By Adam Swift
The Stonybrook Neighborhood Association held an informal discussion on the possibility of bringing a grocery story to the Doyle’s Cafe development on Washington Street.
At its June meeting, SNA member Chase Brewster asked if the SNA wanted to reform a Doyle’s Grocery subcommittee. Brewster said that he, his wife, and one other SNA member have had informal talks both among themselves and with local grocers about the possibility of a grocery store leasing space at the mixed-used development.
“If more people are interested, you are welcome to email us about joining in,” said Brewster. “If we hear any more requests from people wanting to join before the next meeting, we can open that up as a new subcommittee.”
Brewster said that none of the local grocers committee members have talked to recently are looking to expand at this point.
“A lot of them didn’t really cite anything particularly wrong with the site itself, it was more about their personal businesses and what they wanted to do,” said Brewster. “It doesn’t seem like there was anything particularly wrong with the site from smaller grocers that was being cited as a reason, so that is a good sign, but attracting a grocer there has been kind of difficult. We are looking for ideas right now of if there are any smaller chains or places that just have one location that would like to open up there.”
Brewster said there could also be more conversation about what the community would like to see open in the location, such as a bulk goods grocer or other ideas.
“That’s about where the conversation is, but the next step would be contacting other grocery chains to see if they would want to open up,” said Brewster.
Brewster and other SNA members said there have been conversations with the Doyle’s project developer, and that the developer has also made overtures to some local grocers to lease space at the project, but that there have been no takers yet.
In other business, SNA members discussed the status of the landmark property at 19 Kenton Road.
Michael Babcock noted that the property is in a state of disrepair and that there is a possible rodent infestation issue. He said he has contacted both the landmark commission and city inspectional services about the property.
Several members recommended staying on top of the city about the property, and continuing to call 311 whenever they believed there was a rat and rodent issue at the site.
There was also discussion of a proposed Architectural Conservation District on Kenton Road that would provide historic protections for houses such as the one on 19 Kenton, which earned landmark status last year, and others on the road. The proposal is currently in the study phase, with a committee slated to be formed once that stage is complete that would establish review criteria.
In other Doyle’s-related business, project developer Lee Goodman and artist Lee Beard discussed a new mural behind the Midway Cafe featuring Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain.
“I am very grateful for all of the warm thoughts and praise it has been getting so far,” said Beard. “I would really encourage everyone if they get a chance to go by and check it out. I want to point out that this was not my idea, this was all Lee Goodman’s idea, and it is really great and I am thankful to be a part of this mural and painting this mural.
“There are not too many individuals I have encountered like Lee Goodman, or developers I have encountered, where they are thinking of the community.”