Community Notes, Events, Updates & Public Comment Request January 13-19, 2025

[Anthony D'Isidoro]

Notes

Boston Landmarks Commission Demolition Delay Application (9-11 Lothrop Street)
https://bostonopendata.knack.com/landmarks-application#review-article-85-demolition-delay-applications/view-article-85-application2/677ed700c5db9402ef027e42/

Boston Landmarks Commission Demolition Delay Application (7-7A Lothrop Street)
https://bostonopendata.knack.com/landmarks-application#review-article-85-demolition-delay-applications/view-article-85-application2/677ed29790c0f602e0c90a07/

Harvard Ed Portal's Weekly Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/harvard/hep-june13-15282774?e=3d77edabe9

Events

Neighborhood Housing Trust Meeting
Monday, January 13, 2025

3. Funding Round Developer Presentations 1:20 – 3:15

Faneuil Gardens - 1:20 – 1:35
65 Seattle – 2:05 – 2:20
Allston Senior Housing on the Hill - 3:00 – 3:15

12 Channel St
9th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Email Contact: dary...@boston.gov<mailto:dary...@boston.gov>

Neighborhood Housing Zoning – Public Meeting
Boston Planning Department
Monday, January 13, 2025, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
This meeting is your opportunity to learn more about the neighborhood housing<https://www.bostonplans.org/neighborhood-housing> zoning initiative, which we introduced alongside the launch of the ADU Guidebook<https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/3c200fb878524d21a7afaee4c1d144b9> at our public meeting on November 19<https://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2024/11/19/adu-guidebook-launch-public-meeting>.
Boston's outdated residential zoning creates barriers for most small-scale projects, requiring homeowners to navigate costly, time-consuming variances for basic updates like dormers, porches, or ADUs. This initiative seeks to streamline the process with clear, modern rules that address current housing needs and make building easier, faster, and more predictable, while maintaining neighborhood character.
We encourage you to attend and ask any questions you may have. Hope to see you there!
How to Participate
Register here: bit.ly/neighborhood-housing-public-meeting<http://bit.ly/neighborhood-housing-public-meeting>
Meeting ID: 160 671 3437
Toll-free call-in number: 833.568.8864
Email Contact: andrea...@boston.gov<mailto:andrea...@boston.gov>

Zoning Board of Appeal Hearing
Inspectional Services Department
Tuesday, January 14, 2025

The January 14, 2025, hearing will be held virtually via video teleconference and telephone via the Zoom webinar event platform.

Interested persons can participate in the hearing REMOTELY by going to https://bit.ly/ZBAHearings2025. You may also participate by phone by calling into the Zoom Webinar at (646) 931-3860 and entering the Webinar ID: 814 9024 3514 followed by # when prompted.

If you wish to offer testimony on an appeal, please click https://bit.ly/January14Comment to sign up. Please provide your name, address, the address and/or BOA number of the appeal on which you wish to speak, and if you wish to speak in support of or opposition to the project.

Hearings: 9:30 am

Case: BOA- 1673059 Address: 279 North Harvard Street Ward 22 Applicant: 283 North Harvard LLC
Article(s): Article 51, Section 8 Use: Forbidden - Multi family Dwelling Forbidden Article 51, Section 9 Rear Yard Insufficient Article 51, Section 9 Floor Area Ratio Excessive Article 51, Section 9 Bldg Height Excessive (Stories) Article 51, Section 9 Bldg Height Excessive (Feet) Article 51, Section 9Front Yard Insufficient - North Harvard Street Article 51, Section 9 Front Yard Insufficient - Easton Street Article 51, Section 9 Front Yard Insufficient - Coolidge Road Article 51, Section 56 Off Street Loading Insufficient Article 51, Section 56 Off Street Parking Insufficient
Purpose: Combine lots at 279 and 283 N Harvard St (Parcels 2201417000 & 2201418000), to change occupancy to Church and 49 dwelling units. Scope involves erecting a 4 story addition to side and add 49 new residential units with at grade surface parking. Building features repurposing the existing church, balconies, and low roof terrace. Raze the existing single-family dwelling on separate permit. See ALT1655820 for subdivision.

Email Contact: Stephani...@Boston.Gov<mailto:Stephani...@Boston.Gov>
The hearing can also be viewed via live-stream on the City’s website<https://www.boston.gov/node/16341>. Closed captioning is available.

Mary Eliza Event: Brighton Women Claim the Vote (Flyer Attached)

Licensing Board Virtual Transactional Hearing
Boston Licensing Board
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 @ 10:00 am
Virtual Hearing Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83713136310?pwd=eXFySTNBMERHZ1dHZXRVb1FLU1hEQT09
Meeting ID: 837 1313 6310
Passcode: 330215
Dial in #: (646) 876-9923

2 Day & Night Exotic Cereal Bar Boston, LLC
D/B/A: Day & Night Exotic Cereal Bar Boston, LLC
6 TREMONT ST
BRIGHTON, MA 02135
License #: LB-532151
Holder of a Common Victualler License has petitioned to change the Corporate name of the license business - From: Day & Night Exotic Cereal Bar Boston LLC To: Sweet & Comfy Brighton LLC Secondly, has petitioned to change the DBA of the licensed business From: Day & Night Exotic Cereal Bar Boston, LLC To: Sweet & Comfy Lastly, has petitioned to change the Operating hours of the business - From: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM To: 6:00 AM - 3:00 AM

Email Contact: wend...@boston.gov<mailto:wend...@boston.gov>

Kiwanis Club of Allston Brighton Meeting
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 @ 12:00 noon
Kiwanis International is a global community of clubs, members and partners dedicated to improving the lives of children one community at a time.
Hobson's Bar & Kitchen
353 Cambridge St, Allston
Email Contact: Bill Margolin (wehb...@aol.com<mailto:wehb...@aol.com>)

Parks Fitness: Fit for Life Class with Vessy
Boston Parks and Recreation Department, Boston Public Health Commission
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Sponsor)
Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Repeats weekly on Wednesday, starting from January 8, 2025, until April 2, 2025
A low-impact, accessible group exercise class designed for individuals of all fitness levels, focusing on gentle cardio movements, light strength training, and exercises that promote overall health and wellbeing, often tailored towards older adults or those looking for a modified workout routine; it emphasizes building sustainable fitness habits for a healthy lifestyle.
Click the link below to sign up for the class on Eventbrite. This will allow you to add it to your calendar and receive updates if there are changes or cancellations due to the weather.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-fitness-series-fit-for-life-tickets-1115823280469
Veronica Smith Senior Center
20 Chestnut Hill Ave, Brighton
Email Contact: jennifer....@boston.gov<mailto:jennifer....@boston.gov>

Allston Civic Association January Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
CANCELED: NO LICENSING, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OR ZONING PROPOSALS WERE RECEIVED
www.allstoncivicassociation.org<http://www.allstoncivicassociation.org/>
www.facebook.com/AllstonCivicAssociation<http://www.facebook.com/AllstonCivicAssociation>
Anthony D’Isidoro, President

Cocoa with the Council President (Flyer Attached)

ONS Field Fridays Allston-Brighton
Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services
Friday, January 17, 2025, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Stop by to ask a question or share a concern with Allston-Brighton Liaison, Kevin L’Herrou.
Twin Donuts
501 Cambridge St, Allston
Email Contact: kevin....@boston.gov<mailto:kevin....@boston.gov>

Brighton Bazaar Winter Weekend (Flyer Attached)

Updates

Boston Civic Design Commission Meeting
Boston Planning Department
Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Agenda

Presentations for Review and Public Testimony

5:50 – 6:20 83 Leo Birmingham Parkway, Brighton
Referred for final review and recommendation by the BCDC Design Subcommittee
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfWFBQ2zPis
Slide the time bar to 44:05
Outcome: Approved

Licensing Board Virtual Transactional Hearing
Boston Licensing Board
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 @ 10:00 am

1. Prime Yogurtist, Inc.
D/B/A: Hey! I am Yogost
147 BRIGHTON AV
ALLSTON, MA 02134
License #: LB-583907
Has applied for a Common Victualler License to be exercised on the above - 500SF Yogurt restaurant for takeout only, located on one floor with a basement in the back. It has one employee bathroom and two entrances.
Manager: Pan Wang
Hours of Operation: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Attorney: Gar Chiang, Esq.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRetazafnTQ
Slide the time bar to 2:19
Outcome: Taken Under Advisement

2. FAZIRED LLC
D/B/A: Turkish Lazuri Café
1 N BEACON ST
ALLSTON, MA 02134
License #: LB-583152
Has applied for a Common Victualler License to be exercised at a previously licensed location - 1,800SF First floor has a full kitchen, two bathrooms, and 60 seats. The basement is for storage and includes an office space, along with one bathroom. There is no outdoor patio.
Manager: Rifat Canca
Hours of Operation: 10:00 AM to 11:00PM
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRetazafnTQ
Slide the time bar to 6:55
Outcome: Taken Under Advisement

Boston Conservation Commission Public Hearing
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 @ 6:00 pm

Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-2018 and BOS File No. 2024-038 from VHB on behalf of the Department of Conservation and Recreation Division of Waterways to conduct up to (4) test borings, (2) on land and (2) within the Charles River, located at 525 Western Avenue, Brighton, MA (LUWW, BLSF, 25ft Riverfront Area, 25 ft Waterfront Area, 100ft Buffer to Inland Bank)
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wqIdkRzNCI
Slide the time bar to 2:25
Outcome: Issued Order of Conditions

Continued; Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-1996 and Boston File No. 2024-021 from Epsilon Associates, Inc., on behalf of the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) for the proposed construction of the North Allston Storm Drain Extension Project to improve the BWSC stormwater management system at ~500 Soldiers Field Road, Allston, MA (LUW, Inland Bank, 100 ft Buffer to Inland Bank, 25 ft Waterfront, 25 ft Riverfront). *Continued from the July 10, 2024 hearing
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wqIdkRzNCI
Slide the time bar to 1:05:49
Outcome: Continued

Licensing Board Virtual Voting Agenda
Thursday, January 9, 2025 @ 10:00 am

Transactional Hearing on Wednesday, January 8, 2025

1. Prime Yogurtist, Inc.
Doing business as: Hey! I am Yogost
147 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134
License #: LB-583907
Has applied for a Common Victualler License to be exercised on the above - 500SF Yogurt restaurant for takeout only, located on one floor with a basement in the back. It has one employee bathroom and two entrances.
Manager: Pan Wang
Hours of Operation: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Attorney: Gar Chiang, Esq.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bR58vCZofk
Slide the time bar to 11:05
Outcome: Approved

2. Fazired, LLC
Doing business as: Turkish Lazuri Cafe
1 North Beacon St, Allston, MA 02134
License #: LB-583152
Has applied for a Common Victualler License to be exercised at a previously licensed location - 1,800SF First floor has a full kitchen, two bathrooms, and 60 seats. The basement is for storage and includes an office space, along with one bathroom. There is no outdoor patio.
Manager: Rifat Canca
Hours of Operation: 10:00 AM to 11:00PM
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bR58vCZofk
Slide the time bar to 11:20
Outcome: Approved

The Following have applied to make changes to their existing Common Victualler License:

3. Sheesha Lounge, LLC
417 Cambridge St., Allston, MA 02134
License #: LB‑100864
Holder of a Common Victualler License has petitioned to change the Manager of the licensed business
From: Mark Burke To: Bilal Shifa
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bR58vCZofk
Slide the time bar to 19:54
Outcome: Approved

The Following have applied for a One Day Amendment to Existing License:

1. AHF Speedway Holdings, LLC
Doing business as: Charles River Speedway
1420 to 1440 Soldiers Field Rd., Brighton, MA 02135
License #: LB-464491
Has applied for a one day amendment to existing License to include extending license into The Annex for a 40th Birthday Party on February 8, 2025 between the hours of 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Manager: Alyssa Pasquale
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bR58vCZofk
Slide the time bar to 21:59
Outcome: Approved

The Following have applied for Malt & Wine Special One Day License:

1. Blisspoint Meadery
Has applied for a(n) Brighton Farmers Market at:
640 Washington St., Brighton, MA 02135
Date and Time: 01/26/2025 - 04/06/2025, Sundays Only 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Manager: Jeff Venuti
Outcome: Approved

2. Trustees of Boston College
Has applied for a(n) BC Men's Basketball at:
2601 Beacon St., Brighton, MA 02135
Date and Time: 02/01/2025, 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Date and Time: 02/05/2025, 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Date and Time: 02/12/2025, 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Date and Time: 02/18/2025, 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Date and Time: 02/22/2025, 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Manager: Beth Emery
Outcome: Approved

3. Trustees of Boston College
Has applied for a(n) BC Men's Basketball at:
2601 Beacon St., Brighton, MA 02135
Date and Time: 03/05/2025, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Manager: Beth Emery
Outcome: Approved

4. Trustees of Boston College
Has applied for a(n) BC Women's Basketball at:
2601 Beacon St., Brighton, MA 02135
Date and Time: 02/02/2025, 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Date and Time: 02/09/2025, 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Date and Time: 02/23/2025, 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Date and Time: 02/27/2025, 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Manager: Beth Emery
Outcome: Approved

5. Trustees of Boston College
Has applied for a(n) BC Men's Hockey at:
2601 Beacon St., Brighton, MA 02135
Date and Time: 02/14/2025, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Date and Time: 02/28/2025, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Manager: Frank Bailey
Outcome: Approved

6. Trustees of Boston College
Has applied for a(n) BC Men's Hockey at:
2601 Beacon St., Brighton, MA 02135
Date and Time: 03/08/2025, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Manager: Frank Bailey
Outcome: Approved

7. Trustees of Boston College
Has applied for a(n) BC Women's Hockey at:
2601 Beacon St., Brighton, MA 02135
Date and Time: 02/06/2025, 12 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Date and Time: 02/14/2025, 12 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Date and Time: 02/21/2025, 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Manager: Frank Bailey
Outcome: Approved

13. BW Cafe LLC
Has applied for a(n) Client Appreciation at:
60 Guest St., Brighton, MA 02135
Date and Time: 01/21/2025, 3 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Manager: Bridget Duval
Outcome: Approved

20. BW Cafe LLC
Has applied for a(n) Client Appreciation at:
60 Guest St., Brighton, MA 02135
Date and Time: 01/21/2025, 3 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Manager: Bridget Duval
Outcome: Approved

Public Comments

Want to know more about the planning initiatives that are happening in Allston-Brighton? Check out The Boston Planning & Development Agency's (BPDA) planning website https://www.bostonplans.org/planning-zoning/planning-initiatives/planning-in-allston-brighton to stay informed and learn about opportunities to comment. It is important to share direct community feedback about what is needed to make Allston-Brighton a great place to live and work now and in the future!

Harvard University Allston Campus Institutional Master Plan (IMP Comment due January 20, 2025)
https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/institutional-master-plans/higher-ed/harvard-university-allston-campus

35 Electric Avenue (PNF Comment due January 20, 2025)
https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/35-electric-avenue

1954 Commonwealth Avenue (SPRA Comment due January 24, 2025)
https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/1954-commonwealth-avenue

65-79 Seattle Street (SPRA Comment due January 30, 2025)
https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/65-79-seattle-street

83 Birmingham Parkway (PNF Comment due January 31, 2025)
https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/83-leo-m-birmingham-parkway

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