The applicant for 28A Shaman Avenue emphasized their commitment to addressing local concerns, detailing plans for an open-concept design to improve accessibility and mitigate pest problems. They proposed operating hours from 5 PM to midnight on weekdays and until 2 AM on weekends, which raised further questions about potential noise and neighborhood disruption. Public testimony revealed a divided community response: while some residents supported the return of Lebanese culture and praised the applicant’s previous community involvement, others expressed opposition due to concerns about trash removal, noise, and loitering.

Further scrutiny came from the Bradford Neighborhood Association and other abutters, who raised issues related to trash accumulation, rodent presence, and noise from late-night activities. Despite this opposition, the Pilot Blocks Neighborhood Association and adjacent civic association provided letters of support, citing the applicant’s responsible business operations and positive community engagement. The mayor’s office deemed the proposal appropriate for the location, noting the applicant’s efforts to address community concerns.

Board members acknowledged the mixture of support and opposition. Discussions also touched on procedural concerns, such as notification adequacy, and accessibility issues, with assurances from the applicant about compliance with ADA requirements. Ultimately, the board moved towards a motion of approval after extensive public testimony.

Another topic during the meeting involved a request for a variance related to a restaurant seeking to add an enclosed canopy for takeout services. The applicant sought relief from a zoning code front yard setback deficiency, proposing an 18-by-10-foot addition designed to enhance takeout order processing. The proposal aimed to improve public service and alleviate congestion within the existing dining area, incorporating accessibility features and additional parking to mitigate street congestion. Local councilors praised the project, highlighting its positive impact on the community and emphasizing the importance of immigrant-owned businesses thriving in local neighborhoods. Despite some concerns regarding noise and parking, the board approved the motion, allowing the project to proceed.

The board also discussed a proposal for the Holly Street site in downtown Boston, where a board member expressed concerns about unresolved issues related to housing opportunities for women veterans. The member highlighted the high concentration of homeless women veterans in the country and advocated for a deferral of the vote to explore further collaboration with the mayor’s office and other stakeholders. This proposal underscores the ongoing efforts to address housing needs and support vulnerable populations within the city.

In addition to these discussions, the board addressed several routine agenda items, including lease extensions, contract renewals, and authorization requests for various city projects. Among these, a proposal to renew a contract with Blackbaud for financial software and a request for engineering design services for streetscape improvements at the Raymond Flynn Marine Park were approved without opposition.