Community Notes, Events, Updates & Public Comment Request February 12-18, 2024
Anthony D'Isidoro
March 5, 2024 – Presidential Primaries
Voter Registration Deadline:
February 24, 2024
Vote by Mail Application Deadline:
February 27, 2024
Check your voter registration status
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Forms are also available at Boston City Hall in the Election Department, Room 241.
Bring your completed registration to Boston City Hall:
Election Department
1 City Hall Square, Room 241
Boston, MA 02201
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Article 85 / Demolition Delay Applications
Harvard Ed Portal's Weekly Newsletter
U.S. Citizenship Classes, Chinese Zodiac Scavenger Hunts, & More (mailchi.mp)
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small business marketing support, tax workshops & grant opportunities (mailchi.mp)
Events
Squares + Streets Zoning Community Office Hours
Boston Planning & Development Agency
Monday, February 12, 2024, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Please join staff from the BPDA’s Zoning Reform team at our virtual office hours ! This will be a space to drop in and talk with our staff about questions and thoughts you have on the Squares + Streets draft zoning text amendment and proposed Squares + Streets zoning districts. There will be recurring afternoon and evening sessions to accommodate differing schedules.
There are no formal presentations or planned agenda items at these office hours, so we ask that you review the information and materials available on the Squares + Streets Zoning Districts page and come prepared with any thoughts, comments, or questions that you’d like to bring to our attention!
Office hours are held on a sign-up basis – if there are no sign-ups for an office hour session six (6) hours before the start of that session, then it will be canceled for the day.
Meeting ID: 161 680 0986
Toll-free call-in number: 833 568 8864
Email Contact: Abdul-Raza...@Boston.gov
180 Western Avenue Public Meeting
Boston Planning & Development Agency
Monday, February 12, 2024, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The BPDA is hosting a joint Public and Task Force Meeting for the 180 Western Avenue project located in Allston. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Draft Project Impact Report (DPIR) and Planned Development Area (PDA) filed in May of 2023. The meeting will include a presentation followed by Q&A and comments from task force members and the public.
The Proponent proposes to demolish the existing buildings on the Project Site and to construct a pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use building containing approximately 200,000 square feet of GFA, including residential space (up to 280 units), ground-floor retail, restaurant, services, and accessory spaces, shared amenity space, and approximately 10,000 square feet of outdoor amenity spaces located on various roof terraces, served by an at-grade structured parking garage.
Register in advance:
Toll-free call-in number: 833.568.8864
Meeting ID: 160 900 3285
Email Contact: Camill...@Boston.gov
Squares + Streets Zoning Community Office Hours
Boston Planning & Development Agency
Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Please join staff from the BPDA’s Zoning Reform team at our virtual office hours ! This will be a space to drop in and talk with our staff about questions and thoughts you have on the Squares + Streets draft zoning text amendment and proposed Squares + Streets zoning districts. There will be recurring afternoon and evening sessions to accommodate differing schedules.
There are no formal presentations or planned agenda items at these office hours, so we ask that you review the information and materials available on the Squares + Streets Zoning Districts page and come prepared with any thoughts, comments, or questions that you’d like to bring to our attention!
Office hours are held on a sign-up basis – if there are no sign-ups for an office hour session six (6) hours before the start of that session, then it will be canceled for the day.
Meeting ID: 160 574 0922
Toll-free call-in number: 833 568 8864
Email Contact: Abdul-Raza...@Boston.gov
Squares + Streets Zoning Community Office Hours
Boston Planning & Development Agency
Wednesday, February 14, 2024, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Please join staff from the BPDA’s Zoning Reform team at our virtual office hours ! This will be a space to drop in and talk with our staff about questions and thoughts you have on the Squares + Streets draft zoning text amendment and proposed Squares + Streets zoning districts. There will be recurring afternoon and evening sessions to accommodate differing schedules.
There are no formal presentations or planned agenda items at these office hours, so we ask that you review the information and materials available on the Squares + Streets Zoning Districts page and come prepared with any thoughts, comments, or questions that you’d like to bring to our attention!
Office hours are held on a sign-up basis – if there are no sign-ups for an office hour session six (6) hours before the start of that session, then it will be canceled for the day.
Meeting ID: 161 476 1162
Toll-free call-in number: 833 568 8864
Email Contact: Abdul-Raza...@Boston.gov
Squares + Streets Zoning Community Office Hours
Boston Planning & Development Agency
Thursday, February 15, 2024, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Please join staff from the BPDA’s Zoning Reform team at our virtual office hours ! This will be a space to drop in and talk with our staff about questions and thoughts you have on the Squares + Streets draft zoning text amendment and proposed Squares + Streets zoning districts. There will be recurring afternoon and evening sessions to accommodate differing schedules.
There are no formal presentations or planned agenda items at these office hours, so we ask that you review the information and materials available on the Squares + Streets Zoning Districts page and come prepared with any thoughts, comments, or questions that you’d like to bring to our attention!
Office hours are held on a sign-up basis – if there are no sign-ups for an office hour session six (6) hours before the start of that session, then it will be canceled for the day.
Meeting ID: 161 570 8231
Toll-free call-in number: 833 568 8864
Email Contact: Abdul-Raza...@Boston.gov
Parks Fitness: Tai Chi with Joe
Boston Parks & Recreation Department, Boston Public Health Commission
Sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Thursday, February 15, 2024, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Repeats weekly on Thursday, starting from January 11, 2024, until April 4, 2024
Participate in FREE fitness classes offered by one of our certified instructors.
Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, is used as a slow-moving exercise to achieve relaxation and stress reduction. Tai Chi offers benefits for the body, mind and spirit."
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 for Class: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCyIPhDtRUAxvy2VmmT_xNXfTlc6YeFrTrzNDkVvIPokSEmQ/viewform
Veronica Smith Center
20 Chestnut Hill Ave, Brighton
Email Contact: jennifer....@boston.gov
Zoning Advisory Board of Appeal Hearing
Inspectional Services Department
Thursday, February 15, 2024
The February 15, 2024, 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/ZBASubcommittee2024. You may also participate by phone by calling into the Zoom Webinar at (305) 224-1968 and entering the Webinar ID: 876 4095 8567 followed by # when prompted.
If you wish to offer testimony on an appeal, please click https://bit.ly/2-15Comment 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- 1528556 Address: 14 Converse Street Ward: 22 Applicant: Len Stasiukiewicz
Article(s): Article 51, Section 9 Side Yard Insufficient
Purpose : Install new kitchen addition on existing foundation. Remove and install new first floor bath remodel existing second floor bath install new rear deck with landing
Email Contact: Stephani...@Boston.Gov
Route 57 Transit Priority Corridor Open House
Boston Transportation Department
Thursday, February 15, 2024, 6:00 pm -7:30 pm
Learn about the updates we've made to our design since last August, and give feedback and input on commercial loading and access needs.
The Route 57 Transit Priority Corridor Project Team has updated designs and information to share about the project, which will change the way the street works on Tremont, Washington, and Cambridge Streets in Allston and Brighton. This includes removing parking to add bus lanes, adding space at street corners to improve visibility, and reducing pedestrian crossing distances to improve safety. We've taken feedback from the community at our last meeting, and incorporated it into our design.
Dinner will be provided.
Brighton Branch Library
40 Academy Hill Rd, Brighton
Email Contact: Matthew Petersen (matthew....@boston.gov)
Allston I-90 Multimodal Project Task Force Meeting
MassDOT
Thursday, February 15, 2024, 6:30 pm -8:00 pm
MassDOT is holding a hybrid (in-person/ online) I-90 Allston Multimodal Project Task Force Meeting. This meeting is open to the public.
If you’d like to attend virtually, please use this link to register via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqc-2rqTspE91Q9UyFLyGalGNW1Ail55Hc#/registration
MassDOT Board Room, 2nd Floor
10 Park Plaza
Boston, MA 02116
Email Contact: I-90A...@dot.state.ma.us
ONS Field Fridays Allston-Brighton
Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services
Friday, February 16, 2024, 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Repeats weekly on Friday, starting from January 12, 2024, until September 27, 2024
Stop by to ask a question or share a concern with Allston-Brighton Liaison, Frank Mendoza.
Twin Donuts
501 Cambridge St, Allston
Email Contact: francis.men...@boston.gov
Updates
Zoning Board of Appeal Hearing
Inspectional Services Department
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Extensions: 9:30 am
Case: BOA-1279801 Address: 120 Braintree Street Ward 22 Applicant: Derric Small, ESQ
Video: Zoning Board of Appeal Hearings 2-6-24 (Part 1 of 2) (youtube.com)
Slide the time bar to 5:35
Outcome: Extension to March 11, 2025 approved.
Hearings: 9:30 am
Case: BOA-1545997 Address: 472-474 Western Avenue Ward 22 Applicant: George Morancy
Article(s): Article 51 Section 16 Use Regulations - Residential accessory uses in basement and 1st floor Conditional Article 51 Section 17 Excessive f.a.r. 1.0 max Article 51 Section 17 Max allowed building height has been exceeded 35' Max. Article 51 Section 17 Insufficient rear yard setback 20' min. required Article 51 Section 17 Insufficient open space per unit 50sf per unit required Article 51 Section 17 Insufficient front yard setback 7' required Article 51, Section 56 Off Street Parking & Loading Req - Insufficient parking None proposed/28 spaces required Article 51, Section 57.3 Traffic Visibility Across Corner Article 51, Section 53 Screening & Buffering Req
Purpose: New construction a 5 story 14-unit residential building. Short form demolition filed under separate permit.
Video: Zoning Board of Appeal Hearings 2-6-24 (Part 1 of 2) (youtube.com)
Slide the time bar to 1:16:25
Outcome: Approved (5-2) with BPDA Design Review.
Hearings: 11:00 am
Case: BOA-1546075 Address: 1853 Commonwealth Avenue Ward 21 Applicant: Rita Kraner
Article(s): Article 51, Section 8 Use: Forbidden - Multiple Family Use Forbidden. Proposed 6 units Art. 51 Sec. 09 Additional lot area insufficient. Art. 51 Sec. 09 Usable open space insufficient. Article 51, Section 56 Off Street Parking Insufficient Article 51,Section53 Screening & Buffering Req - Screening and buffering requirement.
Purpose: Change use from office to residential building with 6 units and 4 parking spaces
Video: Zoning Board of Appeal Hearings 2-6-24 (Part 1 of 2) (youtube.com)
Slide the time bar to 1:38:21
Outcome: Approved with BPDA Site Planning Review to remove front yard parking spaces and possibly add a fourth parking space in the rear and permeable surfaces for the driveway.
Case: BOA-1552790 Address: 226-228 Washington Street Ward 22 Applicant: George Morancy
Article(s): Article 51, Section 8 Use: Forbidden Article 51, Section 9 Floor Area Ratio Excessive Article 51, Section 9 Rear Yard Insufficient Article 51, Section 56. Off Street Parking & Loading Req Article 51, Section 9 Usable Open Space Insufficient Article 51, Section 9 Side Yard Insufficient Article 51, Section 9 Lot Area Insufficient
Purpose: Construct new 6 unit multifamily residential dwelling. Raze existing building on separate SF permit.
Video: Zoning Board of Appeal Hearings 2-6-24 (Part 1 of 2) (youtube.com)
Slide the time bar to 1:47:25
Outcome: Deferral to March 26, 2024 approved.
Case: BOA-1547506 Address: 224-232 Market Street Ward 22 Applicant: Patrick Lee
Article(s): Article 51 Section 54 Add’l Req’s in NB Subdistricts - Expansion of Bar Seating or Standing : Conditional Article 9 Section 1 Extension of NonConforming Use
Purpose: ALT133055 Amendment to building permit ALT1330555. This includes fire sprinkler, fire alarm, and Place of Assembly. Occupant load increase of 30 within the new additions for a total of 150 Persons.
Video: Zoning Board of Appeal Hearings 2-6-24 (Part 1 of 2) (youtube.com)
Slide the time bar to 1:49:23
Outcome: Approved.
Case: BOA- 1413004 Address: 560-562 Washington Street Ward 22 Applicant: Ozan Dokmecioglu DND Homes, LLC
Article(s): Article 51, Section 27 Use: Forbidden - Multifamily Article 51, Section 50.2 Conformity Ex Bldg Alignment Article 51, Section 56 Off Street Parking Insufficient Article 51, Section 9 Add'l Lot Area 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) Art. 51 Sec. 09 Open Space insufficient Article 51, Section 9 Front Yard Insufficient Article 51, Section 9 Side Yard Insufficient Article 51, Section 9 Rear Yard Insufficient
Purpose: Seeking to erect a new residential building with 14 units and 9 parking spaces. Existing structure to razed on a separate permit building has 1 elevator and 1 car lift that provides vehicular access to parking spaces on garage.
Video: Zoning Board of Appeal Hearings 2-6-24 (Part 1 of 2) (youtube.com)
Slide the time bar to 1:53:24
Outcome: Approved with Accessibility Review and BPDA Design Review.
Hearings: 1:00 pm
Case: BOA-1552468 Address: 42 Waverly Street Ward 22 Applicant: 40 Waverly, LLC
Article(s): Article 51, Section 8 Use: Forbidden - Multifamily Article 51, Section 9 Add'l Lot Area Insufficient Article 51, Section 9 Floor Area Ratio Excessive Art. 51 Sec. 09 Open Space insufficient Article 51, Section 9 Front Yard Insufficient Article 51, Section 9 Rear Yard Insufficient Art. 51 Sec. 57.2 Exst'g Bldg Algnmnt Conformity - Modal calculation not provided so to verify compliance. Art.51 Sec.56 Off St Parking Design - Dimensions of spaces Article 51, Section 56 Off Street Loading Insufficient - Min. required: 28 spaces. Proposed: 14
Purpose: Build a new 14 unit residential building (by special permit) with 14 underground parking spaces on the proposed combined lot at 42 Waverly St, Brighton MA (filed under the permits ALT1529573 and ALT1529575). The existing houses at 40 and 42 Waverly St will be razed under SF1529580 and SF1529584.
Video: Zoning Board of Appeal Hearings 2-6-24 (Part 2 of 2) - YouTube
Slide the time bar to 52:29
Outcome: Denial without prejudice was approved.
Virtual Licensed Premise Violation Hearings
Boston Licensing Board
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 @ 10:00 am
7) MILE 22, INC. , D/B/A: CITYSIDE IN THE CIRCLE, Location: 1958 - 1960 BEACON ST BRIGHTON, MA 02135, License#: LB-98902, Notice/Violation#: 059295, Category: CV7AL
Date: 11/09/2023 Notice: Persons under 21 in possession of alcohol on premise in violation of M.G.L. ch. 138 s. 34A, 34C, 64-64A
Video: Boston Licensing Board Violations Hearing 2-6-24 (youtube.com)
Slide the time bar to 2:04:55
Outcome: Taken under advisement.
Licensing Board Virtual Transactional Hearing
Boston Licensing Board
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 @ 10:00 am
2 SZA, LLC
D/B/A: SHABU ZEN
78 - 80 BRIGHTON AV
ALLSTON, MA 02134
License #: LB-99770
Holder of a Common Victualler 7 Day Wines and Malt Beverages w/ Liqueurs License has petitioned to change the manager of the licensed business – From: Jody Law To: Yi Jin Cheng.
Video: Boston Licensing Board Transactional Hearing 2-7-24 (youtube.com)
Slide the time bar to 25:14
Outcome: Taken under advisement.
Licensing Board Virtual Voting Agenda
Thursday, February 8, 2024 @ 10:00 am
Licensed Premise Inspection Hearing on Tuesday, February 6, 2024
7. Mile 22, Inc.
Doing business as: Cityside In the Circle
Location: 1958 ‑ 1960 Beacon St Brighton, MA 02135
License#: LB‑98902, Notice/Violation#: 059295, Category: CV7AL
Date: 11/09/2023
Notice: Persons under 21 in possession of alcohol on premise in violation of M.G.L. ch. 138 s. 34A, 34C, 64‑64A.
Video: Boston Licensing Board Voting Hearing 2-8-24 (youtube.com)
Slide the time bar to 7:49
Outcome: Violation with a warning.
Transactional Hearing on Wednesday, February 7, 2024
2. SZA, LLC
Doing business as: Shabu Zen
78-80 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134
License #: LB-99770
Holder of a Common Victualler 7 Day Wines and Malt Beverages w/ Liqueurs License has petitioned to change the manager of the licensed business – From: Jody Law To: Yi Jin Cheng
Video: Boston Licensing Board Voting Hearing 2-8-24 (youtube.com)
Slide the time bar to 12:49
Outcome: Approved.
Non-Hearing Transactions
The Following have applied for a One Day Amendment to Existing License:
6. AHF Speedway Holdings, LLC d/b/a Charles River Speedway, 1420 to 1440 Soldiers Field RD 22 Brighton MA 02135 (LB-464491) has applied for a one day amendment to existing license to include extending license to Garage B for a Movie Night on February 13, 2024 between the hours of 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Manager : Jenna Chillington
Video: Boston Licensing Board Voting Hearing 2-8-24 (youtube.com)
Slide the time bar to 20:45
Outcome: Approved.
Public Comments
50 Sutherland Road (SPRA Comment Due by February 12, 2024)
https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/50-sutherland-road
McKinney Playground Online Survey (Survey will be online until February 12, 2024)
www.linktr.ee/mckinneyplayground
https://www.boston.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/mckinney-playground-improvements
Boston University Charles River Campus - Institutional Master Plan Notification Form for Renewal and Seventh Amendment (IMPNF Comment Due by March 2, 2024)
Faneuil Gardens (PNF Comment Due by March 15, 2024)
https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/faneuil-gardens
Harvard ERC & Greenway Plan (Survey Due by March 30, 2024)
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3VHDFLD
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 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!