St. Mark’s Area Civic Association
Minutes of the June 27, 2017 Meeting.
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 PM. There were 35 souls present.
Officer Mike Keaney gave his police report. He reported on various incidents, including violence on Shepton Street and the fact that O’Brien’s market was robbed. Mike gave us his annual reminder that air conditioners and fans must be secured in the windows. Otherwise, it’s easy to pull them out and bad hombres can climb in. Mike gleefully announced that he would be on vacation for two weeks and to contact Officers Lilly or Golden at C-11. He’ll be back on the beat on July 17.
Attorney Carolyn Conway and Tri Pham of Tri Seafood presented Tri’s request to extend his evening hours of operation until midnight. He was asked about prior violations and the concern about the lack of windows in the establishment. People commented about the lack of restaurants in the Saint Mark’s area and were glad to have something nearby. Tri reiterated that he would be serving both food and alcohol until about 11:45. After a question and answer period and a discussion without the presenters present, the request was supported with a vote of 21 Yes and 1 No.
James Christopher (architect), Patrick Stones (owner), and Chris Drew (contractor) representing 44 Mather Street presented their revised plans for converting the house from a one-family to a two-family. They will add a 10’ wide curb cut on the right for a driveway. Unit 1 will have 2 bedrooms and 3 baths, Unit 2 will have 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. There will be no Saturday permits for construction. After a question and answer period and a discussion without the presenters present, the request was supported unanimously.
Gerry McCarthy of Verizon/Fios did not attend the meeting. Members complained about problems, including “No Parking” signs not being posted until the day of the street’s being ripped up and problems with the foreman. Since nobody from Verizon was there to field the questions and complaints, people were told to contact Councilor Campbell’s or Baker’s office.
James Baker talked about his plans that are under agreement for 500 Talbot Ave/8 Argyle St. (Site of the Church of Our Savior Lutheran Church). His plans call for 2 commercial units and 40 residential units (studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms). He is leaning toward condos, 13% of which will be affordable. This is based on neighborhood input. The church building is not veing saved, but elements are being saved, such as the windows. The complex will be four stories and a mezannine. There will be a terrace on the point. Parking will be below grade for 23 cars (.57 ratio) and will have bicycle racks. Since this is a preliminary presentation, there was not vote. People did give their opinions.
Bryan Bryson gave a presentation on creating 2 ‘parklets’ on Shepton Street at the corner of Dot Ave for the Sea Breeze Restaurants. These parklets would be on the street (taking up two parking spaces) with tables and chairs for outside dining during warm weather. After a question and answer period and a discussion without the presenters present, the request was supported unanimously. [Additional Note…. The project could not get insurance; so the project was cancelled].
President Doug Hurley asked those present for suggestions for future agenda items. They included having someone speak on planting more trees in the area, finding out what services are available from community police, and quality of life problems in the neighborhood (dealing with litter, unattended properties, increased parking problems, noisy neighbors).
The meeting ended at 8:53.
Respectfully submitted,
Douglas Shaheen
Secretary, SMACA
