Planners green-light B&B
Published 9:49 pm Tuesday, June 19, 2012
The Suffolk Planning Commission on Tuesday recommended approval for the expansion of a special-events venue downtown and a bed-and-breakfast in a nearby neighborhood.
They also agreed to meet with the City Council today at 5 p.m. for a joint work session on the Comprehensive Plan review.
The expansion request for the First Lady, located at 447 W. Washington St., a restored Queen Anne Victorian home upon which the owners propose to put an addition to create a larger ballroom.
The goal is to “better accommodate our guests while they’re in our building,” said Mickey Boyette, one of the owners. He added it is important that the addition blends with the current building’s Queen Anne Victorian style.
Because the expansion will take up some of the existing parking space, the owners will be required to submit a management plan for traffic circulation and parking, a Planning Department staff member said, noting there are a number of public parking opportunities nearby.
In addition, a black, wrought-iron fence will be installed along the Wellons Street side of the property.
“I support the application,” said Andy Damiani, owner of several commercial properties along Washington Street. “It’s a great asset for downtown. This helps the whole corridor.”
In addition, a bed-and-breakfast at 104 S. Broad St. was recommended for approval.
“We’re excited to move forward with the bed-and-breakfast,” said Denise Boyette, one of the owners. “This will give us the opportunity to share our grand historic home with others.”
Parking for the bed-and-breakfast will be accommodated in an attached carriage house and a paved parking area in the rear of the house.
Both applications will be heard at City Council on July 18.
On Wednesday at 5 p.m. in City Council chambers, the planners will meet with City Council to discuss the process for revamping the city’s Comprehensive Plan. They will discuss items such as the specific subject areas that should be considered and who should be involved in the process.