City of Boston requests Starbucks to withdraw North End proposal

BOSTON — The City of Boston has requested that the coffee giant Starbucks withdraws their proposal to establish a location in the city's North End neighborhood.

Mayor Marty Walsh's office told Boston 25 News that the request comes after a proposed Starbucks store in the historic neighborhood was not well-received by residents and business owners.

Both business owners and residents have vehemently opposed to the proposal since it was first introduced, claiming it would go against everything the neighborhood stands for.

Longtime locals had been handing out fliers and even started a petition against Starbucks setting up shop. Their main argument is, if a corporate business is allowed to open up in one of the country's last remaining Little Italy districts, it will open the door for other chains to come.

"You're not part of the neighborhood, Starbucks, you never will be," said Carmelina's & Vito's owner and North End resident Damien DiPaola. "They're willing to screw every business and every neighbor."

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