Representatives from Media Vision spoke about a potential digital billboard project. (Image courtesy of Yiming Zhao)
The Chinatown Residents Association discussed potential digital billboards, Friendship BBQ’s proposed extended hours and the coronavirus situation at its monthly meeting on Feb. 5 at the Josiah Quincy Elementary School.
Representatives from Media Vision presented a proposal for a 15’ by 25’ digital billboard at the corner of Harrison Avenue and Beach Street. The proposal was opposed by the residents at the meeting.
Local resident Ryan Powers said it’s against zoning law to install any billboard in the neighborhood except for conditional uses.
“You put a cancer like that billboard in this neighborhood, it’s going to spread to all the other neighborhoods. There’s no place for those billboards. There shouldn’t be any more,” said Powers.
Paul Chan also expressed concern over pedestrian safety issues the billboard could potentially bring.
“It’s [located at] a very busy Chinatown center. People are prone to accidents in that location. I don’t care about community benefits. People will be getting run over by cars,” said Chan.
Jason Chou who worked in digital advertising added his worry about negative advertisement.
“There’s always a possibility of negative ads coming through. Imagine something containing sexual content that you don’t want your kids to see but you live right across the street from the billboard. You’re exposed to it 24/7. It’s totally unfair for the kids,” said Chou.
Residents from 49 Beach Street, the building that faces the board had already signed a petition against the project.
Chinatown liaison Lisa Hy encouraged residents to send their concerns and comments to the Mayor’s office, City Councilor Ed Flynn and the Zoning Board of Appeal.
The final hearing for the billboard project will be held Feb. 25 at 11:30 a.m. at City Hall.
The owner of Friendship BBQ will apply to extend his operation hours to 2 a.m. The restaurant also plans to serve alcohol. Residents expressed concern the restaurant would attract drunk crowds and disturb nearby residents.
Boston Assistant Commissioner of the Health Division Dan Manning also stopped by the meeting to address concerns over the novel coronavirus and reassure residents the health inspection process for restaurants has not changed. There is no extra risk to dine in Chinatown. There will be a community meeting on Feb. 7 to give updates and recommendations on the issue at Josiah Quincy Elementary School. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. and will be in English and Cantonese.
