WOBURN - The City Council recently approved a petition from the Kiwanis Club to host its annual Flag Day festivities later this summer.

The special permit request was endorsed unanimously with no debate at the council's most recent meeting.

According to local attorney Mark Salvati, speaking on behalf of the organization, the popular event will be held this year on Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14 at Library Park. The festivities will kick-off rain or shine.

The Flag Day festival is one of the most highly-anticipated and well-attended events in the city, drawing thousands of citizens each year.

Porch request continued again

The council again postponed a decision on a request to add a porch at a Porter Street residence at the request of the petitioner's attorney Malcolm Houck.

According to City Council President Charles Doherty, he had recently conversed with Houck, who explained that his client is still awaiting information from a structural engineer.

"He said they haven't received anything from the structural engineer. There also may be some financial issues with the petitioner," the Ward 1 Alderman said.

The special permit request was continued until May 20.

Westborough resident Sam Gandor purchased the multi-family home at 11-13 Porter Street, previously owned by former South End landlord John Berlandi, and is seeking permission to erect a deck/porch at the residence.

Gandor started construction on the porch shortly after purchasing the dwelling, but was issued a cease and desist order from Building Commissioner Steven Paris.

The council, which has been mulling over the proposal for some months, wants assurances that the multi-family home won't be used or converted into a boarding house.

Referring to past abuses, several Aldermen have contended that the porch's layout could easily accommodate multiple tenants, especially since the structure extends to an attic area.

Future public hearings

The council recently scheduled several public hearings for new special permit requests, including:

* A petition from James and Ann Catania to change the zoning designation of the property at 131 Main Street;

* A request from Mill Street resident Kenneth Harrington to allow an auto garage at 10 Draper Street;

* A special permit application from Billerica residents David and Deborah Richardson to renovate a fire-damaged home at 53-55 Prospect that is a pre-existing, non-conforming structure.

Early start time

In a unanimous vote, the Aldermen changed the start of its May 20 meeting to 6:30 p.m.

The request, filed by Ward 2 Alderman Richard Gately, stipulates that no public hearings scheduled for the regular meeting will start before 7:30 p.m.