City Council Meeting August 7
Compromise on Late-Night Pizza Deliveries
– Allison Goldsberry
How late is too late to deliver pizza? The City Council came closer to answering this question when it brokered a compromise between Pranzi’s and its residential neighbors allowing the restaurant to deliver until 1AM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday on a trial basis.
Pranzi’s is eager to cash in on hungry Tufts students and other night owls looking for sustenance in the wee hours of the morning, but neighbors say drivers make too much noise, speed, and drive the wrong way up one way streets, and don’t relish the idea of that happening at 3AM.
Pranzi owner Stephen Bates vowed to be a good neighbor and encouraged residents to come to him with complaints. The Council will review the situation in three months and again in six months.
Pranzi’s late-night permit is for delivery only and is contingent upon the drivers obeying traffic laws and respecting their neighbors in this tightly-packed Winthrop Street neighborhood.
“You want to be a good neighbor, let’s just see what a good neighbor you are,” said City Councilor Robert Penta.
Domino’s Pizza also sought a late-night permit to extend their delivery hours from 2AM to 4AM. Residents in a nearby South Medford neighborhood are opposed to the later hours due to traffic and noise concerns. The Council tabled this discussion and will revisit it at their September 11 meeting.
City Settles for $35,000 with Tattoo Parlor Owner
The owner of a tattoo parlor denied a special permit by the City Council in 2004 to open a business in Medford Square will collect $35,000 after a judge ruled the denial unconstitutional.
Cheryl Voigt will receive $15,000 in attorney’s fees and $20,000 in lost income from the city, according to City Solicitor Mark Rumley.
As a result of the decision, the Council had to change special permit laws to bring them in line with the state and US Constitutions. In awarding special permits, the Council can no longer consider the appropriateness of the location or if the use of the permit would adversely affect the neighborhood, two key factors in the decision to deny the permit to the tattoo parlor.
Your Name on a Windmill
The city’s future wind turbine at the McGlynn Middle School is currently nameless and could be yours…for a price. Environmental Agent Patricia Barry said Medford is considering selling the naming rights to the turbine in an effort to cover its construction costs.
The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative chipped in with a $250,000 grant for the 100 Kilowatt wind turbine, which is expected to generate 10% of the school’s electricity and save up to $25,000 each year.
The city will hold a public meeting about the wind turbine on September 20 from 6-8PM at the school.
Funding for Governors Ave Parking Garage Moves Forward
Century Bank has officially partnered with Medford to help obtain a $1 million economic development grant from the state to go toward the construction of a new parking garage on Governors Ave. Community Development aide Clodagh Stoker-Long said the bank has agreed to create up to twenty-five jobs, mostly in construction, a stipulation of the grant.
In other Century Bank news Council President Robert Maiocco said he is “99.9%” sure the bank will move from its High Street location to the spot formerly occupied by Papa Gino’s. The high-profile spot has generated much public interest after Papa Gino’s left for roomier digs across the street.
Councilor Paul Camuso said the spot was an “anchor” for the revitalization of the Square and the Council supported his resolution to find out what will take over the spot.