No February meeting; Clean that snow

With yet another large accumulation on our doorstep, the February ESNA Business meeting has been cancelled.   We'll resume our monthly schedule on Tuesday, March 10th.     However, if anyone is interested maybe we can have an ESNA social night and complain about the snow while having some fun - Foleys has Trivia on Tuesdays, and Cathedral Station has trivia on Wednesdays...  let us know if this sounds interesting.

Speaking of snow, thanks to all ESNA residents who are clearing away all this snow.   Most of the sidewalks are looking pretty good, given the amount of snow we've been getting.   NA leaders are in contact with DPW to try and get some of the larger snow accumulations in the neighborhood removed, but as you might expect, the entire city is asking for the same.   But many City snow piles are blocking crosswalks, which can create a safety issue.

Please remember to help your neighbors whenever you can.  The 3rd storm in as many weeks is taking a toll on all of us, so help out any neighbor who might needs some shoveling assistance.   Don't forget crosswalks, trash cans and mailboxes when shoveling as well.   That can sometimes include re-shoveling crosswalks when the plow comes around again.   With no warm weather on the horizon, any path we shovel now we'll be stuck with for a number of weeks.

Even more important is clearing our Fire hydrants.   As you've seen in the news, Firefighters have had numerous instances of arriving at a fire only to have to waste valuable time digging out hydrants.   While most of our hydrants have had a basic shoveling, remember a firefighter needs to work around the hydrant.  They need a path from the hydrant to the street (we tend to shovel form the sidewalk tot he hydrant, but the firetrucks are in the streets, not on the sidewalks).   They also need to have access to attaches hoses, so at least 3 feet on either side of the hydrant are needed.   The image on the left shows a hydrant that has been cleared well.     The city has a database of Hydrants and Catch basins.   Check out the site here to find where these resources are in our neighborhood.    *Flash required to see the map)


The city snow page are your resource for the latest snow emergencies, trash pickup delays,  and other weather related information.


And, as always, stay safe.

Snow & Space Savers

Starting this winter, (2014-2015) the South End is now a "space saver free" zone.

If the city receives significant amounts of snowfall, and you shovel out your car that is parked on the public street, you not be allowed to reserve that space by putting a household item in the spot to hold it until you return.

Some history

Saving the spot you have shoveled out has been a unique habit that used to be confined to South Boston.   A few years ago space savers made the news and caused a hubbub.  At that time the previous administration gave it's OK to space savers, saying they could only stay on the street for 48 hours after the snow storm.  (People were using space savers to save a spot all winter, even long after the snow was gone).  But with this formal announcement the sue of space savers proliferated throughout the city, form the South End to Alston to Hyde park.

Why now?

In general, the streets are public and they should be available to anyone at any time to park their car. But more than just the private taking of a public spot for private use, the space saver system itself is being abused.    People are using space saves without a snow storm.  (yes, we we got he half inch of snow that immediately melted, people has space savers out).  But on top of that is the violence.   People have had their cars vandalized when they parked in a spot that someone else thought they had saved.   Every year brings stories of fist fights, slashed tires and broken windshields.

Last year the South End Forum started a pilot program to discourage space savers.  (Winter had started already and the city didn't want to change policy mid season).    With the 2014 season about to start, and the new mayoral administration, the city agreed to have the South End be a space saver free zone.

Starting this year, South End residents are being discouraged from putting out space savers.   Anyone seeing a space saver can remove it, or call the city and they will remove it.  On trash days the city will automatically remove any space saver.

Hopefully this will not only be fairer for everyone, but prevent some of the violence seen elsewhere (someone has already had their tires slashed this year and we haven't even gotten any significant snowfall).

The new South End policy did make Channel 5 news tonight, as well as an article in the Globe this weekend (paywall).   We've also put some of the posters (as above) in a PDF that you can download and hand out if you wish.

And since we'll have out first measurable (non melting) snow on Tuesday, here is an older blog post covering sidewalk clearing after a snowfall.

Our alleys

A big thank you to all who volunteered this weekend for the alley cleanup of the Hanson/Waltham alley, and for the individuals that gave the Waltham/UP alley a cleanup.   With this weekends' efforts, all of our alleys have now had some level of cleaning.

It's up to all of us to help keep our alleys in a clean state.

Aside from looking nice and being used to move things in and out of our homes, our alleys are important for our first responders.   During all our cleanups we've found that the alleys have become dumping grounds. Contractors using the alley to dispose of things they don't want to throw out, including soil they've dug up and decided to dump into the alleys. Residents using the alleys for storage of items, or as a place to throw out trash.   Added to that were fallen branches and blown-in trash that no one had ever cleaned up.

At best, the alleys end up looking messy.   At worst, they may come a day when police or fire respond to a call and can't get through to your home, or get injured trying to navigate debris in the dark while responding to a call.   Unkempt alleys can also give the impression that the area is not cared for, and overgrown trees and plants can make good hiding places for those with ill intent.


To keep our alleys clean and safe, we ask everyone to

• Clean the alley behind your own home regularly. 
• Trim low hanging tree branches and overgrown bushes that might keep the alley dark or provide hiding places for thieves.
• Do not throw trash into the alleys.  
• Do not store items in the alleys.   While it seems convenient, it clutters the alleys and can impede first responders
• Police ask that you add your house number to your rear gates, again so first responders can find your home should an emergency ever happen.
• The police also remind everyone with a gate do put a secure locking mechanism on the gate.  During all our alley walk-throughs, BPD was able to walk into almost half of the back yards due to gates not being locked or have an easily defeated gate latch.

If we all pitch in we can keep our alleys clean and safe.

Cleanup & More Cleanup

Thanks for a great Cleanup!

We'd like to thank everyone who took part in the Ringgold park cleanup this past weekend.   We had a
great crowd and cleaned up a lot of winter debris - 40+ bags for parks to take away and compost.   it was great meeting all our neighbors, and the park looks ready for Spring.    During Boston Shines, may 10th, we'll be getting free mulch from the city, and meet back in the park to mulch around the plantings.

We have a bunch of photos on our Facebook page.

Thanks to

• All who participated, of course!
• Friends of Ringgold Park, for coordinating with the city
• Parks Department, for access to tools and for doing a special pickup to collect the bags of debris
• The Wholey Grain, for some great coffee to start our day!

We hope some of you want to become more involved in Ringgold Park.   A number of FoRP board members will be stepping down, and we'd like to get park neighbors to step forward and help out.   Please contact Michael if you're interested in joining the Friends, or would just like some more information.

Speaking of cleanups

Last month we went on an alley security walk with Officer Litto.   One alley we walked down is the Waltham/Hanson alley.   The alley was in rough shape, filled with lots of debris.   Officer Litto was concerned that if Police or Fire had to respond to an emergency, they would rick injury themselves trying to navigate the alley in the dark.

We'd like to get Waltham/Hanson alley abutters together to do an alley clean-up on Boston Shines day, May 10th.   If enough neighbors get together, we can provide tools and arrange for DPW to pick up everything we remove from the alley.   In the past neighbors helped clean up the Hanson/Milford and Milford/Dwight alleys, and we hope the Waltham/Hanson neighbors will be just as enthusiastic about cleaning up their common alley!

If you abut the alley, please contact John and I'll put you in touch with the folks organizing the cleanup. This would take place the morning of May 10th, as part of Boston Shines.  (and in conjunction with our Ringgold mulching.

Hope to see you then!

April Business Meeting

Happy Springtime!

Our next business meeting Wednesday, April 2nd, 6:30-8:30 at the Boston Ballet 5th floor board room (Corner of Warren & Clarendon)

Meeting format:

6:30-7 - Neighborhood Networking.   Meet your neighbors in an informal setting.
7-8:30 - Business meeting.

On the agenda this month:

• Decks @ 1 Hanson
• License changes for Kitchen restaurant
• Information about the new Whole Foods opening
• Special Guest Speaker - Officer Richie Little of BPD
• Open Member Discussion

Business this month includes 1 Hanson street seeking support for rear decks.

Kitchen restaurant (former Pops location @ Clarendon & Tremont) is seeking a change to their liquor license.   Currently they must serve a full meal to anyone who would like a drink.  This restriction was on Pops restaurant, and was carried forward to Kitchen.  This restriction however is not on B&G, Butcher Shop. beehive or Stephie's, which puts Kitchen on a slight disadvantage.   They would like the full meal restriction lifted for the bar portion of the restaurant.

Whole foods will be coming to tell us about their planned space in the Ink Block development, and request support for selling liquor in the grocery store, and a license to sell prepared food.

Our guest speaker this month will be Officer Richie Litto from BPD.  Office Litto is part of the community service branch of BPD, and patrols the South End regularly.  We'll discuss alley safety based on our walk-through last Friday, as well as take questions on ESNA safety and crime in general.


And a reminder that our Ringgold park cleanup is Saturday, April 12th, so mark your calendars.   See more information here.


If you haven't yet renewed your annual membership, or are looking to join us, head to the ESNA Membership Page.  There you can renew on-line with your credit card, or print out a membership form to mail in with a cheque.

Hope to see everyone there!

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Snow in Boston

Howdy all.   With our third storm of the season coming soon, and a city snow emergency beginning Thursday at Noon, it's time to talk snow again.

The city snow page can be found here.   It's a great jumping off point for city resources, and has a link were you can sign up to get emails when snow alerts/emergencies/closings happen.

Detailed information on snow clearing can be found on our web "snow" page, and in last year's blizzard snow blog post.

Stay safe!

Clear those hydrants

First off, two thumbs up to all fellow Eigth Streets neighbors.   Lots of clean sidewalks today, with the sun melting what little we had left.   Hopefully the rain won't flood the streets and sidewalks Monday night.

I did notice a few hydrants could use some more work.  Just begin able to see the hydrant isn't enough.  The photo on the left shows a hydrant not cleaned off well enough.

Fire fighters need to be able to connect a hose to any of the three connections.   That means you need 2-3 feet CLEAR on either side.   Enough for a fully equipped firefighter can get there and work to attach equipment.  

We also need a path from the hydrant TO the street.   Access from the sidewalk to the hydrant isn't enough.  The hoses need to run form the hydrant to the trucks.   if firefighters have to waste time digging their own way to the hydrant, critical firefighting time is lost.

If you see hydrants today that need more access around them, or need a path to the street, please do a little more shoveling.   We need to be prepared in case the unthinkable happens...

Snow Primer

Morning all,

It's been a while since we've had significant snow in the city, so here's refresher with some city and neighborhood information.

Your main source of information is the city's Know Snow web page.  It has snow emergency, school closing and other current information - as well as links to parking and snow removal resources.   The Parking Page will tell you the do's and don'ts of parking during snow storms/snow emergencies, as well as list garages that offer discount rates for residents during snow emergencies.   And face it, with 2+ foot forecast with lots of drifting, putting the car in a garage tonight might be your best bet.  The Snow Removal page has a lot of what I'll summarize below, with the do's and don'ts of snow clearing.

For snow removal, you have to:

• Shovel your sidewalk within 3 hours of snow ending.  (or 3 hours after sunrise, if the snow continues into the night).  If you've been through this kind of snowfall before, it's easier to shovel multiple times during breaks in the storm rather than shovel it all at the end.  But of course, be safe and use your best judgement
• If you live on the corner, you have to shovel both sidewalks
• If you live on a crosswalks, you have to shovel out the crosswalk and have a clear path to the street.  If you live on a corner, both crosswalks need to be done.
• When you shovel, the path needs to be at least 42" wide.   Having a path 1-shove wide down the sidewalk isn't going to cut it.
• Sidewalks:   don't throw snow into the street.  Cars: don't shovel snow into the street or back onto the sidewalks.  Snow 'officially' goes between the walking sidewalks and the curb, or between parked cars.  With the levels of snow, putting it somewhere will be a challenge.
• As mentioned in last weeks' blog post - after your sidewalk is clear, it's your responsibility to keep it ice-free all winter long, as snow can melt and re-freeze at night on the sidewalk.

Remember, tickets issued for not shoveling now have to be paid, or they will be attached to your property tax bill.   You can get a ticket for every day not shoveled.  Plus, with the citizens connect app people have on their phones, any pedestrian who runs into an unshoveled property is going to snap a photo and get the city on your case.  The fine is $50/day for residential and $200 for commercial businesses (although ESNA businesses tend to be pretty good about clearing their sidewalks).

For snow removal, it would be nice if you:

• Shovel out hydrants, even if not in front of your home.
• Help out a neighbor who might have trouble with snow removal.  And keep an eye on a neighbor whose only home entrance is a very deep stairwell.  (Yes, some people got stuck in their homes last blizzard)
• Shovel the sidewalk of a local pocket park.  With this snow, parks/BRA will take a long time to get to such things.
• If there's a big gap between cars, consider shoveling out a path from the sidewalk to the street.  Pedestrians, drivers, mail carriers, package delivery and garbage men will thank you in the weeks to come.
• If you can, shovel out the local catch basins/storm drain.   The forecast for Monday is 40 degrees and RAIN.   If snow is covering all the storm drains we'll have flooding, which will then freeze on us Monday night.

For this and future weather alerts, you can sign up for alert emails form the city at the Alert Boston page.  For those on twitter, you can also follow @NotifyBoston and @AlertBoston.  Both of those resources will get you literally up to the minute notices on emergencies and closings and other city changes (like the change in trash times today).


Stay prepared,  stay safe, and see you all out shoveling!

Keeping sidewalks safe

As we enter the season of warm days and cold nights, we'd like to remind everyone that we need to keep our sidewalks ice free for the safety of everyone.

While everyone knows they need to shovel their sidewalks after a snow, most people don't realize they need to make sure there's no ice on their sidewalks.   As snow melts or water runs off rooftops, it risks re-freezing on the sidewalk after the sun goes down and temperatures drop again.   It's the owner's responsibility to make the sidewalks safe by sanding, removing or using an ice melting solution on icy sidewalks and steps.  

Not keeping sidewalks and stairways free of ice can result in the same city fine that you get if you don't shovel snow.

The problem is compounded in our area due to a change in government rules.   Residents are no longer allowed to connect downspouts (gutters) to the storm drain system.  For the rear of houses, gutters can drain to the yards or to a groundwater recharge system.   But there's often not room for either of those options in the front of buildings, so the downspouts now discharge right onto the sidewalks.  While usually not a problem, in wintertime this can create havoc.  On days like today where just a bit of snow is melting, even a small 'drip drip' from your gutter will create a thin sheen or water on the sidewalk, turning the sidewalk into a skating rink once the sun goes down.  

Please, everyone, check your sidewalks in the evenings and make sure they provide a safe environment for you and your neighbors!

Local crimes: remember to Call 9-1-1 when you see something

Sgt. Provenzano of BPD area D4 gives us an update on some neighborhood security issues (below).

This is a reminder for everyone to call 911 when you see suspicious behavior on our streets.  Even if it's not an emergency, call 911 and let them know something is going on.  (See this previous blog entry with more detail on how Boston 911 works.)

When calling, remember to give as much detail of the situation, and as details a description of the people as you can.   If you don't feel safe calling right away, remember the details and call when you feel safer.  Details like number of people, type and color of clothing, ethnicity and build can help police locate people if they've moved on from where you saw the suspicious activity.    Remember, if you're on a cell phone, 911 will connect you to the state police.   Program 617-3434-911 into your cell phone to be connected directly to Boston 911 dispatcher

From Sgt. Provenzano:

After two daytime residential burglaries on 12-27-12 (one on Milford Street & the other on Dwight Street), officers made an arrest of a burglary suspect on Chandler Street this morning(do in large part to the immediate 911 call by a witness & a great description as well as an officer being on scene as the call was coming in). It is unknown at this time if any of these incidents are connected. However, we would like to take this time to remind residents to be vigilant and to immediately notify 911 of any suspicious behavior that they observe. You are our eyes & ears and we need your timely 911 calls.

Bike Safety for Kids

Join BPD for kids Bike Safety Day - A day full of fun and events for families

Saturday, June 23, 11a-2p at 650 harrison Ave (D4 police station)

Bike safety kits and kids helmets while supplies last.

See this Flier for additional information

Free self defense class for Women

BPD is offering a free self defense class for women.   This is a 4 session class, being given at the JP Health center in Jamaica Plain.

Complete details can be found here

Snow Emergency

For those who haven't noticed the white stuff outside, Boston is under a Blizzard Warning, and the Governor and the Mayor have declared a state of emergency.  This means parking restrictions; including no parking on any streets that have Snow Emergency signs on them (this includes Tremont street).

Some links for this and for future snow storms:

12/26 Snow Emergency declaration - including a list of parking restrictions

Parking Ban description - where you can and cannot park, and a list of garages where you can get discounted parking because of the snow emergency

Know Snow - the City's information page for all things snow related

Get snow alerts direct to your inbox - You can sign up to get snow alerts, as well as other important City and school closings and emergency declarations.  Sign up and chose what alerts you would like to get, and how you would like to get them.  You'll be able to chose emails, text alerts, or phone calls (or all three).  The new system will also let you set an order of precedence - so if you don't (say) acknowledge an email, it will then give you a phone call.     Please note - this is a new system that replaces the previous snow alert system.   If you were on the old system, you must re-sign up for the new alert system.

So batten down your hatches tonight, and don't forget to shovel your sidewalks tomorrow when the snow and wind have subsided!

Major theft at Berkeley Garden

It is unfortunately that I have to pass on news that there has been yet another incident of theft at Berkley Community Gardens.

Sometime between 5pm October 29 and 7am October 30, the side door of the shed was broken into, and their snow blower was stolen. While there has been scattered vandalism in the garden over the summer, this seems to have been a well orchestrated event. They pried the handle and lock mechanism right off of the door and stole just the snow blower. Not being a smash-and-grab item, they may have had a vehicle waiting to haul the snow blower away.

A flier from the garden with picture and contact information can be found here (view / download). If anyone from the neighborhood, or any of their Dwight neighbors noticed anything this past Friday night, please contact the police or the garden via the contacts listed on their flier. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Rise in street robberies

BD D-4 has sent out this alert about an increase in street robberies. Please take a moment to read the alert, and as always, be cautious when walking in any neighborhood at night.

related crimes in the South End

Passing on this public notice concerning reported crimes that appear to be committed by the same persons.

NEIGHBORHOOD ALERT: POLICE SEEK ARMED ROBBER IN THE SOUTH END

Boston Police Investigators believe the following incidents may be related:

Boston Police have learned that between July 13, 2010 and August 13, 2010, several armed robberies have occurred in the South End (District D-4) and appear to be related. In all of the incidents, the suspect, a similarly described black male, showed a firearm during the robberies (note mostly early morning times for incidents reported below):

Incident Details:

At about 2:59am, on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, officers responded to an armed robbery at Concord Square & Columbus Avenue. On arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated that, while walking from Columbus Avenue onto Concord Square, an unknown suspect approached him with a black handgun and demanded all of his belongings. The suspect was described as a black male with medium complexion, approximately 5’8” tall, thin build, wearing a black baseball cap, black shirt, and dark blue jeans. The victim handed over his brown and green duffel bag. Officers searched the area for the suspect to no avail.

At about 2:45am, on Wednesday, July 14, 2010, victim walked into the police station to report a robbery. According to the victim, while walking on Dartmouth Street, he passed a black male in his late 20’s, approximately 5’9” tall, wearing a baggy black hooded sweatshirt. After the victim walked past, the suspect approached the victim from behind, showed a black handgun and demanded the victim’s property. The victim turned over his wallet and cell phone. The suspect fled on foot in the direction of Tremont Street.

At approximately 2:54am, on Sunday, July 29, 2001, officers responded to radio call for an armed robbery at Clarendon Street and Tremont Street. On arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated, while walking down Montgomery Street talking on the phone, an unknown black male, wearing all dark clothing and, possibly a hoodie, approached, showed a gun and demanded his wallet. The victim complied and handed over money and a cell phone. The suspect then turned and began walking down Montgomery Street outbound. Officers searched the area to no avail.

At about 9:40pm, on Saturday, July 31, 2010, officers responded to a radio call for an armed robbery in area of 65 Hammond Street. According to the victims, three black males walked up to their car while they were parked in front of 65 Hammond Street and robbed them. According to the operator, one of the suspects approached the driver’s side window with a handgun and demanded the victim’s property. That suspect was described as a black male, approximately 19 – 21 years old, wearing a red long sleeve shirt with a stripe. Officers also spoke to the passenger, who stated that other two suspects, both black males, approached the passenger side of the vehicle, displayed a black handgun and demanded money. Suspect #2 was described as a black male, approximately 17-19 years old, with gold teeth, about 5’9” in height, slim build, with short black hair and one long braid in the back. Suspect #3 was described as a black male wearing a yellow t- shirt. Victims stated that all three suspects then fled on foot through the parking lot of 65 Hammond Street.

On Tuesday, August 3, 2010, a victim came into the police station to report that he was robbed of his cell phone after being approached from behind by two black males. One suspect showed a firearm and demanded the victim’s cell phone. The victim turned over his phone and then watched both suspects run on foot towards Massachusetts Avenue. Suspect #1 was described as a black male, approximately 20 years old, about 5’8” tall, heavy set. The other suspect was described as a black male, approximately 18 years of age, about 6 feet tall, 180 lbs, wearing black basketball shorts and a white shirt.

At about 2:21am, on Friday, August 13, 2010, an officer on routine patrol in the South End was flagged down on Tremont Street near Massachusetts Avenue by a victim of an armed robbery. Victim stated that he was walking on Worcester Street from Columbus Avenue toward Tremont Street when the suspect (described as a black male, medium complexion, 25-30 years old, approximately 5’11” tall, wearing a black t-shirt and blue jean shorts) approached him from behind and placed his hand on the victim’s shoulder. When the victim turned around, the suspect showed a firearm and demanded money. Victim turned over his cell phone and wallet and then observed the suspect walked down Worcester Street toward Columbus Avenue. A radio broadcast with the description of the suspect and officers canvass of the area to no avail.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to call Area D-4 detectives at (617) 343-5619. You can also provide information anonymously by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department is interested only in your information, not your identity. Your tip is 100% anonymous and we thank you for your help.

Is your home a fire trap?

Remember the large multiple alarm fire at Beacon & Mass Ave back in April? BFS has determined the preliminary cause.

The cause of the 9-alarm fire on April 7, 2010 at the Beacon Towers Condominium building, 483 Beacon Street, has been found to have been an electrical short circuit. Specifically, an extension cord running under a piece of carpet in a seventh floor unit shorted out to cause the fire. The building remains closed for renovations.

That's right. An extension cord running under a carpet destroyed one home, put many others our of their homes, and could have lead to loss of life.

Consumer Product Safety Commission provides this PDF on home electrical safety... Make sure your home is a safe home...

Thanks to Universal Hub blog for the BFD information

New BPD News site

Wanna keep up on crime and the Boston Police Department? The new BPD News web site has been freshened up and now has a wealth of information. You can also find links to the following sites form the BPD News Home page.

General BPD information

The BPD Blog

BPD Facebook page

BPD Twitter feed

connect to NeighborsforNeighbors web site - a unique web site to connect neighbors together (just starting up - could be interesting!

Crime Reports - see an interactive map of your neighborhood and the location of all reported crime

Visit the site, and keep in touch with your community!

911 - the Boston users guide

We always encourage residents to call 911 to report any suspicious activity. but many people are afraid to call, associating 911 with "life and death" emergencies. Boston does things a little different. Read on to find out how Boston's 911 system works and how it can be our neighborhood's best friend.

First the numbers:

911 - Call this from your home/landline phone. This will connect you to police, who will be able to automatically see your home address as soon as you call.

617-3434-911 - To contact 911 from your cell phone. Put this number in your cell phone. Right now before your forget. I'll wait. OK - great. When you dial 911 from a cell phone you are sent to the State police, who will have to transfer you to Boston police. the 617-343-4911 number will get you directly to Boston Police. (smart phones are supposed to route 911 calls to the town from where you are calling, but that doesn't work most of the time.

How 911 works

In Boston, the 911 operator is the only way to get a police car dispatched. if you called the police department directly, you just get a desk office who can't dispatch a car. So while you still call 911 for the life-and-death stuff, you also call 911 for those loud parties, being blocked in by a double parker, or if you see some shady characters ducking into a dark alley.

Boston and BPD has set up 911 to work this way. Do not feel strange or embarrassed to call 911 for 'trivial' matters.

When you call 911 the dispatcher will answer "Is this an emergency". If it is not an emergency, then just answer "No". They'll then ask what the issue is and take your information. They will not yell at you for calling 911 if your call is about safety or any other neighborhood issue.

Why it's important

When people call 911 they picture a police car screaming down the street to answer your call. The truth is it could be a half hour before police show up, or they may not show up at all. (If it's a real emergency, everyone will show up - don't worry). What 911 does is prioritize calls. Emergencies get top priority. The loud party gets a lower priority. 911 takes all the calls, and dispatches police to the most important calls first. if it's a busy night (like the weekend) some of the low priority calls may never get an office responding.

But that doesn't mean your call has been ignored.

Every call is logged in and kept track of. They follow these calls over time to look for trends and hot spots. This data is looked over by local BPD chiefs, BOD overall, and City Hall. You think your one call about suspicious activity may not be worthy of a 911 call. But many calls about suspicious activity in the same area will start setting off flags in the BPD data, and let Police know something is up.

Many years ago the power went out in my apartment. After 20 minutes I finally called the electric company to ask when the power is coming back on. She said they didn't even know the power was out. Like me, everyone else just assumed 'someone else' called it in. Needless to say if power goes out I'm on the phone instantly to report it.

Crime is the same way. At a recent crime meeting someone said they see a lot of drug use in their neighborhood and why aren't he police doing anything about it? The police's answer? We have no reports on drug use in that area. And that's the issue. If no one calls, then they don't know what's going on, and can't do anything about it.

The bottom line?

If it doesn't look right? Call it in! Suspicious characters going into an alley? People drinking in the garden? Even if it's not your home. Walking to work and see a car window smashed? Call it in - it could be days before the owner sees it, and it could be the start of a crime wave. Complaining to your friends and neighbors is a nice way to vent, but unless you report it to 911, it's like it never happened.

So report, report, report. And if you didn't put the 617-3434-911 number in your cell phone earlier, do it now!

Safety discussion at May ESNA Meeting

Hi Everyone,

The next Eight Streets meeting is a little over a week away. This month we're going to have a focus on neighborhood security and safety.

Last year Eight Streets worked with Old Dover and Boston Police (BPD) to try to tackle a drug problem that had moved into the area. Unfortunately, as good a job as BPD was able to do, the Spring has brought a resurgence of the problem. What we're seeing this spring is an increase in Drug sales in the Old Dover neighborhood, near Washington/East Berkeley/Harrison area. And with drug sales comes drug use. We're seeing those who want to use or just hang out starting to congregate in Peters Park, Berkeley Garden, and in our ESNA walkable alleys.

At our May meeting, BPD Community Officer Sgt. Provenzano will join us with members of his team. We'll discuss some of the issues we have in the neighborhood, how BPD is working with ESNA and Old Dover to help tackle the problems, and what steps residents can take to ensure our neighborhood remains safe. We hope you'll be able to join us - watch this space for the official meeting notice this weekend.

In the meantime, just remember to always keep an eye out for suspicious activity. Remember to lock your doors, and don't leave valuables in your car. Use your common sense, and report suspicious activity to police. (more on that in the next blog entry).

Thanks to Dave and Jodi who are stepping up and taking an active role in ESNA and helping out with Safety. Many of you have seen their flier in your door, and I look forward to having them continue to work with BPD and Old Dover. And a nice warm ESNA welcome to those visiting the blog for the first time after seeing their flier! I hope to see you at the May meeting!