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The Boston Zoning Board of Appeal dealt a crushing blow to the opponents of a proposed boutique hotel in the North End, approving the project at a hearing Tuesday.
“I’m really getting tired,” said an exasperated board chair Christine Araujo, cutting off a fiery neighbor during Tuesday’s hearing. “We have already been inundated with letters in support and opposition.”
The board approved the project with a 6-1 vote at the end of Tuesday’s hearing.
The project in question is a “134-key boutique hotel with two ground-floor restaurant uses and seasonal rooftop dining with a total seating capacity of approximately 300 persons at 42 Cross Street” developed by Cross Street Ventures, according to the BPDA summary.
Abutting property owners and allies on either side of the issue have been battling it out since the project was proposed nearly two years ago.
Proponents said the developers have committed to invest more than a $1 million in the public space along Morton Street, Cross Street plaza and Cutillo Park and the project will “revitalize” the “blighted” property. The developers’ lawyer said they collected 385 letters and signatures in support.
Opponents noted a number of issues, focusing on concerns about parking and traffic — the hotel will not provide parking and remove existing parking — lack of handicapped access, and shading Cutillo Park and nearby residences.
A major complaint centered on the allegation that though the developer held community meetings before BPDA approval, they haven’t engaged with local residents since making significant project changes.
Locals protested at the site and several North End community groups called on officials to reevaluate after being notified the project would advance to the zoning board without additional public engagement last week.
“Somehow this developer has skipped the public process and gotten a pass to land on the agenda today,” said Mary Beth Sweeney, an abutting property owner and outspoken opponent.
City Councilor Gabriela Coletta said though she supports the project — because developers have committed to “providing civic amenities in a way that is equitable for all” — she is concerned about the loophole that let the developer bypass community consultation after BPDA approval.
“I believe this is the policy opportunity,” Coletta said. … “Residents should have gotten another shot at looking at these plans and providing feedback.”
Many residents remained unsatisfied, claiming public officials, particularly Mayor Michelle Wu, let them down.
“The fix was in for the developer,” Sweeney said after the meeting, “and ZBA didn’t even try to hide it.”
Sweeney said despite this defeat opponents are now “considering all options” to stop the project, including litigation.
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