Community Notes, Events, Updates & Public Comment Request December 8-14, 2025
Notes
Harvard Ed Portal's Weekly Newsletter
Article 85 / Demolition Delay Applications
17 Melton Road
Events
Zoning Board of Appeal Hearing
Inspectional Services Department
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
The December 9, 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/ZBATuesHearings2025.
You may also participate by phone by calling into the Zoom Webinar at
301-715-8592 and entering the Webinar ID: 857 3265 6216 followed by # when prompted.
If you wish to offer testimony on an appeal, please click
https://bit.ly/December9ZBAComments 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.
If you wish to offer comment within the meeting platform, please use the “Raise Hand” function that should appear on the bottom of your screen, if connected by computer or device, or dial *9, if connected by phone. On a computer or device, you will receive
a request to unmute yourself from the event host. You must select yes before you can speak. On a phone, you will hear a prompt that the event host is asking you to unmute yourself. You must press *6 to unmute yourself before you can speak. Commenters will
be asked to state their name, address and comment. Comments will be limited as time requires.
Extensions: 9:30 am
Case: BOA- 1485817 Address: 521 Cambridge Street Ward 21 Applicant: Johanna Schneider
Hearings: 9:30 am
Case: BOA- 1747263 Address: 25 Royal Street Ward 22 Applicant: Paul Rufo
Article(s) Article 51, Section 27 Use: Forbidden Applicant will need to seek relief for the proposed use of a Three family (3 Units) in a Two Family Zone. Article 51, Section 56 Off-Street Parking Insufficient Applicant will need to seek relief for Insufficient
Off-Street Parking. Applicant proposes three parking spaces only. Article 51, Section 57.3 Traffic Visibility Across Corner Applicant will need to seek relief for Traffic Visibility Across Corner (Royal St & Hooker ST). Article 51, Section 9 Lot Area Insufficient
Applicant will need to seek relief for Insufficient Lot Area. Article 51, Section 9 Floor Area Ratio Excessive Applicant will need to seek relief for Excessive Floor Area Ratio (FAR). Article 51, Section 9 Bldg Height Excessive (Feet) Applicant will need to
seek relief for the Height in feet (Front Elevation). Article 51, Section 9 Front Yard Insufficient Applicant will need to seek relief for Insufficient Front Yard setback (Modal Alignment study needed). Article 51, Section 9 Side Yard Insufficient Applicant
will need to seek relief for Insufficient Side Yard setback (left side). Article 51, Section 9 Rear Yard Insufficient Applicant will need to seek relief for Insufficient Rear Yard setback.
Purpose : Construct new three family dwelling on vacant lot in 2F 5000 zone.
Case: BOA- 1747259 Address: 1 Empire Street Ward 22 Applicant: PaulRufo
Article(s) 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 Bldg Height Excessive (Stories) Article 51, Section 9 Floor Area Ratio Excessive Article
51, Section 9 Lot Area Insufficient Article 51, Section 8 Use: Forbidden Article 51, Section 56 Off Street Parking Insufficient
Purpose : Construct new three family dwelling on Parcel # 221637000 (Empire Street). Property to be numbered 1 Empire Street. Current use is Residential Ancillary Improvement with one story garage. Garage to be demolished.
Hearings: 11:00 am
Case: BOA- 1719183 Address: 72-74 Mapleton Street Ward 22 Applicant: Agui Desouza
Article(s) Article 51, Section 8 Use: Forbidden Article 51, Section 9 Floor Area Ratio Excessive
Purpose : Legalize an existing third floor apartment showed in plans, build a back deck as a second means of egress for third floor. Change of occupancy from 2 to 3 units. ADU showing on drawings is excluded from the scope.
Boston Cannabis Board Public Meeting
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 @ 1:00 pm
Meeting ID: 895 4494 5324
Passcode: 932875
Members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend. The BCB will accept testimony regarding each agenda item. Testimony will be limited to two (2) minutes and any additional testimony may be submitted in writing to
cannab...@boston.gov. If you wish to testify
please
sign up online.
Notice of Accommodations: Interpretation, translation, and disability accommodation services are available to you at no cost. If you need them, please contact us at
p...@boston.gov or
617-635-2381.
View
the notice.
This hearing will be held virtually, pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, further extending modifications to the Open Meeting Law (M.G.L. ch. 30A s. 20).
The BCB reserves the right to amend the agenda pursuant to applicable Open Meeting Law and Public Notice requirements. Please contact the BCB at
617-635-2330 or
cannab...@boston.gov with any questions or to request
an interpreter.
AGENDA
Transactional Hearing
Amendment to already approved License
2. Licensee: Union Twist Inc.
Licensed Premise: 257-259 Cambridge St, Allston
License Type: Marijuana Retailer License
Request: Add D/B/A “Dutchess Cannabis”
Amend Operating Hours: 10:00am - 8:00pm (7 days a week)
Proposed Hours of Operation: 9:00am - 9:00pm Monday to Saturday
9:00am - 8:00pm Sunday
Conservation Commission Public Hearing
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 @ 6:00 pm
In accordance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40, and the Boston Wetlands Ordinance, Boston City Code, Ordinances, Chapter 7-1.4, the Boston Conservation Commission will hold a virtual public hearing at 6 p.m. on
December 10, 2025 to review the following projects to determine what conditions, if any, the Commission will impose to protect the interests of the public and private water supply, ground water, prevention of pollution, flood control, prevention of storm damage,
protection of fisheries and land containing shellfish, and protection of wildlife habitat.
Any matter posted as a public hearing may be deliberated upon at a subsequent meeting.
Members of the public may share public comments during the hearing. The Conservation Commission will also accept written testimony for agenda items via email at
c...@boston.gov prior to the hearing. Written testimony should be submitted
by Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 3:30 p.m.
Public Hearing
Request for a Determination of Applicability from AECOM on behalf of the Department of Conservation and Recreation for the proposed hand-digging of 15 exploratory soil test pits at Herter Park, 1175 Soldiers Field Road, Allston, MA.
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, 100ft Buffer to Inland Bank, 25ft Waterfront, 25ft Riverfront). *Continued from the July 10, 2024 hearing.
Winter Show and Sale 2025
Ceramics Program, Office for the Arts at Harvard
Thursday, December 11, 2025 – Sunday, December 14, 2025, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
The Ceramics Program, Office for the Arts at Harvard's annual exhibition and sale features thousands of pieces of original ceramic artwork by instructors, staff, and participants in our courses. This four-day event is the perfect opportunity to find unique
gifts for yourself and others while supporting local artists! Admission is free and open to the public.
224 Western Ave, Allston
Allston Brighton Toy Drive (Flyer Attached)
Updates
Virtual Licensed Premise Violation Hearing
Boston Licensing Board
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 @ 10:00 am
1) FACILITY CONCESSION SERVICES, LLC. , D/B/A: SPECTRUM, Location: 89 GUEST ST
BRIGHTON, MA 02135, License#: LB-99313, Notice/Violation#: 003715, Category: GOPAL
Date 08/28/2025 Notice Assault and battery patron(s) on police officer in violation of M.G.L. ch. 138 s. 64, ch. 265 s. 13D.
Assault and battery patron(s) on employee in violation of M.G.L. ch. 138 s. 64, ch. 265 s. 13A.
Slide the time bar to 0:29
Outcome: Continued to the next available hearing date.
2) FACILITY CONCESSION SERVICES, LLC. , D/B/A: SPECTRUM, Location: 89 GUEST ST
BRIGHTON, MA 02135, License#: LB-99313, Notice/Violation#: 007502, Category: GOPAL
Date 10/07/2025 Notice No accurate count for each level in violation of M.G.L. ch. 138 s. 64.
Overcrowding in mosh pit (3 injured) in violation of M.G.L. ch. 138 s. 64.
Over intoxicated under age patrons (2) in violation of M.G.L ch. 138 s. 64.
Slide the time bar to 0:29
Outcome: Continued to the next available hearing date.
Licensing Board Virtual Transactional Hearing
Boston Licensing Board
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 @ 10:00 am
10 Panagiota, Inc
D/B/A: Gyro City
181 CHESTNUT HILL AV
BRIGHTON, MA 02135
License #: LB-316991
Holder of a Common Victualler 7 Day Wines and Malt Beverages with Liqueurs License has petitioned to transfer the license and location - From: Panagiota, Inc located at 181 Chestnut Hill Ave, Brighton, MA 02135. To: Greenside Athletics Limited Company dba Greenside
Golf Club located at 58 Old Colony Ave, Boston, MA 02127. David Hodge, Manager. 11:00 PM Closing Hour. Premise consists of - A 5,564 square foot indoor golf simulation facility with 2 entrances and 3 exits located on the second noor, consisting of a bar with
8 seats, six golf simulator bays with projection screens and 36 seats, a central putting green, and a lounge area with 18 seats.
Attorney: Nicholas J. Zozula
Slide the time bar to 59:03
Outcome: Taken under advisement.
12 Dockshare LLC
D/B/A: Holdfast Specialty Seafood Rolls
164 BRIGHTON AV
ALLSTON, MA 02134
License #: LB-612513
Has applied for a Common Victualler 7 Day Wines and Malt Beverages License to be exercised on the above - Approximately 1,147 square feet. One entrance, two exits. Entrance opens onto Brighton Ave. High table seating area at the front and service station in
the center. Kitchen and prep area in the center behind the service station, and freezers in the back. Basement level for dry storage.
Manager: Jesse Kim
Closing Time: 11:00 PM
Attorney: Thomas P. Miller
Slide the time bar to 1:13:13
Outcome: Taken under advisement.
Public Improvement Commission Hearing
Thursday, December 4, 2025 @ 10:00 am
PH 4. On a petition by MCRT Investments LLC for the acceptance of a Pedestrian Easement adjacent to Everett Street (public way), Brighton, located on its westerly side at address no. 250, generally between Brentwood Street and Raymond Street.
(NB 11/20/2025) As shown on a plan entitled “City of Boston Public Works Department, Engineering Division, Pedestrian Easement Plan, 250 Everett Street, Boston (Brighton)," 1 sheet dated October 2, 2025.
Slide the time bar to 28:34
Outcome: Approved.
PH 5. On a petition by MCRT Investments LLC for the making of Specific Repairs within Everett Street (public way), Brighton, located at address no. 250, generally between Brentwood Street and Raymond Street.
(NB 11/20/2025) As shown on a set of plans entitled “City of Boston Public Works Department, Engineering Division, Specific Repair Plan, Everett Street, Public Way, 250 Everett Street, Brighton," 3 sheets dated October 2, 2025.
Slide the time bar to 31:13
Outcome: Approved.
PH 6. On a petition by National Grid for the making of Specific Repairs within Henshaw Street (public way), Brighton, located on its southwesterly side at the rear of 301 Washington Street, generally between Cambridge Street and Menlo Street.
(NB 11/20/2025) As shown on a set of plans entitled “City of Boston Public Works Department, Engineering Division, Specific Repairs Plans, Henshaw Street, Brighton," 2 sheets dated December, 2023.
Slide the time bar to 35:12
Outcome: Approved.
PH 7. On a petition by National Grid for a Grant of Location to install a gas regulator station and associated infrastructure within the following public ways in Brighton: ● Henshaw Street – generally between Cambridge Street and Menlo Street; ● Cambridge Street
– at Henshaw Street.
(NB 11/20/2025) As shown on a set of plans entitled “City of Boston Public Works Department, Engineering Division, Grant of Location Plans, Cambridge St @ Henshaw St, Gas Regulator Station, Brighton," 6 sheets dated September 8, 2025.
Slide the time bar to 37:01
Outcome: Approved.
Licensing Board Virtual Voting Agenda
Thursday, December 4, 2025 @ 10:00 am
Licensed Premise Inspection Hearing on Tuesday, December 2, 2025
1. Facility Concession Services, LLC
Doing business as: Spectrum
Location: 89 Guest St., Brighton, MA 02135
License#: LB‑99313, Notice/Violation#: 003715, Category: GOPAL
Date: 08/28/2025
Notice: Assault and battery patron(s) on police officer in violation of M.G.L. ch. 138 s. 64, ch. 265 s. 13D.
Assault and battery patron(s) on employee in violation of M.G.L. ch. 138 s. 64, ch. 265 s. 13A.
Slide the time bar to 0:50
Outcome: Continued to the next available hearing date.
2. Facility Concession Services, LLC
Doing business as: Spectrum
Location: 89 Guest St., Brighton, MA 02135
License#: LB‑99313, Notice/Violation#: 007502, Category: GOPAL
Date: 10/07/2025
Notice: No accurate count for each level in violation of M.G.L. ch. 138 s. 64. Overcrowding in mosh pit (3 injured) in violation of M.G.L. ch. 138 s. 64. Over intoxicated under age patrons (2) in violation of M.G.L ch. 138 s. 64.
Slide the time bar to 0:50
Outcome: Continued to the next available hearing date.
Transactional Hearing on Wednesday, December 3, 2025
10. Panagiota, Inc.
Doing business as: Gyro City
181 Chestnut Hill Ave, Brighton, MA 02135
License #: LB-316991
Holder of a Common Victualler 7 Day Wines and Malt Beverages with Liqueurs License has petitioned to transfer the license and location - From: Panagiota, Inc located at 181 Chestnut Hill Ave, Brighton, MA 02135. To: Greenside Athletics Limited Company dba Greenside
Golf Club located at 58 Old Colony Ave, Boston, MA 02127. David Hodge, Manager. 11:00 PM Closing Hour. Premise consists of - A 5,564 square foot indoor golf simulation facility with 2 entrances and 3 exits located on the second noor, consisting of a bar with
8 seats, six golf simulator bays with projection screens and 36 seats, a central putting green, and a lounge area with 18 seats.
Attorney: Nicholas J. Zozula
Slide the time bar to 13:53
Outcome: Approved.
12. Dockshare, LLC
Doing business as: Holdfast Specialty Seafood Rolls
164 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134
License #: LB-612513
Has applied for a Common Victualler 7 Day Wines and Malt Beverages License to be exercised on the above - Approximately 1,147 square feet. One entrance, two exits. Entrance opens onto Brighton Ave. High table seating area at the front and service station in
the center. Kitchen and prep area in the center behind the service station, and freezers in the back. Basement level for dry storage.
Manager: Jesse Kim
Closing Time: 11:00 PM
Attorney: Thomas P. Miller
Slide the time bar to 14:40
Outcome: Deferred to determine if any license is available for which the applicant is qualified and to put the application through the lens of other applications filed.
Non-Hearing Transactions
The Following have applied for a One Day Amendment to Existing License:
2. AHF Speedway Holdings, LLC
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 into the Annex for a morning baby shower and evening birthday party on December 13, 2025 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Manager: Alyssa DiPasquale
Slide the time bar to 18:11
Outcome: Approved.
The Following have applied for Malt & Wine Special One Day License:
1. Community Rowing, Inc. - LBS-613059
Has applied for a(n) Youth Team Family Holiday Event at:
20 Nonantum Rd., Brighton, MA 02458
Date and Time: 12/06/2025, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Manager: Madeleine Cunningham
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!