The Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA) on Tuesday approved a proposal for a patio for the Brendan Behan Pub at 378-380 Centre St. Attorney Marc LaCasse said that the proposal is to add 23 seats to an outdoor patio area behind the existing restaurant space, which has been there for over 30 years. Owner Michel Soltani wants to upgrade the patio with new pavers and fencing, as well as clean up the area so the patio can be used seasonally.
Above the restaurant is four residential units, making the building a mixed-use one. The project was cited for variances of insufficient parking and insufficient usable open space for the residential units.
Soltani said that the patio would close at 10 p.m., and there would “never” be music played outside. He said that the trash receptacle has been designed by an architect, and will allow the trash to be self-contained. Soltani said the patio area is “going to be a relaxed place like the bar itself.”
Access to the patio will be granted through the bar, and the patio area will be handicapped accessible. There will also be “very dim lighting” provided due to the close proximity to the street light, according to Soltani.
Faisa Sharif from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services said the office is in support, as her former colleague Enrique Pepen led a community process related to this proposal. She said that the “vast majority” of neighbors are in support of the project, as they feel Soltani has a “good track record” in the neighborhood. Sharif said the potential issue around live music was brought up at the community meeting, but the project team assured the neighbors that no live music would be played on the patio. City Councilor Matt O’Malley is also in support of the project.
A resident from North Attleboro lso expressed her support, saying she has been a patron of the pub and that it is clear that Soltani is a “very responsible business owner.” Nobody came to the hearing to oppose this proposal, and the ZBA voted to approve the project with the proviso that there not be live music added.