By Seth Daniel
Moving forward with plans to open a small plate lounge featuring alcohol and gourmet foods, the Chelsea Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) has granted a special permit and variances to the owners of Ciao Pizza and Pastas. This approval represents the latest culinary development in the City.
Edson Coimbra and Marvin Posada, who operate Ciao, have proposed the new venture as part of their recent expansion efforts along Williams Street. The lounge will occupy the first floor of a new building constructed at the former Parrotta’s Bar site.
The owners assembled numerous supporters to testify in favor of their proposal. While the space will include a bar, Coimbra emphasized it would differ significantly from the rowdy establishment that previously operated there under Parrotta’s.
Not all abutters have embraced the proposal, with some expressing concern that the lounge could recreate the problems associated with the former bar.
According to Coimbra, the restaurant will provide an upscale dining experience modeled after Barcelona, a small plate establishment in the South End.
Having received the necessary approvals, Coimbra indicated that construction on the restaurant would proceed concurrently with development of residential units on the property.
Separately, Ciao is nearing completion of a gourmet grocery and pasta factory in Chelsea Square.
Additional ZBA actions included:
- The proposed 45-unit apartment building at 170 Cottage St. was continued.
- Variances and a special permit were approved at 157 Clark Ave. for an awning and an expansion of the parking lot from 14 to 28 spaces.
- A cell phone store received approval at 364 Washington Ave.
- Two lots at 25-27 Suffolk Street were permitted to be combined for construction of a new four-family dwelling.
- A dental office at 950 Broadway was granted a minor modification for office space extension.
- The car wash at 284 Eastern Ave. received a minor modification to use an additional building.