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Allston Civic Association (ACA) Honan-Allston Public Library, 300 North Harvard Street, Allston MA Wednesday, March 18th 2015 Meeting convened at 7PM Presentations: Police Report Officer Law from D-14 did not have a lot to update the community on. He reported that crime overall was down over the last month (February-March)-due in large part to the winter weather and snow. Officer Law did report, however, that armed robberies have been on the upswing in Brighton. He reported that there have been six or seven violent robberies, in which the victims have been struck in the head. The most recent happened yesterday (3/17) on North Beacon Street. All of the assaults/robberies have happened after 11:00 P.M. and there doesn’t appear to be any patterns in the crimes. Officer Law reminded the community to be vigilant and to be aware of surroundings when out at night. He stated that Allston experiences their fair share of property crimes, but traditionally the neighborhood does not experience violent robberies. Officer Law also reported that construction sites within the neighborhood have been robbed of tools and equipment, these sites include: Joseph Smith Health Center site, the Suffolk site, and the Charlesview site. Surveillance video was set up and a suspect has been caught. Officer Law emphasized the importance of surveillance video and urged business owners to install cameras around the perimeter of their property. Community Notice: The Ward 21 Democratic Committee will be hosting a Legislative Panel at Brighton Public Library on Monday, March 23rd at 6:00 P.M. State Senator(s) William Brownsberger, Sal DiDeminico, Gloria Fox and State Representative(s) Kevin Honan and Mike Moran will speak to what issues they are working on and will be available to answer questions. Come be heard and share your thoughts! Agenda Items: Charles River Speedway-Western Ave ● Historical Building ● Location is next to the new Joseph Smith Health Center site on Western Ave ● Will restore buildings to their original structure and capacity ● Will feature retail, restaurant, and public space ● The property will return to the state in 40 years
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Would like to recruit a grocer like Russo’s Will be some nonprofit space Developer will need to build a building to pay for all the renovations DCR and Harvard own the land this building will be on, need to buy this parcel Wants support for this project Will pay taxes only on the new building Not sure yet about taxes for businesses in the old buildings The entire process will be public Companies will need to make guarantees to the state Resident: it is a big victory that these buildings will not be demolished Will design of new building go well with the historical buildings? Everyone has a different perspective on this, not sure yet. There may be a few different design choices ○ Resident: these new buildings have no charm! New structure will not be given to state Hoping to build condos 15% affordable Are there any design restrictions because of the park? No just typical zoning restrictions This area needs more home-ownership, create language in condo agreement that promotes owner occupancy This looks good but don’t disappoint us A lot of support for this project Be careful with the pedestrian structures in the area, right now it’s a disaster for pedestrians so if you’re bringing in business and residences need to make it more pedestrian friendly ○ We know, there are no crosswalks! This is a priority for us
172 Franklin Street Homeowner is seeking to enclose front porch and put in sliding door. o Not looking to extend living space This was her second appearance before the ACA-her first permit request was rejected due to a violation of zoning code Chapter 665 The homeowner held an abutters meeting and reported that there were no objections. John Laadt from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services provided confirmation. The ACA voted on this agenda item and voted in full support. The Breakfast Club Business owner looking to expand upon hours of operation, until 10:00 P.M. for dinner service o Business owner also wanted to potentially look into receiving a beer and wine license. o This item was only explored and no specifics were given or granted. The ACA voted on this agenda item and voted in full support
Sheesha Lounge Business owner seeking to addition into rear of building to increase interior of building from the (legal) 30 occupants to 40 occupants. The addition would fit within the natural footprint of the property and would be contained within the building. No outdoor space would be included. Business owner presented to ACA a year ago to propose an outdoor patio, but request was declined and deemed illegal by the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC). The business owner stated that this addition to the back end of the building would help in cleaning up the back lot (pic attached) and add value to the overall property.
A few residents in attendance expressed concerns surrounding the potential impact that addition would have on emergency vehicles and emergency egress from rear of building. o Paul Berkeley recognized these concerns and stated that any concerns surrounding these issues will be addressed by the City and Building Dept. The ACA voted on this agenda item and voted in full support
LuLu’s Restaurant Business owners were seeking to extend hours of operation until 2:00 A.M, the kitchen is currently open until 1:00 A.M and they are looking to keep kitchen open until 1:30-1:45 A.M. The business owners stressed that they have been a good neighbor and have been recognized by Zagat, the Improper Bostonian, and have received commendations from
the City Council and Allston Village Main Streets. Numerous residents recommended LuLu’s for their food and commitment to the neighborhood. When asked about current sales, the owners reported a 50/50 split between food and alcohol. When asked about demographics of patrons, the owners stated that their clientele is generally composed of 25-45 yr. olds and are “well-behaved.” Officer Law from D-14 reported that they have not had any calls or disturbances form business, but stated that D-14 is opposed to 2:00 A.M closings across the board (in all cases) due to crowd control and noise mitigation. The ACA voted on this agenda item and voted in full support The owners of LuLu’s also wanted to propose an idea to the ACA for comments and support. The business owners expressed interest in to take over adjacent auto lot and have permission from building’s landlord to expand. They proposed to install an “urban oasis” which will include plantings along the exterior of the space, fencing and sheets of fabric (to act as a “ceiling”). The oasis would be accessed through two back doors (one ADA compliant) and emergency egress would not be affected. The business owners stated that this could be a space for dining in the nicer weather (oasis would not be all-weather) and would act as a waiting space, while diners are waiting for their tables. The ACA did not vote on this agenda item due-as this was only proposed for comments.