The area's zoning allowed for a market, which opened last month. But Zoga and Bales also wanted to sell coffee, gelato, and sandwiches, which required a variance from the city zoning board.
Before going to the board, they had to navigate the local gauntlet known as the Chestnut Hill Community Association. This often persnickety organization has several subcommittees that examine each part of a business' plan, such as parking and signage.
That process began in the spring, and trouble soon followed: 78 residents signed a petition opposing a variance for the market. Some feared the store would create more traffic and parking problems.
To be sure, the area is busy, and parking is limited. But that's been the case for years. It was hard to see how coffee and gelato sales would suddenly create gridlock, make the area less safe, or reduce property values.
In fact, most residents welcomed the market: Nearly 500 signed a petition in support of it. Two food markets and several other retailers had recently left the neighborhood, leaving the business district looking somewhat shabby.
Zoga tried to appease the disgruntled neighbors. She met with them and agreed to a number of concessions. Her efforts seemed to pay off, as the opposition dwindled to a handful of detractors. As such, the community association voted unanimously to recommend that the zoning board approve the variance.
Zoga and Bales thought they were home free at that point, since the zoning board usually follows the recommendations of neighborhood groups. But last month, the board voted 3-1 to deny the variance.
