Barely a week after delaying a vote on allowing a Starbucks to open at L Street and East Broadway in Southie, Boston’s licensing board approved the coffeehouse.
The board on Aug. 18 had kicked a decision to an unspecified date, and then voted Aug. 25 to allow Starbucks to open at 749 East Broadway. The decision caps months of controversy between those who worry the chain’s outpost harbingers (more) gentrification and those who welcome the trade.
The licensing board’s vote seems to end the uncertainty at least. Mayor Marty Walsh, who opposed the Starbucks, said in a statement that his office respects the board’s decision. The controversy continues as opponents continue to demand action on concerns over parking and traffic.
Grab a cup and settle in.