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Bar to be knocked down for apartment building - but this time in Brighton, not Southie

Architect's rendering: 1440 Commonwealth Ave. in Brighton

Bird-enhanced architect's rendering.

A developer is proposing to tear down Harry's Bar and Grill, a convenience store and a Subway shop to make way for a seven-story, 37-unit residential building.

Unlike in South Boston, however, where bars have just disappeared, developer Yan Schechter says he'll leave space for Harry's Bar and Grill to return.

In a filing with the BPDA, Schecter, who says he is "committed to implementing the principle of New Urbanism, which promotes the creation of walkable, human scaled places that enhance local economies, improve public health, and build stronger communities," is proposing 20 one-bedroom apartments, 15 two-bedroom units and two units with three bedrooms.

Three of the one-bedroom units and two of the two-bedroom units will be marketed as affordable, to people making up to 70% of the area median income.

The $12-million building would have 33 parking spaces - more than called for by BTD guidelines for buildings right next to public transportation.

The BPDA holds a community meeting on the proposal at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15 in conference room 1 on the third floor of the Hawes Medical Building at Brighton Marine, 77 Warren St.

1440 Commonwealth Ave. small-project review application (3.7M PDF).

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Comments

RIP $ Buff Chick sandwich.

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Here's the current view:

https://goo.gl/maps/YXYvkgANnps

Similar in size to surrounding buildings and in an area that can always use more housing. The folks in the back (I think that is elderly housing) may lose their view, but that's the only thing bad about this proposal.

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Well... the parking ratio is also bad. More parking means more cars, more traffic, and a higher cost per unit. Other than that, it is good though.

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The building behind is market rate. Behind that, there are some, not all, buildings with subsidized units.

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Very under-utilized prime location. Would be nice to get even more housing right on Comm Ave, but 37 units is progress.

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Not a bad establishment, but they've had the same sheet hanging over their door for 10+ years. It's amazing they never invested in a proper sign.

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That's because it'll always be the El Phoenix Room to some folks

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I used to live a block from there and Harry's was my local, so I'm glad it'll be coming back.

Fun fact: this corner was featured in the Walking Bostonian's post about the scourge of single-story retail in Boston.

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i'm all for more housing, but the B line is about to go from bad to awful with all the extra housing going up along it.

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I hosted trivia there for 10 years. While I helped to build a great franchise at the White Horse Tavern, Harry's was my favorite place to work. You're right on top of everybody, and the place goes bonkers during a snowstorm. Hell, I'll go over there to eat today, especially after reading this.

The convenience store has been out of business for at least a year, and I think the Subway is gone, too. But we need housing, and a facelift for Harry's would be amazing.

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...el Phoenix Room!!

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Rice, refried beans out of a can, chili, tamale and cheese enchilada?

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Another anonymous cube, only this time at one of the most dangerous and confusing intersections in the neighborhood.

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HARUMPH! This is Brighton NOT Allston...thank you very much.

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