Starbucks wins fight for South Boston shop
After a months-long battle over a proposed Starbucks slated to fill a vacant building on a South Boston corner, the city’s licensing board approved the coffee giant’s application Thursday, putting an end to pro and con arguments that have pitted residents against each other.
The board initially rejected the chain’s application for a common victualler license, which would allow Starbucks to open a branch on the corner of Broadway and L Street, in May. The unanimous vote against Starbucks came after members of the community voiced their opposition, and Mayor Marty Walsh also spoke out against the chain adding another location to the neighborhood.
Last week, the application appeared before the board a second time on appeal, but officials chose to defer the vote until they had adequate time to sift through the high volume of emails both in support and against the proposal. On Thursday, the board shifted its previous stance, voting unanimously to grant Starbucks a license, according to Walsh’s office.
“The Mayor respects the Licensing Board’s decision and looks forward to Starbucks addressing the neighborhood’s concerns,” a spokeswoman for the mayor’s office said in a statement to Boston.com.
The proposal sparked controversy in the neighborhood after some community members took a harsh stance against the coffee retailer, arguing that it would take business from locally-owned shops, crowd the street that already has limited parking options, and fail to give back to the community. Proponents praised the idea, noting that there were few places aside from bars to gather with friends and family in the evenings, and arguing that Starbucks could fill the void.
At last week’s hearing, neighborhood city councilors Bill Linehan and Michael Flaherty gave their support to the project.
“We’re thrilled with the decision and look forward to being a part of an active neighborhood and gathering place for the Southie community,” a Starbucks spokesperson said in a statement to Boston.com. “We’ll be able to share more information about the planned opening in the coming weeks.”
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