pick up laundry
 
76 Salem Street, formerly Paesano Restaurant, Nick Cerundolo
Operator has applied to the Boston Licensing Board for a new beer and wine license with hours of operation no later than 11:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and midnight Friday and Saturdays. 

Number Production Inc., Mark Fitzgerald
He will discuss more filming for the movie “What’s Your Number?”. The production wants a few more days to film, specifically June 19th and possibly July 7th.

Hazardous Material Vehicles in the North End
The Council will review and send a letter to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation supporting the City’s request for an extension of the daytime ban on haz-mat trucks through the neighborhood and reverse the associated re-routing on Commercial Street. The extension will allow the Boston Transportation Department to complete its public safety study, as discussed at the June 2, 2010 NEWNC Public Safety Meeting.

Officers for the 2010 Council Term will also be elected during the council’s Executive meeting which will take place prior to the public meeting.

in | | | Print ArticlePrint Article | | Posted on DateSaturday, June 5, 2010 at 6:06PM
Friday
May282010

NEWNC Hosting Haz-Mat Truck Meeting - June 2nd

PETRUCELLI, MICHLEWITZ, LAMATTINA INVITES THE PUBLIC TO A MEETING ON HAZMAT TRANSPORTATION

Federally mandated changes to regulations that govern the transport of hazardous materials through the City of Boston have raised a number of concerns among local residents and businesses. The North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council’s Public Safety Committee will host a meeting on June 2nd to discuss the proposed changes and any recourse that opponents may have.

“We need to understand the impact that the new regulations will have on our residential neighborhoods, and we need to know what guarantees we have that appropriate safety measures are in place,” said District 1 City Councilor Sal LaMattina, “I am not satisfied that the federal government is hearing the concerns of the people on this matter.”

The Wednesday, June 2nd meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m., will be held at the Fairmont Battery Wharf Hotel. State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, Thomas Tinlin, the city’s Transportation Commissioner, and a representative from the Boston Police Department will be in attendance. “ I hope all concerned residents will attend Wednesday’s night meeting so we can hear feedback on how to bring this issue to a successful conclusion,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz. Senator Petruccelli added, “My commitment is with the community. This impacts a major street in Boston and every effort should be made to resolve it in a timely manner and a safe way.”

Commissioner Tinlin has expressed concern that the city’s safety analysis of the new regulations will not be complete before the new guidelines are scheduled to go into effect on July 1. Trucks carrying hazardous material would then be allowed to cut through the city during daylight hours.

“This is a very serious issue and we must keep the safety of the people of Boston as our first priority,” said LaMattina. “We cannot allow industry concerns to trump those of the community.”

in | | | Print ArticlePrint Article | | Posted on DateFriday, May 28, 2010 at 10:35AM
Saturday
May152010

Results for May 15, 2010 NEWNC Election

The results are in for the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) election that was held on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at the Nazzaro Community Center. There were 8 candidates running for 6 seats. There were 288 North End/Waterfront residents that voted in the election.

Vote Tally - 288 Total Ballots

1. 162 votes - Marie Simboli, 61 Prince St.
2. 142 votes - Anne Devlin Tagliaferro, 63 Atlantic Ave.
3. 107 votes - Giancarlo Tiberi, 357 Commercial St.
4. 98 votes - Ryan Kenny, 10 Thacher St.
5. 94 votes - Mario Alfano, 63 Atlantic Ave.
6. 88 votes - Donna Freni, 85 E. India Row

7. 85 votes - Philip Frattaroli, 8 Harris St.
8. 73 votes - Bill Lane, 10 Thacher St.

The top six candidates will each receive 2 year terms on the neighborhood council. The other members of the council that were not up for re-election and will serve the second year of their term include: Luciana Burdi, David Marx, Jon Sproul, Jorge Mendoza and Stephen Passacantilli.

According to NEWNC by-laws, the 12th seat, formerly held by the late Bobby DeCristoforo, may be filled from the other candidates for a 1-year term or it may be left vacant. Such an appointment is at the discretion of the council and requires a 2/3rd vote of the council members. This decision and officer selections will be made at the June meeting.

The next NEWNC meeting is Monday, June 14 at 7:00pm at the Nazzaro Center.

in | | | Print ArticlePrint Article | | Posted on DateSaturday, May 15, 2010 at 4:45PM
Wednesday
May122010

Candidates For May 15, 2010 NEWNC Election

The following candidates have filed nomination papers and will appear on the ballot for the upcoming election for the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council. The election will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 10:00 am through 2:00 pm at the Nazzaro Community Center, 30 N. Bennet St. The ballot order has been randomly selected. 

1. Ryan Kenny
    10 Thacher St.
 
2. Phillip Frattaroli
     8 Harris St.
 
3. Bill Lane
    10 Thacher St.
 
4. Donna Freni
    85 East India Row
 
5. Mario Alfano
    63 Atlantic Ave.
 
6. Giancarlo Tiberi
    357 Commercial St.
 
7. Marie Simboli
    61 Prince St.
 
8. Anne Devlin Tagliaferro
    63 Atlantic Ave.

In accordance with NEWNC by-laws, six persons will be elected for 2-year terms. Voters may choose up to six selections on the ballot.

All North End/Waterfront residents are encouraged to vote in the NEWNC Election. The election will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 10:00 am through 2:00 pm at the Nazzaro Community Center, 30 N. Bennet St.

in | | | Print ArticlePrint Article | | Posted on DateWednesday, May 12, 2010 at 12:45PM
Monday
May102010

NEWNC Meeting Minutes - May 10, 2010

NEWNC MEETING MINUTES
Monday, May 10, 2010, 7:00PM
Nazzaro Center, 30 N. Bennet St.

1.    Call to order & Roll Call – Stephen Passacantilli – 7:03 p.m. All present

2.    Honoring Bob DeCristoforo – Stephen recognized Bobby D’s contribution as an original member of the Council, his work as chairman of the Public Safety Committee, and his many neighborhood contributions.

3.    Meeting Protocol – Marie Simboli

4.    Update from the Office of Neighborhood Services — Nicole Leo – Mayor’s coffee hour, Wednesday, May 12th at 9:30 a.m. at Christopher Columbus Park.

5.    Report from the offices of local elected officials – Weds., 7 p.m., there will be a meeting at the Nazzaro Center about the possible reconfiguration of the woonerf along cross street. There will also be an upcoming meeting on Segway regulation.

6.    Committee reports
       A.    Public Safety: Car break-ins continue to be a major issue. Stephen urged the neighborhood to attend and bring many issues of traffic, parking, patrol presence, and any number of issues relating not only to crime but also to police-oriented quality of life. 617-343-5500, is the city’s loud party hotline, and 617-549-7503 is the Suffolk party hotline. Mark Paul mentioned that a rising threat is from purse snatchers in restaurants. Joyce and Jorge mentioned robberies and assaults that had not been disclosed by police.
       B.    Greenway: The carousel is open, the Harbor Pavilion has broken ground, the shrubs are under review and replanting, and the fountains will come on sometime this week. The Greenway District Planning Study has been completed and will be taking public input from May 15 - June 15.

7.   Candidates for the May 15, 2010 NEWNC Election  - Candidates were given an opportunity to introduce themselves and say a few words regarding their candidacy for the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council. The annual NEWNC election is scheduled for Saturday, May 15, 2010. North End/Waterfront residents may vote from 10:00 am through 2:00 pm at the Nazzaro Community Center, 30 N. Bennet Street.

8.   Caffe Graffiti, 64 Cross Street, Luigi DeMarco has applied to the Licensing Board to amend the restaurant's existing beer and wine with liqueurs license to add outdoor patio service at tables with 36 seats on the Cross Street sidewalk plaza.
                Lisa, attorney for Caffe Graffiti, has been approved by the city for 36 outdoor seats at the cafe, conditioned on NEWNC approval. Hours will be 8a.m. - 11p.m., and food will be served with all alcohol. They will be left out and chained at night, April 1-Nov. 1. Abutters have been notified. Ann moved, Jorge seconded, to support the proposal. Passes 9-0.

The council noted that other outdoor table configurations on the Cross St. sidewalk plaza have not been approved by NEWNC.

9.   115A Salem Street, Café Sapori Di Napoli, Giovanni Grimaldi, Manager, has applied to the Licensing Board to add liqueurs to the existing beer and wine license.
                Giovanni wants to add liqueurs to the current beer and wine license. New license was granted by the council last December for beer & wine. He denied the cafe for sale in the press was his advertisement. He has agreed to close at 11 p.m. Luciana moved, Ann seconded. Motion passes 8-0.

10.  Meeting adjournment: 7:40p.m.

Don’t forget to vote at the NEWNC Election on Saturday, May 15th, 10am-2pm, Nazzaro Community Center, 30 N. Bennet Street.

in | | | Print ArticlePrint Article | | Posted on DateMonday, May 10, 2010 at 10:47PM
Friday
May072010

NEWNC Meeting Agenda - May 10, 2010

NEWNC AGENDA

Monday, May 10, 2010, 7:00PM
Nazzaro Center, 30 N. Bennet St.

1.    Call to order & Roll Call – Stephen Passacantilli

2.    Honoring Bob DeCristoforo

3.    Meeting Protocol – Marie Simboli

4.    Update from the Office of Neighborhood Services — Nicole Leo

5.    Report from the offices of local elected officials

6.    Committee reports
       A.    Public Safety
       B.    Greenway

7.   Candidates for the May 15, 2010 NEWNC Election  - Candidates will be given an opportunity to introduce themselves and say a few words regarding their candidacy for the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council. The annual NEWNC election is scheduled for Saturday, May 15, 2010. North End/Waterfront residents may vote from 10:00 am through 2:00 pm at the Nazzaro Community Center, 30 N. Bennet Street.

8.   Caffe Graffiti, 64 Cross Street, Luigi DeMarco has applied to the Licensing Board to amend the restaurant's existing beer and wine with liqueurs license to add outdoor patio service at tables with 36 seats on the Cross Street sidewalk plaza.

9.   115A Salem Street, Café Sapori Di Napoli, Giovanni Grimaldi, Manager, has applied to the Licensing Board to add liqueurs to the existing beer and wine license.

10.  Meeting adjournment

Don’t forget to vote at the NEWNC Election on Saturday, May 15th, 10am-2pm, Nazzaro Community Center, 30 N. Bennet Street.

in | | | Print ArticlePrint Article | | Posted on DateFriday, May 7, 2010 at 10:03PM
Sunday
Apr252010

NEWNC Honors Bobby DeCristoforo

In Memory of

Robert J. “Bobby D.” DeCristoforo

 

We honor the tremendous contributions that Bobby DeCristoforo
made as the longest-serving member of the
North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council,
Chairman of the NEWNC Public Safety Committee and as
Founder and President of North End Against Drugs.
 We will deeply miss our neighbor and friend.

 With heartfelt sympathy to the DeCristoforo Family,
The North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council
 
Stephen Passacantilli
Marie Simboli
Bill Lane
Luciana Burdi
Matt Conti
Ryan Kenny
David Marx
Jorge Mendoza
Jonathan Sproul
Anne Devlin Tagliaferro

in | | | Print ArticlePrint Article | | Posted on DateSunday, April 25, 2010 at 8:03PM
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