When We Get Behind Closed Doors

Behind closed doors, the North End/Waterfront Association Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) elected its officers.

Philip Frattaroli was reelected President, Ryan Kenny Vice President, John Pregmon Secretary and Marie Simboli Sergeant At Arms.

They also decided, with the doors closed to the public, that they would not fill the Council seat that became open with Maria Lanza resigning to take a job with the City of Boston Neighborhood Services Department.

The Council did not advise the public once the monthly meeting started and the doors were open, of their decision or why it was made.

That makes the Council membership 11 instead of 12 like it was intended to be when Mayor Ray Flynn created them throughout the City.

While the Council was elected to represent the community, they passed a controversial requests by City Realty Group LLC for zoning relief at 3-5 Quincy Court an abandoned building.

Every abutter, in one way or another, opposed the occupancy change to a six family, one-story addition (4th floor) and add living space in the basement.

The main complaint was the project did not meet the Floor Area Ratio requirements. It was over the requirements. Other concerns were: fire safety, parking, trash and snow removal, delivery and many lifestyle issues.

The final vote was 5-4, with one Council member stating people buy buildings to make money, referring to all the additions.

One abutter responded that the company should have looked at the obstacles before they purchase the building.

Abutters told the Review they will be looking into legal actions if this proposal is approved at City Hall.

By a 10-0 vote, the Council supported a request for a three license transfer to Trattoria Il Panino Hanover Street, Inc. following the sale of Caffé Pompei to the firm.

Located at 278 Hanover Street the Caffé has a 4am food service closing hour. The new license is a full liquor license with a 2am closing hour. There were no abutter complaints.

Apparently, the new owner will most likely only use the 4am closure time on weekends and hire a police detail from 12-4am.

The name of the restaurant has not been determined but could remain the same.

Lastly, the Council voted 10-0 in favor of legal occupancy change to eight units and restaurant, Nico at 417 Hanover Street. There were no abutter complaints.

            The next NEWNC monthly meeting will be held on Monday, July 13 at 7pm in the Nazzaro Community Center.