Feast Move Gets No Blessing from NEWNC

A proposal to move Saint Joseph’s Feast from Hanover Street, where it has always been held, to the Paul Revere Mall (Prado) was not supported by the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC).

Based on many abutters opposition for numerous reasons and the Society’s inability to provide a plan for the layout of the Prado, the Council voted by a 7-2 margin against the proposal. Residents also complained they were not given ample notice of the Society’s intent.

The Society wanted to change the image of the feast from a carnival atmosphere to an Italian cultural event with no vendors, using only local restaurants serving traditional Italian food combined with Italian music and some traditional Italian dress.

Some of the positive things the proposal would do is allow more parking on Hanover Street and not impede fire apparatus access in the immediate area.

The feast would include band music, face painting, a magician and a kid’s corner. It also would include an area for liquor to be served.

Board member Ralph Verrocchi asked, “Why can’t you do all this on Hanover Street instead of the Prado?” Society members did not have an answer.

“What happens to the three vendors that have permits to work in the Prado during the same three day feast,” was asked by a Council member. Once again Society members didn’t have an answer.

While the Society claimed to have the support of the Old North Church, North End Music and Performing Arts Center and several restaurants they were unable to convince NEWNC and abutters that the move was a good idea.

On other proposals, the Council voted 9-0 to support a request by Nick Varano to transfer the beer and wine with cordials license from Nick’s Famous Deli, 66 Cross Street to a new business, Strega Pizzeria and Cafe located at 373 Hanover Street with seating capacity of 19. Closing hours 11pm Sunday through Thursday and 12 midnight of Friday and Saturday.

The Council voted 8-0 on a request by Barry Samuels to change the legal occupancy at 90-92 Endicott Street from three apartments and store to four apartments.

Varano and Samuels were represented by local Attorney William Ferullo.

The next NEWNC monthly meeting will be held on Monday, July 8 at 7pm in the Nazzaro Community Center.