St. Mark’s Area Civic Association
Minutes of the January 26, 2016 Meeting
The meeting was called to order began at 7:03. There were 156 (yup, 156) souls present.
Officer Mike Keaney gave his police report. He thanked everyone who donated gifts and money to C-11’s holiday party and the volunteers who helped wrap gifts. The kids had a great time at the party. He talked about the R.A.D. program, which is Rape and Aggression Defense. These are free classes for women and is a nationally recognized 9-12 hour course aimed at providing women with the necessary self-defense education in a relatively short period of time. Contact C-11 Community Service Office at 617-343-5315 for more information.
Jack Wu spoke about the Home Stead Café that will be opening within the next two to three weeks in Fields Corner. He envisions it as a relaxing place for people. Jack is seeking a restricted liquor license for pop-up specialty dinners every couple of weeks. He would also like to have light entertainment and is applying for an entertainment license.
Gail Willett from the Assessment Office spoke about how property is assessed which includes looking at the prices of similar houses that have sold recently in the neighborhood. If you feel that your assessment is too high, you have until February 1 to apply for an abatement. Abasement requests are answered in three months. An assessor may come to your house to review the situation if necessary. There are also exemptions for the elderly, veterans, the blind, as well as other people. Gail noted that there is also a tax deferred program at a 4% rate for elderly people. She said to go to the city’s website for more information.
Peter Brown of 47 Dracut Street requested a variance to build a driveway for parking two cars. After a question and answer period, the membership voted to support the variance with a vote of 44 Yes and 3 No.
John Findlay from the Epiphany School along with their lawyer Bob FitzGerald gave a presentation to request a variance for building new structures on the Epiphany’s property at 228-230 Centre Street. After a question and answer period, the membership voted to support the variance with a vote of 59 Yes and 4 No.
The meeting adjourned at 8:37.
Respectfully submitted,
Doug Shaheen
Secretary, SMACA
