The Beacon Hill Civic Association (BHCA) Zoning and Licensing Committee voted Wednesday not to oppose the zoning relief necessary to convert a long vacant storefront in a residential building at 31 Phillips St. into office space.
Michelle Nolan, an occupant of the eight-unit apartment building at Anderson and Phillips streets and legal guardian for its owner, said she intends to use a 276 square-foot area on the ground level to accommodate a real estate or other professional firm.
If the plan comes to fruition, Nolan pledged to use rent income to finance the rehabilitation of the building’s exterior, and she also agreed to enter into a good-neighbor agreement with the Civic Association.
The committee approved the motion not to oppose the plan by a vote of five in favor and five abstentions, with no opposition.
In another matter, the committee voted not to oppose a request to amend the common victualler (CV) license for Grotto Restaurant that would allow the 44-seat establishment at 37 Bowdoin St. to extend its closing time from 10:30 to 11:30 p.m.
BHCA’s Winter Gala Looks Back on 90 Years
There is much to celebrate at the Beacon Hill Civic Association’s Winter Gala, Saturday, January 26 at the Taj Boston. The occasion marks the 41st year that neighbors have dressed in their finery to dine and dance together. The annual Winter Gala is Beacon Hill’s most elegant party, bringing together hundreds of neighbors as they look back on Beacon Hill since the BHCA’s founding in 1922.
The roaring 1920’s inspired this year’s gala theme, “Moonshine & Memories”. The dance committee, co-chaired by Ashley Harmon and Kathryn Kuchefski, promise to provide neighbors with an unforgettable experience. Guests will be treated to a cocktail hour and appetizers before the dance, some sweet treats from Kickass Cupcakes. Infinity Portrait will be on hand to photograph attendees with a collection of ‘20s props such as feather boas, top hats, pearls, and fake mustaches courtesy of Boston Costume, which will be sure to create some fun memories. A group of students from Wheaton College will be dressed in period costumes to transport guests back to the days of speak easies and saloons. The Perry Rossi Orchestra will perform again this year, which always promises to keep the dance floor moving all evening long.
Dance tickets, which include the cocktail party and dessert, are available for $225 per person ($175 for BHCA members.) Those who contribute $350 or more to the BHCA’s annual appeal receive invitations to a pre-dance dinner at the hotel or in a neighbors’ home, and will be acknowledged in The Beacon Hill Times, the BHCA Annual Report, and on a poster board at the gala. Please contact the BHCA for more information. You can purchase tickets or contribute to the annual appeal using our website www.bhcivic.org, calling 617.227.1922, or e-mailing [email protected]