After months of postponement, the proponents of a proposal that would bring a restaurant called El Parche to 636-638 Bennington Street presented their plans to the Harbor View Neighborhood Association (HVNA) during its monthly meeting on Monday.
El Parche’s origins date back to last year, when an overwhelming majority of residents pushed back on plans that called for opening a 40-seat restaurant at the site that would serve alcohol and remain open until 2:00 a.m.
As time went on, the proposal changed. Notably, the seats were reduced to 20, and the closing time was altered to midnight.
However, many residents maintained their concerns about the establishment coming to the area, which deals with aspects such as the late closure, serving alcohol in an area with many kids, rodents, trash, and deliveries.
The current proposal, as introduced by HVNA Board Member Skip Marcella, is to open a restaurant and bar with 20 seats that would operate from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
He also noted that the proponents, which include the owner Elkin Vanegas and the proposed operators Mery Quintana and Amparo Pereanez, are seeking variances, a beer, wine, and cordials license, and an entertainment license.
One of the project attorneys, Francisco Gonzalez, noted that Quintana has been in the restaurant business for many years and has been a licensed bartender for at least 20 years. He also stated that Pereanez, Quintana’s sister, has been an entrepreneur for many years, has run her own business, and is a resident of East Boston.
In speaking about the building where the restaurant is proposed to open, Gonzalez said, “all of the renovations, all of the improvements to the space have been done with the approval of licensed contractors who have done required permits, and I understand that inspections have already taken place.”
“The only thing that is pending now is the final certificate by the fire department, and that is because it is contingent upon the creation of a small ramp to have wheelchair access into the premises.”
The other project attorney, Ken Levin, noted that the operators knew that late closing time was an issue for many, so they decided to make it even earlier.
“They want it to be in keeping with the neighborhood. They want the neighborhood to like it and to feel comfortable there and to see it as an asset to the neighborhood,” said Levin.
He noted that the lowered capacity from the original proposal was another response to residents and that the vision for the establishment was a “small neighborhood restaurant where people can come to relax [and] have some good food.”
Levin also indicated that the entertainment request was not for a club atmosphere. Following the remarks from the project attorneys, Marcella made a statement.
Marcella mentioned that he thought this whole process started on the wrong foot, pointing to the fact that a sign was erected at the establishment that said the restaurant was opening soon, even before it was fully approved.
“I think for most people here, including myself, not coming through the neighborhood and letting people be aware of what your proposed project is had most people figuring, somebody must be getting paid off, this must be under the table because this deal looks like it’s done,” he said.
Marcella also emphasized that many are concerned about the potential impact of a restaurant in a residential area, citing the aforementioned issues, such as the number of children in the area.
He also raised concerns about Quintana’s past employment at Billares Colombia, another establishment on Bennington Street, which Marcella said has had problems.
Following Marcella’s comments, Quintana responded and apologized, indicating that she was unaware she had to go to the neighborhood as part of the process.
She also responded to the Billares Colombia commentary, saying that it was not something she was proud of and that she only lasted there about 18 months before leaving, in part due to the issues at the establishment.
“Her vision for the business is to have a place where people can come enjoy a meal, have a cocktail, or a beer. The idea is not for people to become drunk or start behaving in a drunken manner,” said Gonzalez.
“She just wants an establishment that people can feel comfortable coming and enjoying a meal.”
Following these statements, the floor was opened for attendees to comment and ask questions.
One resident asked what the legal occupancy of the building was and noted that his friend had previously owned the building and that it had been a salon.
Gonzalez indicated they were seeking to change the occupancy before the resident continued. The resident thought it was disrespectful to come into the neighborhood and attempt to start a business without going through the proper process.
They also commented on renovations that had gone on at the property and how it gives the impression that the city gave the proponents the green light to open the restaurant.
In response, Gonzalez said, “this is part of the process to obtain the variance. This is part of the process to obtain the licenses, and this is part of the process with the Inspectional Services Department, the Boston Fire Department, to certify that the renovations, that the work that’s been done, is according to the city’s bylaws and regulations.”
“Again, nobody has given anyone the green light. If a sign was posted there saying coming soon, opening soon, that’s obviously an exuberant mistake,” he added, noting that it was not a done deal and nothing had happened under the table.
Those in attendance immediately pushed back on Gonzalez’s response, wondering why the proponents would put money toward renovations if they were unsure they could open the restaurant.
However, it should be noted that at an abutters meeting last June, Eva Jones, a city community engagement specialist, indicated that zoning where this site is situated allows restaurant uses on the first floor.
Another resident asked if the proponents would be allowed to open tomorrow if they wanted to, which Gonzalez said they could not.
As the discussion continued, an attendee wondered what was needed for the change of occupancy to be granted.
In response, Gonzalez said, “we need the Inspectional Services Department to sign off that the work has been done according to the regulations and that the change of occupancy is permitted and allowed in order to be issued the licenses to operate the business.”
“Without that, the business cannot operate.”
As the conversation continued, several other topics such as the basement of the building, plans for operation, the accessible ramp, and more were discussed.
Ultimately, the live stream of the meeting on the HVNA’s Facebook page abruptly ended due to the meeting recorder’s battery dying. However, it was noted that residents were heading over to the establishment to see it in person.
To view a recording of the meeting and stay up to date on this project, visit the HVNA’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/harborviewna/. The next HVNA meeting is scheduled for June 2.