LOU MANCINELLI
It appears Jamaica Plain can keep the boxing gloves off for now, as D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches representatives said this week they do not plan to locate a shop at the corner of Centre Street and Seaverns Avenue now occupied by Videosmith, after the Gazette revealed the possible move two weeks ago.
“We informed the landlord almost two weeks ago that we would not be planning to come in Jamaica Plain in the Centre Street business district,” said D’Angelo’s company spokesman Michael McManama. “We have numerous locations we evaluate on a daily basis. We evaluate the lease, traffic patterns and business intentions to make choices that are the best fit. This didn’t fit.”
Neighborhood organizations and residents uncertain about reasons for the abrupt liquidation of Videosmith, as well as future plans for the space, announced their fevered opposition to the sub shop chain moving in two weeks ago.
“I’m really happy to hear that [D’Angelo’s is not coming to town],” said JP resident Rhea Becker, who said she was against a chain coming to JP. “I think a lot of people will be happy.”
“We plan to plow through the process, to see if we can find a worthy tenant that the JP community will like,” said Jim DeVillis, owner of the building at 672 Centre St. where Videosmith rents.