The proposal for a tattoo studio at 1 to 3 Center Plaza, presented by applicant Juan Cano, was one of the most notable cases discussed. Cano sought to convert an existing beauty salon into a body art studio. This proposal received a robust backing from the Wharf District Neighborhood Council, which expressed its support during the public testimony phase. Eva Jones, representing the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, relayed that a community process had been conducted, and no opposition was recorded. With no questions from the board or additional public comments, the motion to approve Cano’s application was made, seconded, and carried unanimously.

Another topic was a proposal for a new soft serve ice cream window on Appleton Street, presented by Maline Branson, owner of Meline’s Candy Shop. Branson’s plan involves minimal alterations to the existing property and aims to provide a walk-up service with a limited selection of flavors to maintain efficiency and minimize crowding. The proposal was met with a mix of public support and concern, particularly regarding potential crowding, safety at nearby crosswalks, and waste management. However, Branson addressed these issues by coordinating with neighboring businesses and city departments. The Ellis Neighborhood Association supported the initiative, and the board’s chair noted the overwhelming positive feedback and community enthusiasm. The board unanimously approved the proposal, with members acknowledging the joy the new amenity would bring to the neighborhood.

The meeting also tackled a zoning issue for a proposed Pilates studio in South Boston. Attorney George Morance represented the prospective tenant, Haley Hoffman, who plans to open the studio in a space previously designated for generic commercial use. The area, still governed by outdated 1964 M1 restricted manufacturing zoning, does not recognize Pilates studios as a permissible service use. Morance highlighted the lack of opposition and deemed the studio an appropriate use for the space. Siggy Johnson from the Mayor’s Office confirmed that no public comments were received, and the Andrew Square Civic Association supported the application. Subsequently, the board approved the use of the space for the Pilates studio without any dissent.

The board further reviewed various residential modification projects. A notable case involved a proposal on Edge Hill Street, where a homeowner sought to add a dormer to accommodate a new family member. The property, over a century old, required approval due to its non-conforming features. The board raised no questions, and community support was conveyed by Connor Newman from the Mayor’s Office. The proposal was approved without opposition.

Another residential case concerned 13 Marmian Street, where homeowners Nate and Julie Hall planned to replace an old bay window and extend their roofline without increasing the building’s height. No concerns were raised during the community process, and the board approved the project.

The meeting concluded with a discussion about 51 Mosley Street, where property owner Yandi Yu sought to rectify a violation notice regarding unauthorized work. The board approved the completed modifications, which included extending living space into the basement and raising a dormer, following confirmation from the Mayor’s Office that the community process had been conducted with no negative feedback.