The popular Marion Road restaurant that was destroyed by fire in October of 2021, Cilantro Thai Cuisine, might soon rise from the ashes to return to its original address.
Cilantro owner Derek Tiago appeared before the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals on May 26 with a plan to move his business to 290 Front Street, a former retail clothing shop, and to request the special permit to allow one nonconforming zoning use, a retail operation, to become another nonconforming use, a restaurant, that the plan requires.
Tiago ended up agreeing to first confer with the owner of his original location, 374 Marion Road, who is in the midst of rebuilding there, as to whether he could return there instead.
Zoning panel Chairperson Cynthia Callow revealed the opposition that Tiago faced via a letter from two neighbors, Richard and Janet Barnes, who live two doors down from the proposed new location. The Barnes asserted that the change is more detrimental to the neighborhood than the prior nonconforming use was. They complained the location’s business hours will increase leading to more traffic, noise and food odors.
Tiago responded to the Barnes’ concerns by noting his is a small family restaurant. He insisted that the ventilation system and the type of food he cooks will not lead to a strong food smell. He said that 80 percent of his business is take-out so his 10-space parking area will not be crowded. There will be no liquor or live music.
Board member Marge Baldwin praised Tiago. She said her husband was the prior owner of 374 Marion Road and that Tiago, his wife and sister-in-law were “hard-working, gracious tenants. And I want is to promote small business in Marion.”
Callow noted that she and fellow members and even the Barnes were satisfied, regular customers of Cilantro.
“We don’t want our neighbors who are also our customers upset with us,” Tiago responded.
Board member Will Tifft asked if returning to 374 Marion Road was an option for him. Tiago said it was a possibility, according to “conversations” he has had with that property owner. He said he would talk to him again. He would like his new restaurant to open by October, he said.
The board voted to continue the public hearing until the July 14 ZBA meeting to give Tiago time to pursue his options.
Callow pointed out the process for permission to move to Front Street will not get Tiago there by October. Going back to Front Street might be quicker.
In other action, the ZBA approved a plan to renovate a nonconforming structure, a home at 12 West Avenue. The proposal is to expand an enclosed living space. Four bedrooms will be redesigned to become three. A second floor will be built above the garage for storage space and utilities that will thus be moved away from the flood plain.
The Zoning Board of Appeals next meeting will be held on Thursday, June 9, at 6:30 pm.
Marion Zoning Board of Appeals
By Michael J. DeCicco