It felt like the requests made by Paraiso
Restaurant were being rushed through the standard approval
process. An "emergency" meeting was held at Main Street on November 29 to get
the process going. Bob Haas, representing the Westside
Neighborhood Association, expressed approval but said he could not
speak for other residents.
Nancy Conrad, representing the Improvement Association, said their
group would need to have assurances that the grounds were being
properly maintained (currently litter and trash along the adjacent
sidewalk and in the back). UCIA obtained an agreement and a letter of support issued.
Most of the offered responses suggested the time-honored review process
needs to be kept and that rushed approval was not in anyone's best
interests.
The City meetings have been delayed until February 28, 2012.
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On December 1, 2011 Bob Haas, Pres of the
Upham's Corner Westside Neighborhood Association sent out email asking
for comments regarding Paraiso Restaurant's application for both
takeout and entertainment licenses.
December 1, 2011
Dear UCWNA Neighbors and Friends,
This week I attended a meeting with Ramon “Gregory" Colon, one of the
owner/managers of Paraiso Restaurant, at 750 Dudley St., in the space
formerly occupied by 750 Grille. They are seeking a zoning variance to
accommodate takeout, and an entertainment license and are caught in a
bind without sufficient time to properly seek community support.
For some reason, their hearings before the zoning board and also the
licensing board are scheduled for next Tuesday, Dec. 6, which doesn't
leave enough time for us to have a full discussion at our next
scheduled UCWNA meeting, which would be Dec. 13. As far as I can tell,
no one, not UC Main Street or any other organization, got notification
before about a week ago.
Based on my conversation with Mr. Colon and my experience of the
restaurant (they have really good food but need more customers to
survive at their Upham's Corner location), I would like to support
Paraiso. But I told Mr. Colon that I was unable to speak for the whole
neighborhood without a full process. The hearings could defer their
decisions to a later date, but that would likely be in January, after
the holiday season.
In my opinion, it's important for Upham's Corner to help this
restaurant achieve profitability as soon as possible, and based on my
experience with Mr. Colon, I can say that he's highly responsible and
wouldn't abuse the advantages obtained by the variance and the license
he seeks.
Please give me feedback. If I hear no negative responses by next Monday, I would like to write a letter of support.
Thanks,
Your President,
Bob Haas
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Larry Fabian
12/1
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"For some reason" is
something that should be known and knowable. Why no proper notice? Why
should he get special treatment? I say no.
Larry Fabian
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Joanne Tuller
12/1
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I support the idea
of a license for takeout. I think that would be a good service
for the neighborhood, as well as being good for his business. I
believe it's in the neighborhood's best interest to have a successful
restaurant in that location.
As to entertainment, do we know what kind of entertainment, and during
what hours, he is requesting? That would affect my opinion.
Joanne Tuller
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John Barros
12/2
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Thanks for bringing
this to our attention and for already talking to the owner. Its really
important. I agree with many of your points. However, I think there is
too much at risk to skirt a neighborhood conversation on this. If
we allowed this to be the process it would send the wrong message to he
new owner of Paraiso Restaurant and the Zoning and Licensing boards.
I say we ask the Zoning and Licensing boards to postpone the hearing
until there is a meeting. Although, I have a conflict and can't
make the Dec 13th meeting I really value what my neighbors have to say
on this and most importantly that they have a say. I would be willing
to help draft a letter to the Zoning and Licensing boards on this.
Respectfully,
John
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Rep. Henriquez
12/5
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Dear Neighbors,
I have met with Ramon Colon, one of the owners of Paraiso Restaurant on
750 Dudley Street. I believe that there is a niche in our neighborhood
to be served by this restaurant. I think the take-out and live band are
great ideas.
However, I also stressed the importance of having a thorough community
process to Mr. Colon. He has done a good job in the short amount of
time that he’s had to reach out to different neighborhood associations.
I believe there needs to be more dialogue with immediate abutters and
other neighbors to address any concerns. Mr. Colon goes in front of the
zoning board of appeals tomorrow (12/6/11) and I have asked him to
request a deferral to allow more time for neighbors to weigh in. I will
support a deferral to ensure this process includes more residents. As
your State Representative your opinions on this issue are what matter
to me most.
I also want to clearly state that Mr. Colon has been very
cooperative and pledged to work with residents to be a good neighbor.
He is willing to knock on doors and engage residents at their doorstep
to make sure they are heard. I am pleased by his commitment to
community.
Serving community,
Carlos Henriquez, State Representative
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Alma Finneran
12/5
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Deferral seems the
way to go and hopefully Mr. Colon will be able to present his plan to
the various neighborhood groups with sufficient time for questions and
responses and discussion. Thanks to all for your help.
Alma Finneran
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Catherine Walker
12/5
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I would strongly agree with Ms. Finneran's points.
I would also like to point out that this issue of late (or no)
notification regarding zoning issues is something that the neighborhood
has experienced before. It happened similarly with a residential drug
treatment program that was trying to situate itself in the old St.
Kevin's convent on Bird St.
I could also reference the Keno license given to El Frutero recently,
with no appropriate notification to the neighborhood or even to the
Police Department. I would like respectfully to request that our
elected representatives, Rep. Henriquez and City Councillors Jackson
and Baker, collaborate to improve this process.
Thank you in advance for your help on this!
Catherine Walker
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