NEWRA Supports DEP Waterfront Policy Change

By Phil Orlandella

Newly elected North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) President Mary McGee presided over her first of many community public meetings. The non-profit organization will conduct meetings at the Nazzaro Center the second Thursday of each month.

She praised NEWRA for the outstanding job they have done over the years and noted how “proud she was to serve as president of the non-profit organization”. She also called for unity stating, “Together NEWRA will be strong.”

Several committee reports were given including a new Volunteer Organization Committee.

Parks and Open Spaces is working mainly to get major rehabilitation to Paul Revere Mall (Prado).

Public Safety reported that District A1 Part One Crime is down four percent.

Zoning, Licensing and Construction is working on four requests.

Volunteer Organization presents many opportunities for residents to sign-up for.

State Representative Aaron Michlewitz advised NEWRA of three things he is currently working on including the North End Nursing Home, a bill dealing with Airbnb short-term rental regulations and taxation and MassDOT land at the end of Hanover Street that’s up for sale.

Claire Kelly of Save Our North End Waterfront updated residents on the status of the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) temporary policy that will affect waterfront areas statewide and the potential of building a hotel on Lewis Wharf. Kelly asked NEWRA to send a letter to DEP requesting the policy to be a permanent one.

NEWRA voted to support a permanent policy and will send a letter stating its opinion by the comment deadline which was November 21.

            The next NEWRA monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, December 8 at 7 PM in the Nazzaro Community Center.