ZBA approves Knight Moves boardgame cafe and Oath Craft Pizza, defers action on Opa Greek Yeeros

[ron_newman]

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved Knight Moves in Teele Square at their January 20 meeting. (Earlier discussion here.)

The ZBA also approved Oath Craft Pizza at last night's meeting. The decision isn't published online yet, but I phoned the clerk today and she told me of the approval. (Earlier discussion mostly here, with some additional posts here and here) EDIT 2/17/16: The ZBA decision is now online.

The attorney for Opa Greek Yeeros requested that his case be continued until the next ZBA meeting on February 17. The clerk did not know why. I'm surprised by this, since the restaurant is ready to open and the owner was eager to get this process over with. (Earlier discussion here and here.)

Comments

Parking/Traffic Addendum for Oath Craft Pizza

[jlauspitz.livejournal.com]

Prior to ZBA approval the consultants provided an addendum to their Parking Study to cover the traffic issues as required by City ordinance for fast food establishments:

http://www.somervillema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Parking%20Study%20ADDENDUM%202016-02-03.pdf

In the case of Yeeros, the Planning Staff has already done this piece of due diligence.

Re: Parking/Traffic Addendum for Oath Craft Pizza

[ron_newman]

So why was the Yeeros hearing postponed?

RE: Re: Parking/Traffic Addendum for Oath Craft Pizza

[jlauspitz.livejournal.com]

The recommended seasonal eating area in the parking lot is one issue. I filed a letter reporting that the neighborhood consensus was opposed to this, because of the narrow turning radius and frequent come-and-go parking. The meeting, which Lance Davis convened and we both attended, favored sidewalk seating if it met other City requirements. The staff recommendation was on aesthetic (design review) grounds that might be satisfied by other measures (e.g. plantings against the wall framing the parking lot).

Re: Parking/Traffic Addendum for Oath Craft Pizza

[ron_newman]

The ZBA decision for Oath Craft Pizza is now online. I've edited this post to link to it. I'm happy to see that the conditions include installing two bicycle racks on the sidewalk out front.