New Commercial Street Restaurant Opposed by NEWRA

Twice last week a request to change the legal occupancy at 420 Commercial Street (former gas station) was opposed, this time by the North End Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) by a vote of 26 to 12.

Nicole Griffith, one of the property owners of Comserv LLC, applied to the Zoning Board of Appeal for the change in order to lease the property to Damien DiPaolo who has proposed to open a 54 seat restaurant “Vesuvio” with a 30 seat seasonal patio.

DiPaolo, a North End resident and owner of two businesses in the community, was also opposed by the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) by a vote of 5 to 4.

Opponents noted increase in late night noise, increasing garbage, rodents and odor and traffic congestion as some of the reasons they wanted the occupancy change resulting in a restaurant denial.

Since the property is located in a multi-family residential/local services sub district where restaurant use forbidden as well as takeout service, the property owners need to apply for the occupancy change.

The new restaurant is pending the occupancy change approval.

DiPaolo’s plans do not include any roof deck operation or a 2am closing license as rumored. Hours of operation will be 11am to 11pm on weekdays and 11am to 12 midnight on weekends. There will be no valet parking. Several residents supported the plan.

New owners of Tia’s Restaurant on the Waterfront introduce themselves and advised of their application for a entertainment license change that will include a DJ.

Public Works Department (PWD) Superintendent of Waste Reduction Division Robert DeRosa and Frank O’Brien also of PWD updated residents on the new trash and recycling contract and policies related to the North End and other Boston neighborhoods starting July 1.

Electric signs will be posted, emailing will take place, signs will be posted and ads will be run in local newspapers. Boston City Councilor Sal LaMattina is attempting to get two Hockies year-round to help make the community cleaner. Local artist Nate Swain presented ideas for proposed mural art installations in the North End.