NEWNC Supports Ban on Street Savers

A vote to add its support to join the Alliance for the Downtown Civic Organizations’ endeavor to ban space savers was passed 6-3 by North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) at last week’s meeting.

The Council voted 9-0 to support a request by Anna DiBenedetto for zoning relief at 47 Charter Street to renovate the first floor and add 400 square feet by extending living space into the basement.

The owner of 3-5 Quincy Court appeared before the Council for information purposes relating to an occupancy on six family units, add a one-story addition (4th floor), add roof decks, build new apartment floors and add a basement.

They had met with abutters before attending the NEWNC meeting and received resistance and at the NEWRA meeting as well.

Attorney George Morancy told NEWNC and abutters they would attempt to revise their plans starting with no roof decks.

Several other problems were raised by abutters including access, fire access, blocking windows, privacy, a possible patio and more.

John Pregmon, Greenway Committee Chair reported that two additional North End residents, Daniel Toscano and Kathryn Burton have been named to the Conservancy Board of Directors.

Jessica Dello Russo advise residents staff the 2015 NEWNC election will be held on Saturday, May 16 from 10am to 2pm in the Nazzaro Community

Center. Nomination papers are available at the Center and they must be returned to the Center by Monday, May 4 at 5pm.

Parking Chairman Ryan Kenny suggested that the city up its fines from $40 to $100 for those that park in residential parking spaces during TD Garden events. He noted the city is trying it in the Fenway during Red Sox home games as a pilot program.

Secretary Maria Lanza presented the Public Safety meeting report, noting that there were no Part One Crimes in the North End during the month of March.

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