VOL. 125 - NO. 15 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, APRIL 9, 2021 $.35 A COPY Public Meeting for the North End Residents Oppose Cross Street Hotel by Marie Simboli Silver Line Extension The North End community and its residents have mounted stiff opposition to a boutique luxury hotel planned for the property on the Alternatives Analysis Greenway-end of Salem Street. Since this project was fi rst proposed, residents have been saying that it is out of character with the neighborhood and many of their complaints are focused on its disruptive impact on the quality of life. Community stakeholders have organized a signature drive and have voiced opposition and it doesn’t appear that neighbors plan to go away, as they continue their message of “enough is enough” 134 key boutique hotel with 2 ground fl oors universal that North End residents DO NOT uses and seasonal roof top dining 300 people a WANT A HOTEL LOCATED THERE. 5-story building. Comments by business owner Dr. Paul M. 1. Blocking the view of greenway that has a Cangiano of Vision North: beautiful view with trees, grass and water sprin- “The North End needs every parking space it klers and residents enjoying that part of the park. can get its hands on. This proposed project is going to take public temporary/North End over- The MBTA and MassDOT project team will present an overview Residents will have no sunlight and no quality night parking spaces for its own benefi t. I have of the Silver Line Extension (SLX) Alternatives Analysis, share the of fresh air patients that use these spots daily to run into my fi ndings so far, and gather input from the community at a virtual 2. Parking will be severely exacerbated and offi ce for a quick check up or to pick up items. By public meeting being held at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 27th. so they are pushing back on the project and its taking these spots away it is unfair to the resi- The project team is seeking the public’s input on the project’s need for variances. A 300-person roof deck is just dents, visitors, and the North End businesses.” needs, goals, and objectives; the fi ndings so far; and what align- one of many reasons as to why the residents are “ An increase in traffi c fl ow in this area that ments should be considered in connecting Chelsea with Everett, saying “no thanks” is already congested will create a bottle neck of Somerville, Cambridge, and/or downtown Boston. 3. We don’t have enough parking in the North traffi c. Hotel clients being dropped off or double- Feedback can be provided via online polls during the meeting. End and with outside dining it makes it totally parked will only make things worse. I already An online feedback form will also be available closer to the meeting impossible to fi nd a parking spot. have patients calling even during COVID traf- date and for the weeks following the meeting. 4. This Boutique hotel affects Stillman Street, fi c conditions stuck in traffi c in this area. Not The virtual meeting will be held via Zoom. Participants are asked Cooper Street, and the residents that live in to mention how the effects of a Bruins/Celtics to pre-register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ the condominiums behind this hotel once it is game will have on this intersection. The Hotel’s tZUodO6uqTwrHdOE0dEg0FnS9u2siKw8vQ69. The meeting will built. proposed design adds no benefi t to the North End be recorded and posted online for those who cannot attend. 5. This hotel will affect everyone including the community or the businesses. It should not be Accommodations business people that are trying to keep their allowed any relief of any existing zoning codes. It For accommodations or language assistance, please contact: heads above water during this COVID-19 DO WE could be built without zoning waivers but would [email protected]. REALLY NEED ANOTHER HOTEL. not comply with the builders fi nance goals at the For more information, please visit: www.mbta.com/SLX, With this site being at the gateway to the community’s expense.” www.mbta.com/slxmeeting, or connect with the T on Twitter neighborhood, community reaction has been @MBTA, Facebook /TheMBTA, or Instagram @theMBTA. North End Parking Alternatives During Outdoor Dining Season News Briefs The City of Boston has addressed North End ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT: by Sal Giarratani resident parking concerns by offering alterna- All applicants must have a valid residential tives in partnership with the TD Garden, parking permit for the North End neighborhood. Government Center Garage, HayMarket INSTRUCTIONS: Remembering Roger Mudd Garage at Parcel 7, and the Sargent’s Wharf Apply using the online form at: bit.ly/ Longtime CBS-TV news weekend anchor Roger Lot. North End residents who meet the offer ParkingNE21. Mudd recently passed away at age 93. Did you know requirements will be eligible for a parking space Applicants will need to supply the following one of his ancestors was a Dr. Mudd who actually at one of these parking garages. Residents who information to complete the form: treated John Wilkes Booth following his successful applied last year MUST reapply. Name, Email, Phone Number, Resident Parking assassination of President Lincoln? You know the Space is limited and parking spots will Number, and License Plate Number term, “Your name is mud”? It came from Dr. Mudd be offered on a fi rst come fi rst served basis. Applicants will also be asked to select their treating Booth. Once a resident is assigned a parking spot parking garage preference by ranking the options they must use that spot for the duration of available. Preferences are not guaranteed. Team Tauro the offer. No exchanging of spots is allowed. NEXT STEPS: Breakfasts Updates Please see below for parking spot availability, Applicants will be contacted within 48 hours Billy Tauro, a candidate for Mayor of Somerville eligibility requirements, and instructions on how with an approval or denial. in the fall elections is holding a series of breakfasts. to apply. Approved applicants will be sent a follow-up The fi rst will be for Somerville seniors to be held at PARKING SPOT AVAILABILITY: email and must complete the instructions to Renee’s Cafe on Holland Street on Sunday, April 11th HayMarket at Parcel 7 is offering free 24/7 fi nalize the application process. from 7:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. parking. Denied applicants who would like to appeal The following Sunday, April 18th there will be The Government Center Garage is offering must contact the parking clerk by emailing: another free breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 12 noon, this free parking spots available nights from 4:00 p.m. [email protected] or calling 617-635-4410. time for Somerville Veterans, also at Renee’s Cafe. – 9:00 a.m. and 24/7 on weekends. Residents can also visit in person by appointment For more information on how you can attend either The TD Garden is offering free 24/7 parking. only. Visit: boston.gov/departments/parking- of these campaign events, call Sheila at 617-778-3992. This offer is not guaranteed for the full length of clerk for more information. the outdoor dining program. Residents with additional questions or concerns Sargent’s Wharf Lot is offering parking spots can contact the North End neighborhood liaison at $300/month available 24/7. John Romano at: [email protected]. THE POST-GAZETTE SATELLITE OFFICE HAS MOVED TO 343 CHELSEA ST., DAY SQUARE, EAST BOSTON This offi ce is open on Tuesdays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and Thursdays from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for the convenience of our East Boston and North Shore clients and contributors Call 617-227-8929 for more information PAGE 2 POST-GAZETTE, APRIL 9, 2021 Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Stirpe by Prof. Edmund Turiello Implementing Grace Period Nostra A weekly column highlighting some For Certain Expired Inspection Stickers of the more interesting aspects of our ancestry...our lineage...our roots. Law Enforcement Aware of These Instances of Expired Stickers Due yo Applus’ Vendor Outage THE BASILICAN CONNECTION Vehicle Owners with Expired March 2021 Stickers Should Plan The development of the army. The Savior then appeared To Obtain Inspection by End of April; Additional Time Requested For ancient Roman Basilica was displaying the same celestial Newly Purchased or Registered Vehicles described in the last issue. sign of the cross, directing The connection between this Constantine to use this symbol Additional Time Will Be Granted for Failed Motor Vehicle Inspection and Retests structure and the Basilica- on this standard and to advance Due to the nationwide should be granted until April 30, style Christian Church goes with the assurance of victory. system outage of motor vehicle 2021, to obtain an inspection. back to the year 312 A.D. This This celestial sign is, of inspection services by its vendor • Vehicles newly purchased or is when Constantine marched course, the two initial letters X Applus Technologies (Applus) registered on or after Tuesday, at the head of a powerful army and P from “Xpiozos,” the Greek impacting inspection stations March 23, 2021, should be towards Rome and defeated name for Christ, and it is what and motor vehicle owners, granted until April 30, 2021, Maxentius in three battles. we now call “The Labarum.” The the Massachusetts Registry of to obtain an inspection. Newly During this time, Constantine decisive victory at the Milvian Motor Vehicles (RMV) is allowing purchased vehicles must made open and public declara- Bridge secured Constantine’s a grace period for specifi c motor typically be inspected within tions in favor of Christianity; supremacy as emperor of the vehicle inspection requirements seven (7) days of registration.