Boston Zoning Board of Appeals Approves New Restaurant in Jamaica Plain Amid Community Support
- Meeting Overview:
The Boston Zoning Board of Appeals convened to discuss various zoning appeals, with community support leading to the approval of a new restaurant, Biva Mipa, on Center Street, Jamaica Plain. Other topics included approval for a porch extension at a residential property.
02:44The relocation of Biva Mipa Restaurant from West Roxbury to Jamaica Plain emerged as the key focus of the meeting. Lady Marceli, the manager, explained that the restaurant’s previous building was sold, necessitating the move. The new location, which will maintain similar hours of operation, did not require major structural changes aside from interior decorations and painting. The establishment covers a single floor with 24 seats and operates with two bathrooms. Community engagement was notably positive, with neighborhood meetings revealing no opposition. A representative from the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council confirmed the council’s approval. Andrea, a local resident, expressed support, noting the significance of a new South American vendor in the area and the revitalization of a long-vacant space.
07:58In another decision, the board approved a proposal to renovate and expand a porch into a three-season sunroom at 55-57 Willow Street. The property owner, alongside their contractor, plans to enlarge and enclose the existing porch, citing deteriorating conditions as the impetus. The project received backing from the West Roxbury Neighborhood Council, and Jennifer Nelson, a resident of the same condo, voiced her full support.
Michelle Wu
Zoning Board Officials:
Giovanni Valencia, Norm Stembridge, Shavel’le Olivier, Sherry Dong, David Aiken, Katie Whewell, Hansy Barraza, Raheem Shepard, Alan Langham, Dave Collins, Arthur Jemison (Chief of Planning)
-
Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
-
Committee:
-
Meeting Date:
02/13/2025
-
Recording Published:
04/14/2025
-
Duration:
10 Minutes
-
Notability Score:
Routine
Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:
-
State:
Massachusetts
-
County:
Suffolk County
-
Towns:
Boston
Recent Meetings Nearby:
- 05/08/2025
- 05/08/2025
- 36 Minutes
- 05/08/2025
- 62 Minutes
- 05/08/2025
- 05/08/2025
- 90 Minutes