Nicole L. Crispo

The Board of License Commissioners conducted several hearings concerning permit and license requests. Approvals were granted for a special use permit for the Bill Dunn Jr. Memorial Road Race scheduled for June 27. A special-use permit was also approved for The Jimmy Kennedy Memorial Run for ALS's annual "Squirrel Run" on June 6. Furthermore, the Board approved one-day liquor licenses for the Quincy Friends of Scouting's Trivia Night fundraising event on March 7 and The Woodward School's annual Irish Fest on March 8. A series of one-day liquor licenses for The New England Free Jacks' home games, potential playoff matches, and Boston Banshees' games at Veterans Memorial Stadium was also approved. Break Rock Brewing received approval for temporary extensions of its licensed premises to include the adjacent boardwalk park until November 1. Finally, the Board approved an All-Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License for TL Real Estate Investments LLC doing business as Mangia Mangia Pizzeria, with a request for the licensee to be mindful of delivery timing.

The meeting included the selection and swearing in of the new Committee Chairman. Key discussions centered on encouraging constituent engagement through a proposed press release, and a successful motion was passed to extend the submission deadline for private citizens applying on city land to Monday, March 2nd. The committee discussed past projects, including the USS Salem, Adams Building, and Faxon Park Pickleball Courts. The committee also requested detailed financial information, specifically a snapshot of funds in designated buckets and details regarding outstanding long-term bonds, which were to be procured from the Finance Department. The date for the next meeting, scheduled for February 12, 2026, was confirmed where applications would be reviewed.

The meeting addressed several Old Business petitions. For the property at 210 Adams Street, the Board denied the request for a variance related to a temporary greenhouse structure and existing pond placement within an easement, instructing the owner to relocate the pond out of the easement. The petition for 61 Gladstone Street, involving variances for lot size, width, and setbacks for a proposed 2.5-story single-family dwelling, was continued to March 10, 2026, to allow the petitioner to revise the design plans based on board concerns about structure size and setbacks. The petition for 166 Independence Avenue, seeking variances for lot area per dwelling and right-side setback for a proposed three-story, six-unit multifamily structure, was granted. A continuance was granted for the petition regarding 239 Safford Street until March 10, 2026, to allow for a community meeting. The petition for 17-19 River Street, seeking to exceed the allowable percentage of paving, was withdrawn by the petitioner following expressed opposition from the Board members. Finally, the request for a variance for 40 Richfield Street, related to setbacks and parking spaces for a two-story addition and covered porch, was granted. In New Business, a continuance was granted for the petition regarding 239 Safford Street to March 10, 2026. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

The meeting provided an update on a major blizzard impacting the city. Key concerns discussed included delays in plowing operations due to extreme winds and blowing snow, and approximately 3,800 residents being without power, with National Grid working on restorations. A warming center was announced to open at Quinsey High School at noon for residents who have lost heat. The speaker urged patience and emphasized safety, asking residents to check on neighbors. Minimal flooding occurred during the morning tide. Public works, fire, police, emergency management, and Brewster ambulance personnel were noted as working hard. It was confirmed that all Quinsey schools would be closed the following day.

Key discussions during the meeting focused on updates regarding various citywide bicycle projects, including the Adams Street at Whitwell Street intersection where the consultant team is working on drainage modeling; the status of the SS4A grant; and updates on the Southern Artery project, which is on the TIP and where short-term improvements are being considered. The Multi-Modal Master Plan's second public meeting was held, and the team is finalizing the report, with discussion on facility exclusions on Newport Avenue and Hancock Street. Design is ongoing for the Granite Street project, aiming for a 2026 bid advertisement. The commission reviewed the Roadside Memorial Ordinance, which was sent to Councillor Liang for introduction, and discussed coordination with the new City Council president in January regarding this and the City Council appointee. A review of bicycle crash data for September and October showed five micro-mobility crashes (scooters), all resulting in minor or no injury, leading to a discussion on the need for an education campaign in 2026. Other business included an application for a last mile grant for Blue Bikes implementation.