Chinese Take-Out-Only May Occupy 24 North Street

There might be a new Chinese restaurant in town.

On Monday night, the Planning Board determined that a Chinese take-out restaurant hoping to move into 24 North Street is not a substantial change of use from the Fresh Catch Seafood and Butcher Shop.

Applicant JuQin Zhong told the board, through a translator, that she plans to be open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year long except Thanksgiving Day. She may also stay open until 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

She expects to start with four employees, including delivery drivers.

Planning Board members were concerned about parking in the front of the building and how it might affect other businesses, though it was determined the same parking conditions existed when the previous tenant was there.

"I checked with my landlord [Joan Larkin] and she'll let me use 10 parking spaces in the back," said Zhong. 

Customers will have the choice to park on North Street in front of the store or in the parking lot behind the building. The delivery drivers will work from the back parking lot only.

"It's probably not a substantial change of use but I would like for them to submit a letter confirmation of the use of the rear parking spots," said Planning Board Chairman Elissa Franco. 

After the 15 minute hearing, the board agreed it was not a substantial change of use and asked the applicant to send a letter to the Planning Board for the file that states there is enough parking set aside as part of the lease agreement, and that parking is sufficient to meet their needs. 

The applicant will next meet with the Zoning Board of Appeals on March 27 for the use of food and downtown parking. 

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