NEWNC Upset by Commissioner No-show

After taking off August, the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) was back in session last Monday, September 9 addressing two agenda items and presenting several committee reports.

Before the reports and agenda were discussed, some of the Board members expressed a negative opinion regarding Boston Transportation Department Commissioner Tom Tinlin cancelling his appearance before the Council, at the last minute.

While offers to send an assistant, NEWNC refused and rescheduled the Commissioner to speak and answer question relating to the North End parking and transportation problems that are plaguing the community in a big way.

Council member Jorge Mendoza was visibly upset by the Commissioner not attending. “He blew us off”, Mendoza said. “The community has been attempting to get some help with these problems for years and we get a no-show.”

Reportedly, NEWNC President Stephen Passacantilli has been trying to get Commissioner Tinlin to attend a meeting for months.

M.G. Martignetti, LLC’s request for a variance to change the legal occupancy at 6 Foster Street from a three family dwelling to a four family by expanding into the basement and building a one-story addition with a roof-deck, will create the fourth Unit was approved by a 8-1 vote. Several members expressed their disapproval of a roof-deck relating to parties and loud noise.

Attorney Ferullo advised the Board that the roof-deck will only be used by the fourth floor tenants and there is no access to the roof by other tenants.

Property owner Anthony Martignetti told the group that whatever the Board wants, no roof-deck or a roof-deck he will accommodate their wishes.

Attorney William Ferullo advised the Council that all abutters have been advised and there is “no opposition” to the plans.

A request by Melina DiPaola, who was represented by her father Damien, to open a Spin Studio and Juice Bar at 10 Lewis Street, the former location of Armenis Olive Oil Company, was supported by NEWNC, 9-0.

“The studio will be located in a building that is designated as a general business zone,” Damien noted. He also said, “All the abutters have been notified and there has been no opposition.”

The next NEWNC monthly meeting will be held on Monday, October 14 at 7pm in the Nazzaro Community Center.