Public meeting scheduled on Apple store

The Boston Redevelopment Authority has scheduled a public meeting for Oct. 4 to get community feedback on a proposal by Apple Computer Inc. to build its first store in Boston.

The meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. at Fisher College.

After obtaining approval for its preliminary store design from the Back Bay Architectural Commission, Apple submitted a proposal to build a three-story building to the BRA on Sept. 11, a spokeswoman for the city's planning agency said.

Apple hopes to demolish an existing building at 815 Boylston St. in the Back Bay, then build a store whose front would largely be made of glass.

Apple's plan has the support of Mayor Thomas M. Menino.

It's likely that the BRA would take action on Apple's request by the end of the year, the BRA spokeswoman said.

A community meeting is a standard part of the BRA's review process of design proposals, she said. The BRA would weigh the feedback it gets on Apple's proposal before making a decision on whether to approve the store, she said.

A call to Apple's Boston consultant on the project was not immediately returned.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)