The licensing board will hold an information meeting tomorrow at 4pm to "review the character and fitness of the Licensee and manager of record pursuant to  M.G.L. ch. 138 sections 12 and 26".

Walk around the North End and you can't help but notice all the odd first-floor apartments that used to be storefronts. As semi-public spaces, those storefronts were a part of the fabric of the neighborhood and played a vital role in fueling the vibrant community that exists here.

The sidewalk in front of 450 Commercial St is being extended. My non-expert assessment is that the extension will create enough room for Rocco's Cucina to apply for a sidewalk dining permit.

Update: There is lot's of misinformation swirling about this story and it's developing constantly.

Mendoza is still at large. Nobody knows how or why his arraignment appeared in the court system.

We're not going to try to keep up with it now that all the major outlets are covering it. If a North End-specific angle develops, we'll pick it back up.

Police were called to 257 Hanover Street last night at 11:08 for multiple reports of shots fired. At 11:11 PM the following description was posted on the Citizen App:

The suspect is described as a man with braided gray hair and a bandana around his neck riding a bicycle.

The 12th annual Johnny Paolo Bocce Tournament will be held Sunday, July 30th at noon. Registration is $5 per person and starts at 11am. Festivities include trophies, food, ice cream & the water truck!

Just like 2021 and 2022, visiting the Mirabella Pool in 2023 requires a reservation. The days are divided into four two-hour blocks starting at 11am (there is also a lap swim block at 8:15 each morning).

Potential pool visitors need to register for an account on BCYF's third-party "recreation management software" site then select one of the blocks and "checkout" for zero dollars. A bit cumbersome, but OK. That is, except for all the problems.

Voting items:

• Al Dente 109, 109A Salem Street – Petition to change seating capacity from 40 to 60, no work to be done.
  SUPPORT
• 96 & 98 Prince Street – Application to renovate building and increase occupancy to 19 Units.
  SUPPORT
  One council member asked why the building at 98 Prince Street had remained vacant for so long. The owner, Ms. Angiulo, answered that her family had wanted it that way ;)

Discussion items:

"Let's make the North End beautiful - with plants!" reads the flyer. The 2nd PYOWB (plant your own window box) event will be held Saturday, June 10th from 10am - 3 pm at the Nazzaro Center Garden.

Organizers will provide free soil and plants to North End residents who bring their own planters. They'll even give you one free window box if you don't have one to bring :)

Email robynr@foccp.com for more info or with questions. Sponsored by NEAA.