Owners of Villa Mexico to Get Final Decision About Beacon Hill Spot Tuesday

After last month's attempt to connect with Grove Street residents fell through, the owners of Beacon Hill-based  are going before the city's zoning board Tuesday morning for a final hearing on whether they will be allowed to move their business from Grampy's gas station on Cambridge Street to 12 Grove St.

The restaurant must leave the gas station as it is slated to be redeveloped this summer into office buildings. While they originally were going to leave in December, they have been allowed to stay in the gas station as they search for a new home. 

The new location the owners of Villa Mexico, Julie and Bessie King, both of Stoneham, very much want is a spot on the ground floor of 12 Grove St., which is being offered to them at an affordable rent. 

But neighbors worried about noise, smells and the precedent of a restaurant opening on Grove Street have worked to block the move. But Julie and Bessie King say that they will not in any way negatively impact the neighborhood. 

In a December meeting of the Beacon Hill Civic Association's Zoning and Licensing Committee, a few Grove Street residents spoke against Villa Mexico's possible relocation. With the neighbors' concerns in mind, the committee voted not to support the move. While the committee's vote carries no official weight, it's decision informs the vote of the Beacon Hill Civic Association, which passes its recommendations along to the city.

The hearing is in City Hall, on the 8th floor, at 11:15 a.m. 

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