September 3, 2008 Eight Streets Neighborhood Association Meeting

September 3, 2008 Eight Streets Neighborhood Association Meeting

Announcements

Fundraiser with Old Dover for rebuilding the shed that was burned down by arson. More information at Berkeleygarden.org
Fence being moved out towards the sidewalk. Metal fence. Square mesh with artistic flare.

US Senator John Kerry faces a Democratic challenger Edward O’Reilly. There is no race on the Republican side, so the winner of the Democratic side will continue on to the general election. The winner of this will run against the Republican challenger in November.
The local State Senator seat is up for election. Incumbent Dianne Wilkerson faces challenger Sonia Chang-Diaz. Since there is no Republican candidate at all, the winner of this race will most likely go to the general election unopposed. So this makes the primary race for this seat the only chance to vote for your choice as state Senator.

Ellis is hosting a Voter registration drive. We are looking for ESNA volunteers. Interest in an ESNA table at BCA.

Addis Red Sea

Misrak Assefa, co-owner of Addis Red Sea (corner of Hanson and Tremont) presented to the neighborhood seeking neighborhood support for an outdoor seating area on Tremont St.
Restaurant in business since 1987. Open for lunch on Saturday and Sunday but would like to extend that through the week. Customers have been asking them for a sidewalk café. Filed an application in April. Received process information and have been working through this since then. Planning to have regular tables outside (as opposed to basket tables that are on the inside of the restaurant because they are more fragile and would likely take more space due to the fact they would need extra side tables). Would like to serve cappuccino, lunch, dinner. Most customers like to sit inside because it is a unique interior with handmade basket tables. Looking for seating capacity for up to 14 patrons.
They can serve until 1, but most people leave restaurant by 11PM. They are asking have sidewalk seating until 10:00 (final orders placed by 9PM).
Lunch open until noon. Adding Thursday and Friday for lunch.
April 1-November 1 are the dates (by city ordinance) for outdoor seating.
They own a second location is on mass ave between Harvard square and Porter square but they are committed to the South End
Hearing date is soon (they do not have the date yet) with both Licensing and Public Improvement Commission
Question on projection on the sidewalk. City requires 4 feet clearance.

Motion to provide a letter of non opposition. Neighbors asked to have outdoor seating closed by 10PM.