St. Mark’s Area Civic Association
Minutes of the October 28, 2014 Meeting
The meeting was held in the Parish hall and started at 7:07. There were 44 souls present.
Officer Mike Keaney gave his police report. He is no longer able to give the usual statistics because of the conversion to a new system. There has been an uptick in drugs at the Shawmut T station. The police party for neighborhood kids needs candy and said anyone who would like to donate candy that hadn’t brought it to the meeting could drop it off at C-11. Next month he will have tickets for the C-11 holiday party. Call him or Officer Lilly at 617-343-4524 if you have questions.
Joandry Vasquez from the Sea Breeze Mexican Grill made a presentation to obtain a liquor license and to move closing from 11:00 pm to midnight. He stressed that his current closing is at 11, but he usually closes around 10, because everyone has left by then. He would like the extra hour as a “just in case” people want to linger over a drink. After a question and answer session and a discussion among those present after Mr. Vasquez left, the community vote was 34 yes; 0 no and the membership vote was 26 yes; 0 no.
Mary Diggle and Kevin Czaja of 37 Dracut Street presented their request for a zoning variance to build a 10 ft by 12 ft single story addition to the back of the house. They are in code on the side of the house, but in violation in the back. After a question and answer session and a discussion among those present after the presenters left, the community vote was 27 yes; 0 no and the membership vote was 25 yes; 0 no.
President Doug Hurley reported that the new website was almost ready. Vice President and Webmaster Ken Donovan said he’s waiting for the URL release and then it would be ready to go.
City Councilor at Large Michelle Wu spoke about Boston issues. Her priority is access to opportunity, especially small businesses and to keep money local. She is working on the permitting process, homelessness, and reallocating investment portfolios to drop polluters. When asked, she said she voted against the city council pay raise.
Mike Oliver from the ESL program gave a brief overview of the program. It runs six days a week and has three sessions, except during the summer. It also offers citizenship classes.
Meghan Overton from Saint Mark’s Area Main Streets is coming to the November meeting. If you have any questions for her, contact President Doug Hurley who will pass them on to her.
The meeting was adjourned 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Douglas Shaheen
Secretary
