Neighborhood Council Supports Full Liquor License

Gerry Riccio seeks full liquor license.

Gerry Riccio seeks full liquor license.

By a vote of 8-1, the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) supported a request by Gerry Riccio for a full liquor license at Gennaro’s 5 North Square Restaurant, 5 North Square. At this time there is no license available.

Earlier, at the monthly meeting held in the Nazzaro Community Center, Boston Police District A-1 Commanding Officer Captain Thomas Lee, advised NEWNC that supporting new licenses, extending of hours and more seating capacity only increases the effects of quality of life in the neighborhood.

Captain Lee was invited by NEWRA to update crime statistics in the North End. “While crime is up seven percent in the district, the North End numbers were down ten percent,” he said. He also suggested the possibility of the business community paying for overtime officers during weekend hours from 10pm-2am.

Local business woman Carla Gomes, who owns three businesses in the community and is about to open a fourth said she “supports the idea and would participate.”

Captain Lee claimed the “biggest problem in the community is noise and disturbances stemming from residents returning to the neighborhood from outside establishments.”

Council member Toni Gilardi said, “Most of the people are coming up Richmond Street, Hanover Street and Salem Street and suggested these areas be given priority.”         Captain Lee said, “Police officers already cover Hanover and Salem Streets on the weekends but he was not aware of Richmond Street having this problem and would look into it.”

Apparently most of the traffic is coming from Faneuil Hall, the Waterfront area and TD Garden events.

The Council also supported (9-0) a request by Carla Gomes for a new 36A takeout permit and a Common Victualler license to open a new business “Cobblestone Cafe” at 237 Hanover Street formerly Hot Tomatoes.

The business will also provide delivery. Hours of operation will be 7am-11pm Sunday through Thursday and 7am-midnight on Friday and Saturday.

NEWNC President Stephen Passacantilli announced that the Department of Public Works is planning to process site locations to repair sidewalks in the community. “Residents should identify areas in need of repair and contact NEWNC . He also noted that the Mayor has “signed the Nuisance Bill filed by City Councilor Sal LaMattina.”

Ryan Kenny of the NEWNC Resident Parking/Traffic Committee updated the status of converting some visitors parking spaces into no limit resident spaces. “While visitors can still park for the two-hour limit, residents can park beyond the two-hour limit,” he said.

Apparently Hanover Street spaces will not be included in the change. It appears that the actual signage placement is the delay.

Kenny said, “Another meeting will be held with the Traffic Department to move forward with the change.”

David Marx of NEWNC Public Safety Committee reported a ten percent decline in North End crime opposed to a seven percent increase in District A-1.

Greenway Committee member John Pregmon along with Jodi Wolin Director Greenway Development updated the status of the new carousel that will be constructed at the park, which is supposed to be operating by Labor Day 2013. Reportedly the carousel will be the only handicap accessible one in New England.

It will include many new characters designed with input from Boston School students including students from the Eliot School.

A state of the art ticket booth is planned along the beautiful landscaping. Construction is expected to begin this March.

Salem Group LLC is seeking a transfer of a Beer, Wine and Cordials License at 115A Salem Street (Sapori di Napoli Cafe) was on the agenda but did not show. Salem Group LLC plans to open a new cafe at the same location.

The Council sent a letter to the Board of Appeal withdrawing their support for several reasons.

The next NEWNC monthly meeting will be held on Monday, February 11 at 7pm at the Nazzaro Community Center.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.