NorthEndWaterfront.com

Sophia Anderson, Seeking Fortune Teller PermitIn a surprising outcome, the North End/Waterfront Residents' Association voted 30-16 in favor of a fortune teller permit for Sophia Anderson to operate on the 2nd floor of 215 Hanover Street. The North End has generally not supported tellers that have long been eager to gain a foothold in the neighborhood.

Mrs. Anderson proposes to do tarot card and palm readings, teach reading skills, and sell related retail products, such as books, cards and incense.  She will operate until 11:00 pm, 7 days a week. Mrs. Anderson operates a similar business in W. Bridgewater and previously had an operation at 6 Flags amusement park. The NEWRA vote occured at their September 10th monthly meeting after a presentation and discussion period.

The teller believes the business will be successful because the street gets a lot of tourist traffic. The location is directly above the Dolce Vita restaurant. Signs (2x3 feet) will be in the two large picture windows on Hanover Street displaying in gold lettering "Psychic Tarot Card Readings." Palm readings will cost $20, tarot cards $40 and candles will sell for under $10.

At the NEWRA meeting, an abutter spoke in support of the permit. The abutter owns an international real estate firm, also in the building. She believes that more traffic would be beneficial in the building. The abutter also believes the applicant has psychic ability.

The Licensing Board hearing has already transpired with a decision pending neighborhood input. The North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) will vote on the permit on Monday, September 14th at the Nazzaro Center at 7pm.

My thoughts: As a voting NEWNC member, I plan to vote against this permit at the September 14th meeting unless I hear something unexpected at the meeting. I have heard Mrs. Anderson speak at two previous neighborhood meetings and she seems very nice and sincere. However, I am concerned that this first permit will open the door to other tellers and amusement interests not in keeping with our primarily residential neighborhood. I guess I'm just not a "believer."

See also:
Fortune Teller Coming To Hanover St?
Fortune Teller Appears Before NEWRA's ZLC Committee

Update on Thursday, September 17, 2009 by Matt C.

The North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) voted NOT support the fortune teller permit in a vote of 8-2 at their meeting on Monday, September 15, 2009. The minutes from that meeting are available at www.newncboston.org.