Baldwin Place Addition Tabled by NEWRA

Once again, Dr. Anthony Bova’s request to add a fifth floor to 7 Baldwin Place, failed to obtain approval from the North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association due to lack of a resolution with abutter MaryAnn D’Amato regarding loss of sunlight to her property.

Months ago, Dr. Bova told NEWRA that he worked out something with D’Amato. Apparently there has been no resolution and the community organization did not vote on the matter, standing by their letter rescinding their letter of support until the issue has been worked out.

Dr. Bova’s plans also call for the change of legal occupancy from five to six apartments. Plans do not call for a roof-deck

The North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council because of the same reasons voted to oppose the plans.

In another action, NEWRA voted 28-1 to support the transfer of Sapori di Napoli Cafe ‘s Malt, Wine and Liqueurs License to the Salem Group, LLC to open a new cafe at the 115A Salem Street location.

The applicant presented 150 signatures of neighborhood residents including trustees located in the building.

The menu will be changed to add sandwiches and grilled sandwiches. Seat capacity will remain at 40-48 and the closing hours will remain at 12 midnight seven days a week.

NEWRA elected Marie Simboli as the association’s new Sergeant at Arms. Simboli is also an elected member of NEWNC.

Friends of Christopher Columbus Park President Joanne Hayes-Rines presented FOCCP plans to enlarge and improve a small treed island near the entrance to the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel to the tune of $75,000 dollars.

The Greenway Conservancy had a representative update plans for the construction of a new carousel that will be the only handicap accessible one in the country. Character design came from Boston students including some from the Eliot School.

Plans by local artist Nathan Swain to create murals on the walls of the second and third levels of DeFilippo Playground (Gassy) were supported by NEWRA.

Swain once he receives Boston Parks Department approval plans to raise about $4,000 of private donations to do the project. He also noted that volunteers are welcome to help with the project.

The next NEWRA monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, February 14 at 7pm in the Nazzaro Community Center, 30 North Bennet Street.