The most notable agenda item involved Taco Azul Boston LLC, operating as Taco Azul, which sought permission to add an entertainment category, allowing the use of outdoor speakers on their patio until 9:30 p.m. Dan Leva and Matt Nerens, representing the restaurant located on Beacon Street, emphasized the positive reception of their establishment, which had reopened after a prolonged closure. They argued that the request aimed to enhance the dining atmosphere with background music, assuring compliance with noise ordinances and willingness to modify the proposal to address community concerns.

The board’s inquiry revealed that Taco Azul had been operational for approximately six to seven months, with the patio opening in late May. The representatives clarified that the speakers were inherited from the previous license and were currently monitored using a Sonos system, offering management staff the ability to control volume levels. The board suggested broader dissemination of this contact information to ensure prompt handling of any complaints.

Community engagement activities undertaken by Taco Azul included distributing flyers and mailing notifications to nearby residents and businesses, which yielded two letters of opposition. Concerns were voiced about the music not being purely background noise and its potential to disrupt the neighborhood. Carol Hyan, a resident of the building, described the music as excessively loud, contradicting claims of it being merely atmospheric. She cited complaints from other businesses and concerns about setting a precedent for outdoor music in the area.

Additional community feedback included input from Amy Finsilver, the general manager of a nearby hotel, who supported the music license with reservations about noise levels. She recommended implementing a timer for the music to avoid oversight during busy hours, suggesting that the music should conclude earlier than 9:30 p.m. Despite no complaints from hotel guests, she noted noise issues experienced by her restaurant clientele due to Taco Azul’s patio music.

Stan Wheatley, a lawyer with an office near the restaurant, acknowledged the patio’s role in revitalizing the area but raised concerns about noise affecting his work environment. The representatives reassured that noise was controlled at the speaker level, designed not to be loud or overwhelming to nearby residents or businesses.

A local resident, Miss Asher, spoke in support of Taco Azul, claiming no music disturbance from her unit even with open windows. She highlighted the community’s efforts to improve the street’s atmosphere and noted that off-road vehicle noise posed a larger problem than the restaurant’s music. Her statement aimed to balance the narrative, offering to provide video evidence of noise levels if needed.

Following these discussions, the board invited comments from the entertainment division. A suggestion was made to have Sergeant Gallagher conduct sound tests to determine a maximum noise level, an idea that the board welcomed.

The meeting then shifted focus to Little Haiti International Cuisine LLC, represented by co-owner George Cran, who sought to add entertainment options like board games, karaoke, and live music. Cran explained the desire to elevate the restaurant’s ambiance through live jazz and aimed to reinstate a previously held live entertainment license. He assured the board that the establishment would maintain its restaurant setting, without transitioning to a nightclub atmosphere, operating until 1:00 a.m. on weekends.

Security measures at Little Haiti were discussed, with Cran detailing the presence of three security guards to ensure safety during events. The board requested a copy of the security plan to verify compliance. Cran also addressed the restaurant’s commercial surroundings, which included a 7-Eleven and Dunkin’ Donuts, minimizing residential noise concerns. Support from a nearby church and positive community engagement were highlighted, with the High Park Neighborhood Association backing the proposal after initial noise and parking concerns were addressed.