Community Notes, Events, Updates & Public Comment Request October 10-16, 2022
Anthony D'Isidoro
STATE ELECTION: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022
The voter registration deadline is Saturday, October 29. You have until 5 p.m. to register to vote in-person, and until 11:59 p.m. to register to vote online. If you register to vote by mail, it must be postmarked by Saturday, October 29.
How to Register to Vote: https://www.boston.gov/departments/elections/how-register-vote
VOTE BY MAIL
If you are a registered voter, you may submit your vote-by-mail application online through the Massachusetts Mail-in Ballot Application System:
Mail-in Ballot Online Application: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/MailInRequestWeb/MailInBallot.aspx
Applications to request a vote-by-mail ballot must be received by Tuesday, November 1, at 5 p.m. for the State Election on Tuesday, November 8.
Intersections - The Harvard Ed Portal's Weekly Newsletter
Scholarship, fall yoga, outdoor concert & more (mailchi.mp)
Harvard Ed Portal’s Economic Development Newsletter
Writing workshop, strategies for business innovation & more (mailchi.mp)
Events
Boston Faith & Blue Interfaith Celebration (Flyer Attached)
BU Community Office Hours
Boston University Government & Community Affairs
Tuesday, October 11th at 9:30am
We’ll be joined by Mike Dennehy and Clare Fitzgerald from College Access & Student Success (CASS) at BU. Mike and Clare will share information about the Menino and Community Service Scholarships available to Boston Public Schools (BPS) graduates and how CASS supports these students and many others.
The programs and participants at CASS make a difference in the academic futures of students and we hope you can join us to learn more. We’ll meet over Zoom, so please register below to join us!
Register Here: https://bostonu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJModumurD8uHdOdzlst9UGmVSb4ZDzrC4l5
Read more about our Boston Public Schools Scholars in recent BU Today coverage!
BU Supports 2022 Boston Public Schools Graduates
Terriers Get an Up-Close Look at a New Administration at Work
Email Contact: Cecilia Nardi (g...@bu.edu)
Boston Civic Design Commission Meeting
Boston Planning & Development Agency
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Register in advance for this Zoom meeting: https://bit.ly/BCDCOct112022
Or join by calling 669 254 5252 with Meeting ID: 160 065 0301
All are welcome to attend. Thank you for your interest in the public realm of the City of Boston
Report from Design Committee (20 minutes each)
Votes
5:35 – 5:55 1170–1190 Soldiers Field Road, Allston
Email Contact: collee...@boston.gov
Concerts in the Common at the Brighton Farmers Market: Nora Meier (Flyer Attached)
Aberdeen Architectural Conservation District Commission
Thursday, October 13, 2022 @ 4:00 pm
This hearing will only be held virtually and NOT in person. You can participate in this hearing by going to: https://zoom.us/j/92825502462 or calling 1 (929) 436-2866 and entering meeting id # 928 255 02462. You can also submit written comments or questions to aberde...@boston.gov.
I. DESIGN REVIEW HEARING
APP # 23.0184 AB 1761 COMMONWEALTH AVENUE
Applicant: Mario Fuentes
Proposed Work: Demolish and rebuild front stoop and rails
II. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW/APPROVAL: In order to expedite the review process, the commission has delegated the approval of certain work items, such as those involving ordinary maintenance and repair, restoration or replacement, or which otherwise have a minimal impact on a building’s appearance, to commission staff pending ratification at its monthly public hearing. Having been identified as meeting these eligibility criteria and all applicable guidelines, the following applications will be approved at this hearing:
APP # 23.0197 AB 39 SOUTH STREET: At front, side & rear façades: cut 3/4" into the joints of the bricks and repoint in kind. Refinish lintels and sills as needed to match the existing.
III ADVISORY REVIEW
APP # 23.0313 AB 145 SUTHERLAND STREET: Enlarge window for egress. Replace all vinyl windows with true divided light windows.
Email Contact: Aberde...@boston.gov
Zoning Advisory Board of Appeal Hearing
Inspectional Services Department
Thursday, October 13, 2022
The October 13, 2022 subcommittee 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 http://bit.ly/ZBAsubcommittee. You may also participate by phone by calling into the Zoom Webinar at (301) 715-8592 and entering the Webinar ID: 996 0844 0932 followed by # when prompted.
If you wish to offer testimony on an appeal, please click: http://bit.ly/October13Comment 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: 5:00 pm
Case: BOA- 1385565 Address: 10-12 Ridgemont Street Ward: 21 Applicant: Erin Reilly
Article(s): Article 51, Section 9 Side Yard Insufficient Article 51, Section 9 Floor Area Ratio Excessive - Living area plus the new square footage divided by the lot size is over the Floor to Area Ratio allowed.
Purpose: Accessibility Project Add a 1 story 144SF 1st floor bedroom for the disabled adult son of the owners. Wood frame on concrete piers. The addition will be in the location of part of the existing deck, in the side yard setback
Email Contact: Stephani...@Boston.Gov
Taste of Allston (Flyer Attached)
Allston Village Main Streets:
We've got our vendors for the Taste!!
We're happy to be joined by wonderful restaurants, farmers market favorites, fitness studios, artists, makers, designers and advocates,
all who add so much to the fabric of Allston! Come by on October 15th at the Jackson Mann from 1-4 to get a "taste" of Allston!
These vendors will be joined by love music, lawn games, beer and seltzer, and great vibes! Hope to see you there
2022 YMCA OAKtoberfest 5K
Updates
Boston Civic Design Commission
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
The Commission moved into Votes of Recommendation for projects from Design Committee. The first presentation was for 30 Leo M Birmingham in the Allston-Brighton neighborhood.
Deneen Crosby: This is a great improvement over what we’d previously seen—the access, connections, etc. The sunken open space made it feel a little more private. The Lothrop side is particularly improved. I would allow for a more generous connection to the sunken space. The dog park has been addressed.
Eric Howeler: The clarification of the massing is appreciated. This is a beautiful “fabric” building.
David Manfredi: I completely agree. I appreciate your responsiveness, and I think that the building is nicely designed and well-thought-out.
Two members of the public spoke, one in favor of the project and one opposed.
A motion was made, it was moved, seconded, and
VOTED: That the BCDC recommend approval for 30 Leo Birmingham Parkway.
Design Committee of the Boston Civic Design Commission
Tuesday, August 30, 2022
5:00pm, Held virtually via Zoom
Project: 1170-1190 Soldiers Field Road, Allston
Present: Commissioner Deneen Crosby, Commissioner Eric Howeler, Anne-Marie Lubenau, Commissioner Mimi Love, Commission William Rawn
DISCUSSION:
The Project team presented updates to the project from their last appearance in design committee. The Commissioners responded positively to many of the changes to the open space, but questioned certain places where they felt the project could go even further in terms of creating connections to existing open spaces as well as creating hierarchy in programming. The project team explained numerous restrictions that are imposed on the site. At the next meeting, the discussion will focus on architecture.
The Project will continue in Design Committee
Boston Civic Design Commission
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
The next Review Committee report was for the 1270 Commonwealth Avenue project. Review is recommended. It was moved, seconded,
and VOTED: That the Commission review the schematic design for the proposed 1270 Commonwealth Avenue project in the Allston neighborhood
The Commission moved to project presentations, the first being for 1270 Commonwealth Avenue in the Allston neighborhood.
Harry Weinberg and Sean Sacks, Presented the project
D. Hacin - The materials are good, however the height and FAR of (3.3) might be too much. Concerned about the direct attachment to the building along Commonwealth Ave. The center part of this E shaped building; it feel like a tough condition and maybe too much building. Explore how you might mitigate these conditions, such as carving the mask away from the adjacent property. I am concerned about the parking art screening and what that actually is. The corner volume, it is a strong vertical stretch of two stories.
M. Kim - Please provide more context. There are a lot of positives about the project, but put more effort into creating comfortable side streets. There really isn't much and how to make the pedestrian experience better? In Subcommittee, it would be great to see how you are handling vehicular circulation, because traffic will be greatly increased here.
D. Crosby - integrate more of the streetscape plan with what's happening along Commonwealth Ave., as in what trees will be use and where they will be placed. I like that you added more seating for people, and the planters. I am cornered about the greenspace in the rear of the building. That side will be most in shadow. What's the impact on that space?
R. Williams - Gorham Street, the street wall feels too heavy, what can you do about it?
A. Leers - The corner accents such as the two story lifting base is more than you need. Look at other ways of addressing the corner. The Gorham/ Brainerd corner is more successful corner. The center wing of the building doesn't have to be the same length as the other parts. The center piece can be shorter.
M. Love - Try a different material strategy to help read more as separate buildings. The cantilever part of the building can be pushed back. The elevation that faces Brainer can use a different material or color change. Maybe a change can help it read as a separate building and break down the scale.
D. Manfredi – I am not convinced of the art wall. We have seen it done in an average way, and not always done well. Gorham Street is very important, and think you need to be more specific here about the quality and design.
A Lubeanu The art needs to be part of the architecture and not an application. Apply the modulation to the verticality of the building as well.
No public comments
The project will continue in design committee.
Zoning Board of Appeal Hearing
Inspectional Services Department
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Extensions: 9:30 am
Case: BOA-609358, Address: 6-8 Parsons Street Ward 22 Applicant: Marc LaCasse, Esq
Video: (2319) Zoning Board of Appeal Hearings 10-4-22 - YouTube
Slide the time bar to 4:25
Outcome: Motion to extend to October 4, 2023 was approved.
Case: BOA-609355, Address: 10 Parsons Street Ward 22 Applicant: Marc LaCasse, Esq
Video: (2319) Zoning Board of Appeal Hearings 10-4-22 - YouTube
Slide the time bar to 4:25
Outcome: Motion to extend to October 4, 2023 was approved.
Hearings: 9:30 am
Case: BOA- 1349519 Address: 311-315 Washington Street Ward 22 Applicant: Frazer 311 Holdings Limited Partnership
Article(s): Article 51 Section 16Use Regulations - MFR is a conditional use in a NS 1 sub district Article 51, Section 17 Open usable space is insufficient Article 51, Section 56 Off Street Parking Insufficient
Purpose: Renovation to the second floor of the existing two story plus basement mixed use building. Project scope includes converting the office spaces on the second floor to four one bedroom units. The building will be fully sprinklered per NFPA 13. First floor tenancy not in scope. No exterior work.
Video: (2319) Zoning Board of Appeal Hearings 10-4-22 - YouTube
Slide the time bar to 1:15:53
Outcome: Approved.
Hearings: 10:30 am
Case: BOA-1352750 Address: 62 North Beacon Street Ward 21 Applicant: Amenyonah Bossman
Article(s):Article 51, Section 56.Off Street Parking & Loading Req Article 51, Section 8 Use: Forbidden Article 51, Section 9 Floor Area Ratio Excessive
Purpose: Convert a single family to a 3 family dwelling with an ADU (basement).
Video: (2319) Zoning Board of Appeal Hearings 10-4-22 - YouTube
Slide the time bar to 3:12:10
Outcome: Motion to defer to December 13, 2022 @ 11:30 am was approved.
Re-Discussions: 11:30 am
Case: BOA-1351215 Address: 32-32C Hobart Street Ward 22 Applicant: Joseph Cicconi
Article(s): Article 51, Section 8 Use Regulations - Townhouse (3 unit) Use: Forbidden Article 51, Section 9 Floor Area Ratio Excessive Article 51, Section 9 Bldg Height Excessive (Stories) Article 51, Section 9 Front Yard Insufficient Article 51, Section 9 Side Yard Insufficient Article 51, Section 9 Rear Yard Insufficient Article 51, Section 9.4 Dim Reg: Location of Main Entrance - Within the Residential Subdistricts, the main entrance of a Dwelling shall face the Front Lot Line. Article 51, Section 9 Lot Frontage Insufficient Article 51, Section 9 Bldg Height Excessive (Feet) Art. 51 Sec. 57.2 Exst'g Bldg Algnmnt Conformity - Modal calculation not provided to verify compliance with the existing building alignment.
Purpose: Erect a 3-unit Townhouse Dwelling with 6 parking spaces. Raze existing building under SF: # [ePlan BOA] Reviewed 06/23/22 to reduce the number of units from 4 to 3 and the parking spaces from 8 to 6
Video: (2319) Zoning Board of Appeal Hearings 10-4-22 - YouTube
Slide the time bar to 2:15:45
Outcome: Motion for denial without prejudice (withdrawal) was approved.
Virtual Licensed Premise Violation Hearings
Boston Licensing Board
Tuesday, October 4, 2022 @ 10:00 am
9. INSHALLAH, INC. , D/B/A: CRAVE, Location: 128 BRIGHTON AVE
ALLSTON, MA 02134, License#: LB-99345, Notice/Violation#: 058943, Category: CV7AL
Date: 07/17/2022
Notice: Premise conducting bottle service in violation of M.G.L. ch. 138 s. 64.
Overcrowding - 294 mechanical count - capacity 162 in violation of M.G.L. ch. 138 s. 64 and Board's rule 1.03J, 1.06 A,F.
Assault and battery patron on patron in violation of M.G.L. ch. 138 s. 64, ch. 265 s. 13A.
Video: (2319) Boston Licensing Board Violation Hearing 10-4-22 - YouTube
Slide the time bar to 2:01:10
Outcome: Taken Under Advisement.
Licensing Board Virtual Voting Agenda
Thursday, October 6, 2022 @ 10:00 am
Licensed Premise Inspection Hearing on Tuesday, October 4, 2022
9. Inshallah, Inc.
Doing business as: Crave
Location: 128 Brighton Ave Allston, MA 02134
License#: LB‑99345, Notice/Violation#: 058943, Category: CV7AL
Date: 07/17/2022
Notice: Premise conducting bottle service in violation of M.G.L. ch. 138 s. 64.
Overcrowding ‑ 294 mechanical count ‑ capacity 162 in violation of M.G.L. ch. 138 s. 64 and Board's rule 1.03J, 1.06 A,F.
Assault and battery patron on patron in violation of M.G.L. ch. 138 s. 64, ch. 265 s. 13A
Video: (2319) City of Boston Licensing Board Voting Hearing 10-6-22 - YouTube
Slide the time bar to 10:25
Outcome: Violation on all three counts. Total one day suspension. Owner of record to confirm in writing that they have read the Board’s rules and regulations.
Non-Hearing Transactions
The following are applying for a new Common Victualler License at a previously licensed location
2. Hello Yummy, LLC d/b/a Hello Yummy, 1 Brighton Ave, Unit 4. (aka 1095 Comm. Ave,) Allston, MA 02134. Vendor in food court, street level with kitchen and storage; no seats. Manager of Record Kui Sun. Hours of operation 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Video: (2319) City of Boston Licensing Board Voting Hearing 10-6-22 - YouTube
Slide the time bar to 14:23
Outcome: Approved.
The Following have applied for a Special 1 Day All Alcohol License:
2. The Owl Club
Has applied for a(n) Blacktie Cocktail Party at:
1420 ‑ 1440 Soldiers Field Rd., Brighton, MA 02135
Date and Time: 09/21/2022, 9 p.m. ‑ 12 a.m.
Manager: Anthony Passaretti
Outcome: Approved
5. Head of the Charles Regatta
Has applied for a(n) Rowing Event at:
Hospitality Row, 1059 Soldiers Field Rd., Boston, MA 02134
Date and Time: 10/21/2022 ‑ 10/23/2022, 8 a.m. ‑ 6 p.m.
Manager: Frederick Schoch
Outcome: Approved
6. Head of the Charles Regatta
Has applied for a(n) Rowing Event at:
FALS Bar, 1059 Soldiers Field Rd., Boston, MA 02134
Date and Time: 10/21/2022 ‑ 10/23/2022, 8 a.m. ‑ 6 p.m.
Manager: Frederick Schoch
Outcome: Approved
The Following have applied for a Special 1 Day Malt Wine License:
8. Boston Preservation Alliance
Has applied for a(n) Awards Ceremony/Fundraiser at:
1420 ‑ 1440 Soldiers Field Rd., Brighton, MA 02135
Date and Time: 10/20/2022, 5:30 p.m. ‑ 9 p.m.
Manager: Alison Frazee
Outcome: Approved
Boston Public Improvement Commission
Thursday, October 6, 2022 @ 10:00 am
Public Hearing
PH 2. On a petition by Broken Records Beer Hall LLC for the granting of a Sidewalk Cafe License for seasonally recurring outdoor seating within Guest Street (public way), Brighton, located on its southerly side at address nos. 71-85, generally east of Life Street, and consisting of seating for 16 persons total and approximately 349 square feet within the public way.
(NB 9/22/2022) As shown on a plan entitled “City of Boston Public Works Department, Engineering Division, Outdoor Seating Area, 71 Guest Street, Brighton,” 1 sheet dated September 7, 2022.
Video: (2319) Public Improvement Commission Hearings 10-06-22 - YouTube
Slide the time bar to 40:49
Outcome: Approved.
New Business
NB 5. 449 Cambridge Street, Rugg Road, Emery Road; Brighton – Earth Retention License – On a petition by EM 449 Cambridge LLC
Video: (2319) Public Improvement Commission Hearings 10-06-22 - YouTube
Slide the time bar to 1:16:20
Outcome: Referred to public hearing on October 20, 2022.
Public Comments Requested:
Herter Park Master Plan (Comment Due by October 12, 2022)
Western Avenue Corridor Study and Rezoning (Comment Due by October 12, 2022)
https://www.bostonplans.org/planning/planning-initiatives/western-avenue-corridor-study-and-rezoning
76 Ashford St (DPIR Comment Due by October 23, 2022)
https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/76-ashford-street
