Council Opposes Citizen Bank Relocation

A request by Citizens Bank for a conditional use permit for a bank and ATM in preparation for its apparent relocation to 198 Hanover Street, the property of Charter Street Realty, was opposed 4-1 by the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) at its September monthly meeting.

Several months ago, NEWNC did not support the design of the building and Charter Street Realty to place a Starbucks in the building. While the Starbucks did not materialize due to heavy community opposition, the city did approve the plans and design for the structure for 198 Hanover Street.

The approval allows the realty company to solicit tenants that will go before the community groups for approval.

The Council did not like the absence of Charter Street Realty at the monthly meeting.

A request by the Old North Church Foundation to make the Old North crypt handicap accessible was fully supported by the Council.

The foundation will seek a major grant from the Community Preservation Act (over $1 million dollars) to complete the project, according to Reverend Steve Ayres, president of the foundation.

The Council also fully supported the idea of a Sons and Daughters of Italy formation in the North End. Luigi Natale presented information on the ongoing endeavor.

Three other proposals were supported by the Council:

• Renovations to 33 North Margin Street, including enclosing the existing entryway and to increase living space on the fourth-floor unit into the existing fifth floor unit. Plans also called for a new roof deck for the exclusive use for the top floor unit.
• A legal occupancy change at 279 North Street, proposing the five-family dwelling become a three-family building by expanding living space into the basement, erect a new fifth story with a private roof deck.

City of Boston Community Services North End Liaison Maria Lanza addressed the Council on package safety delivery, especially during the holiday season.

“Boston Police have put together safety tips to ensure that packages end up in the right hands,” Lanza said. “Call 1-800-494-TIPS for a full listing,” she added.

She advised that Boston residents can safely dispose of hazardous waste and shred unwanted documents for free on Saturday, October 27 from 9 AM to 2 PM at Central Public Works Facility, 400 Frontage Road.

Proof of residency must be shown and business waste will not be taken.

President John Pregmon advised that the next NEWNC monthly meeting has been changed to Tuesday, October 9 at 7 PM.