THE PRESIDENT'S CORNER …..
FALL 1998

It has been a summer of defense against what has felt like an assault on our neighborhood. Sadly, our City Council has played a key role in this assault, granting zone changes and special permits which are not in the interests of the neighborhood!

The good news.... FPCA members demonstrated both their generosity and their commitment to protect the residential character of the neighborhood. Over $3500 has been raised to help fight the zone change on Crystal Ave.

Thanks to all who contributed! Two thousand dollars have been invested in legal actions resulting in a temporary injunction which blocks demolition of the three houses until a full suit is heard. Tim Ryan and Barbara Garvey were our only allies in opposing this zone change.

A disappointing outcome resulted from efforts to stop approval of a drive through window at the Taco Bell which will replace Legends at the X. Not only was the drive through window approved but permission was granted for the window to be open until 2:00 a.m. City Councilors Barbara Garvey and Barbara Garde vigorously opposed granting this special permit as did the FPCA, the X-Main St. Corporation, and numerous neighbors. (Tim Ryan was absent).

Attorney Santinello, representing Taco Bell, met with the Main St. Project prior to the City Council vote. However, no meeting was requested with the FPCA. Barbara Garvey sought to send the matter to Committee in part to allow for a meeting between the FPCA and Taco Bell. Bill Foley opposed any delay indicating that the FPCA was aware of the proposal and thus requiring a meeting was not necessary. All objections and concerns fell on deaf ears as other Councilors voted to approve the Taco Bell request in full.

Let the seven (7) City Councilors that voted the Crystal Ave zone change  know how you feel and challenge their empty claims of commitment and concern for neighborhoods. We must elect new City Councilors that are responsive and responsible about residential zoning. Mike Doyle has been transferred to Beverly, MA. Thank you Mike for an extraordinary job for our neighborhood ­ especially on behalf of the Crystal Avenue neighbors. At the city council hearing Mike summed up the case against the zone change in what Tim Ryan called "the most expressive, thought out and elegant presentation ever made before the city council".

Bill Malloy, President