Developer Ori Ron told the Boston Civic Design Commission tonight he still plans to build a tower combining condos with retail space at the Dainty Dot parcel at Kingston and Essex streets, where Chinatown meets the Leather District and the Greenway.

Ron also told commission members and nearby residents he would not leave them with another Filene's-type hole: He said he would not tear down the existing Dainty Dot building until he has financing in place to at least build the external frame of the tower.

Ron showed the commission revised plans for the 180-unit building - which already has city approval - that would lower its height from 291 to 261 feet, decrease the number of parking spaces in a garage built into the building's lower floors and do away completely with the skeletal remains of the Dainty Dot building that now sits on the parcel.

The Boston Licensing Board decided today to take no action against the South Street Diner over noise complaints, which means the eatery can continue to serve up food at all hours.

Technically, the board "filed" complaints from four neighbors, which theoretically means the board could re-open the case if it receives additional complaints.

However, at a hearing yesterday, none of the people who'd complained about late-night noise appeared, while numerous other nearby residents and patrons attended to voice their support for what they said was a much needed service in a bustling area run by a true gentleman.

Neighbors and patrons of the South Street Diner packed a Boston Licensing Board hearing this morning, asking the board to let the long-time eatery continue to operate around the clock.

Michael Flemming said he and his wife moved to the area exactly because it's a bustling area, thanks in part to the diner, which has been open 24 hours for more than 60 years.