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BZA approves Naya quick‑service restaurant at Main Street in Kendall Square
Summary
The board granted a quick‑service food special permit for a Naya Middle Eastern restaurant in Kendall Square, finding the proposed use meets MXD and quick‑service criteria; no public opposition was recorded in the file.
The Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeals voted May 8 to grant a special permit allowing a Naya quick‑service restaurant at a Main Street location in Kendall Square.
James Rafferty, attorney for the applicant, said Naya would serve Middle Eastern cuisine in a layout similar to the prior tenant (a Clover outlet). Rafferty noted the MXD district criteria (Article 14.21.3) and the quick‑service standards (Section 11.31) and argued the location meets the requirements including walk‑in trade, limited size, and use of biodegradable packaging.
Rafferty told the board the space previously held a Clover restaurant under a special permit granted in February 2013; quick‑service special permits are operator‑specific, so Naya requested a new permit. The applicant said deliveries and trash handling would use an existing loading area and interior trash storage; hours of service would run until about 10 p.m.
No members of the public called in to oppose the application, and the board found no correspondence for or against in the file. Chair Jim Monteverde moved to grant the special permit on condition the work conform to the drawings prepared by architect Derek Rubinoff dated Dec. 20, 2024; the board voted 5–0 to approve.
The permit allows Naya to operate at the Main Street location in Kendall Square under the terms and layout on file; the decision incorporates the submitted drawings and supporting statements and leaves enforcement of building‑code and inspection requirements to city staff.
