The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) held its regular monthly meeting via Zoom on Tuesday evening, October 27. Attending the session were secretary-treasurer Michael Reiskind, who chaired the meeting, Dave Baron, Sarah Freeman, Caliga, Gert Thorn, Adam Burrows, Willie Mitchell, Alessia Shelley, Renee Stacey Welch, Lorenzo Bartoloni, Chase Brewster, and Erich Yaeger.
Also on hand for the session was Zavia Dickerson, the JP community liaison from the office of the mayor.
Reiskind opened the meeting by announcing that there are still two vacancies on the committee in Areas A and C. He said anyone interested in filling those seats should contact the JPNC via its website.
The chairs of the JPNC’s committees presented their reports, starting with Baron of the Zoning Committee. Baron said the committee took up one matter in October in which the owner of 15 Hampstead Rd. is seeking to add a half-story attic addition to the rear of the existing building and construct a new front dormer that will give the structure the same architectural appearance as the other homes on the streets.
Variances are needed for an extension of a non-conforming use, excessive floor area ratio (FAR), insufficient front yard setback, and insufficient side yard setback. After Baron said that neighbors spoke in favor of the application and that the Zoning Committee gave the application a favorable recommendation, the full JPNC unanimously supported the application. The owner now must go before the Boston Zoning Board of Appeals to obtain the variances.
Welch presented the report of the Housing & Development Committee (HDC), which focused primarily on updates regarding the MBTA’s Arborway Yard project and related transportation issues.
The HDC’s Arborway Yard Subcommittee held a meeting at which it discussed engagement with the MBTA and concerns about the proposed bus terminal design, including its appearance and potential emissions issues, that will service 200 of the T’s future all-electric bus fleet.
Thorn emphasized at the meeting the need for meaningful community engagement in the design process and raised concerns about the MBTA’s approach to the project, noting in particular that the T’s present plans for housing its 200 electric buses call for an enclosure covered only by a canopy, rather than an enclosed garage.
JPNC members also voiced their desire to engage with the City of Boston, specifically the BPDA, regarding the development of a high-rise, affordable housing complex on the eight acres of community land on the site.
Caliga voiced a separate concern about the recent installation of “stadium lighting” on the present site, which she said disrupts the adjacent neighborhood, noting that JP is a “dark skies neighborhood.”
Freeman presented the report of the Parks+ Committee. She said that the committee discussed a number of topics, including dog parks, sustainability, and park cleanups.
In addition, Freeman noted that the committee members emphasized the need for traffic enforcement on the Jamaicaway, an issue that has been in the forefront of the community in the aftermath of the recent tragic accident when a vehicle jumped the median and crashed head-on into another vehicle, claiming the life of a 47 year-old father of three.
The members noted that the DCR’s plans for redesigning the busy and treacherous roadway have dragged on for 30 years without any progress.
Reiskind presented the report of the Public Service Committee. He said that the committee approved a 7-day Wine and Malt Beverages license for Cafe La Paz, which presently has only a Common Victualler’s License. The restaurant, which has been open for about a year, is located at 101 South Huntington Ave. on the ground floor of the Serenity Apartment Building. Its hours of operation are from 7:00 a.m. to 110:00 p.m.
The JPNC unanimously voted to support the Public Service Committee’s recommendation. The owners now must go before the Boston Licensing Commission to obtain their license.
The next meeting of the JPNC is set for Tuesday, November 24, from 7–9 p.m. via Zoom.