By Phil Orlandella
Members of the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) voted unanimously to support three requests at the recent monthly meeting held in the Nazzaro Community Center.
State Representative Aaron Michlewitz updated NEWNC on three issues related to the community.
Save Our North End Waterfront presented information on a draft policy change related to Lewis Wharf on Boston’s Waterfront.
They were seeking letters of support from the Council and residents to make the policy permanent.
Christopher and Samantha Iannella received Council support to change the use of property at 468 Commercial Street from two residential and one commercial unit 23 residential units. They will be seeking city relief for a required parking space. Floor Area Ratio (FAR) will increase from 3.5 to 4.2.
The new owners of 8 Cooper Street are seeking to build a one-story addition and a private roof deck. The building will be owner occupied. First floor bay windows will be raised to the second floor. Attorney Daniel Toscano represented the owner.
Andy McDonald received Council support to enclose existing balcony at 112-118 Fulton Street which would allow expansion of two units, one of which the McDonalds reside. The change would add 144 square feet of living space. Attorney Daniel Toscano represented the petitioner.
All the above requests received no abutter opposition.
State Representative Aaron Michlewitz updated the Council on the current status of the North End Nursing Home on Fulton Street.
He noted the current owners, Partners, is entertaining bids on the property that carries a stipulation that a nursing home remains in place at the facility or there will be no sale.
A few months ago, the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) ruled that the North Street property based on the land distribution agreement must have a nursing home.
He reminded everyone that nothing has been cast and stone and he praised everyone involved in the endeavor of a job well done.
The Representative noted if a deal is made, Partners or the new owners, plan to conduct a community public meeting to present all the details.
In the meantime, the Council may organize a community meeting on their own as they have done in the past.
Representative Michlewitz announced he has filed a bill that would regulate short-term rentals before the tax legislation is voted on. He noted this is not to stop short-term rentals but to in fact create rule and regulations covering the issue.
Reportedly Councilor Sal LaMattina is planning a public hearing on this issue this December.
The Representative also mention he has filed a bill that would give Mother Anna’s about six months to negotiate a purchase of MassDOT land adjacent to the property which has been used for storage for the Big Dig and is currently up for sale for $1.6 million. No bids have been submitted.
He noted the restaurant for about 10 years has felt the brunt of the major project and should be given a chance to work a deal with MassDOT.
Plans call for an extension to the existing building and space for outdoor and indoor dining.
He noted if no arrangements can be made, MassDOT can continue to sell the property adjacent to the tunnel.
The next NEWNC monthly meeting will be held on Monday, December 12 at 7 PM in the Nazzaro Community Center.