NEWNC Minutes for October 2010 Monthly Meeting

October 12, 2010 7:00 PM
Nazzaro Center, 30 N. Bennet St.

1. The meeting was called to order by NEWNC President Stephen Passacantilli at 7pm at the Nazzaro Center.  Nine members were in attendance (absent were Luciana Burdi and Anne Devlin Tagliaferro).
2. Marie Simboli spoke to the meeting protocol.
3. City reports: Nicole Leo reported that the City would meet again with residents regarding the Clean Streets meeting (which informed residents of year-round mechanical street cleaning).
4. Committe reports:

-  Greenway: Donna Freni reported on Greenway developments:

• $1 million donation from anonymous donor for permanent custom carousel.  Location on the Greenway TBD.  Historical theme to be conisdered, with input from families and children.
• Greenway pavilion is under construction and due to open in the spring of 2011.
• The September Greenway Gala has been sold out.
• Greenway annual meeting was held on October 4 to elect joint leadership council.
• The Friends of Christopher Columbus Park will hold their annual fundraising gala on November 19; contact Anne Devlin for tickets.

-  Safety Committee: Jorge Mendoza attended the most recent meeting and reported:

• Residents were used to call the police if crimes are witnessed in the neighborhood.
• Of particular concern this month are car breakins, students involved in disturbances on Hanover, Cross, and Prince Streets.
• Beacon Hill's resident association has created a landlord association to block rentals, regulate student tenants, inform and educate renters.

-  Jorge also reported that Vinotecca di Monica would host a fundraiser for the Elliott School on November 16; info on Facebook.

-  Ryan Kenny reported that the Parking Committee's next meeting would have a member from the City's Traffic Department in attendance.  Questions can be directed to info@NEWNC.org.

-  New business:

1. 65 Salem Street (Paul Barker represented by Atty. Toscano, former location of "Go Bananas").  The owner has petitioned the City Zoning Board of Appeals regarding a "small take out"  at this location.  Hours would be 7 am to 10 pm, daily trash pick up has been arranged, the neighboor canvased and the condo association is in agreement.  Not currently filing for beer/wine/liquor licenses.  A motion to approved passed unanimously.
2. 417 Hanover Street (Lucia's Restaurant).  Donato Frattaroli is seeking a license for musical entertainment in windowless basement, from 11 am to 11 pm.  The motion to approve was passed unanimously.
3. 19 Cooper Street: Matthew Sepe, developer/contractor recently purchased this property has applied to the Zoning Board of Appeals for conversion of the first floor from commercial to residential (top three floors will remain residential).  Depending on market conditions, these units may be offered for sale or for rental.  The applicant is seeking relief for an inadequate floor-area ration, lack of open space, and lack of parking.  The council voted 7-1 in support of the motion to approve with the condition that the lease specifies no roof-deck should the developer keep the upper floor apartment.

-   The next meeting will be held on November 8, 2010, at 7pm.  Note that this meeting will be held at the PILOT HOUSE on Lewis Wharf.