Florina Pizzeria Gets Nod for License Transfer

By Dan Murphy

The Beacon Hill Civic Association Zoning and Licensing Committee voted Wednesday not to oppose the transfer of a conditional-use permit from the former Derne St. Deli to a pizzeria that now occupies the storefront.

John Cucinatti, who opened Florina Pizzeria and Paninioteca at the corner of Derne and Temple streets about a month ago, has agreed to enter into a good-neighbor agreement with the Civic Association as a stipulation of the committee’s decision. The 20-seat eatery now operates daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and also offers takeout.

Cucinatti agreed to avoid receiving deliveries via Temple Street, which functions as a pedestrian walkway. The traffic problem on the street will also likely be compounded with the redevelopment of the interconnected Hiriam J. Archer and Frank J. Donahue buildings at 33-61 Temple St. into a 71-unit condominium complex with 54 below-grade parking spaces, said Jane Kelly, a committee member and Temple Street resident.

Cucinatti also expressed his willingness to put the pizzeria’s name on takeout wrappers and other food containers to better identify the source of litter in the neighborhood. (Its name already appears on the pizza boxes, Cucinatti said.)

In another matter, Robert Coffin, the owner of two top-floor units in the large condominium building at 37 Beacon St. outlined his preliminary plans to construct a large private roof-deck and a new head house to provide access it via a private staircase. The project would require a zoning variance from the city, since it already exceeds the maximum allowable floor-area ratio (FAR).

Coffin described this proposal as the “introductory process” and said he plans to return his to the committee with his updated plans next month after soliciting feedback from neighbors.

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