Egg Hunt Postponed Due to Weather

The Ringgold Park Egg Hunt has been rescheduled due to inclement weather.



Please join us next Sunday, April 24th, at 10 am.

We hope to see you there!

The Friends of Ringgold Park

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email: ringgoldpark@verizon.net

Neighborhood News on-line

Since you're reading this blog, you probably have some intent savvy, and an interest in neighborhood news.  We'd like to remind you our two Press outlets also have a presence on line.

The South End News has a Web page as well as a Facebook Page and Twitter feed.    On the Web Page they also have (at the bottom of the page) and email sign-up, where you can get a weekly email of the weeks' headlines.

The South End patch also has a Web Page, Facebook Page and Twitter Feed, as well as an RSS feed for news stories.  They also have an email newsletter (link is on the upper right of the Web Page)

[[Update - the Patch now has an iphone app (android coming soon) ]]

Both outlets provide news covering the South End, and we hope you follow both and get all your neighborhood news...

Yard waste pickup for Spring

City of Boston press release.   Eight Streets' recycling day is Tuesday


If you don’t have time to compost your leaves or yard debris this spring, Boston Public Works Department will do it for you.  Public Works crews will collect your leaves and yard waste on neighborhood recycling days from April 25 to May 20.

• Residents should place leaves and yard debris in large paper leaf bags or open barrels labeled “yard waste” (no plastic bags).  Yard waste stickers for barrels are available by calling (617) 635-4500.
• Residents should tie branches with string: 3’ maximum length. 1” max. diameter. They should not put branches in barrels.  
• Barrels, bags and branches should be placed curbs:

7:00 AM on your Recycling Day:  April 25 through May 20
Yard Waste will not be collected for two weeks prior to the spring collection (April 11 thru April 22).  Residents should please hold their yard waste until collection begins the week of April 25. 


More Information on Yard Waste Guidelines

April ESNA Business Meeting

Hi Everyone!

Our monthly Eight Streets business meeting will be this Tuesday, April 5th at Project Place (Washington & East Berkeley).  

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

7-8:30 - Business meeting.   

We have some exciting items on the agenda this month.

• Pops restaurant - Pops is seeking support to extend closing hours from midnight to 1am.   Their hearing was last week - no word yet if it was denied or postponed.   But according to the city they still wish to visit the NA and get feedback on extended hours.

• 10 Bond street - they wish to present information on a planned roofdeck.   There was recently a hearing on the validity of their existing permit, but I have not yet received feedback on how that went.   but this is information only - there is no vote on this issue scheduled at this meeting

• Meet Eric Hill - Eric works at Paul Sullivan housing and will be a regular attendee at our meetings.

We've got some great agenda items this month, so we hope you'll be able to make it.   (A local business also promises to bring some treats to nibble on).   

See you on Tuesday!

Street Sweeping begins

A sure sign of Spring - Street sweeping is here!

As of April 1st, the street sweeping season for local streets has begin (although sweeping was postponed due to snow on Friday).   This week is the "first" week - many of our streets are cleaned on the First Mondays and Thursdays.  A full schedule for Eight Streets and surrounding streets can be found here (let me know if we need any corrections)

So please remember to move your cars this week.   Never mind the potential ticket - our streets are a mess after this long winter, and this is a chance to start the Spring cleanup.

March ESNA Meeting

Hi Everyone!  We seem to be storm-free at the moment, so the weather looks good for our March ESNA Meeting!

Our monthly Eight Streets business meeting will be this Tuesday, March 1st at Project Place (Washington & East Berkeley).  (Yes, this coming Tuesday is March already)

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

We have some exciting items on the agenda this month.

• Election season isn't that far off.   This November the City Council seats will be up for election.  Suzanne Lee has put her hat in the ring for the District 2 seat, and will visit us this month to let us know about herself and her candidacy.   I hope we can get a good crowd for this (and all) candidate presentations to show Eight Streets has an interest in who represents us in City Hall.

• Berkeley Greenery - Berkeley's fence on Berkeley street is now up, but they still have more work planned.   Along the fence they plan an to have array of greenery to compliment the fence and bring year-round color to the Berkeley edge.   Ann McQueen from the garden will give us a short presentation on their fence greenery plans.

• Rob Ferris, who is developing 5 Dwight street will give us a project update on the building rehab.  

We've got some great agenda items this month, so we hope you'll be able to make it.   (A local business also promises to bring some treats to nibble on).

See you on Tuesday!

Blackstone/Franklin fundraiser

Passing along this notice from our friends at Blackstone/Franklin Square NA...

The B/FSNA is having its annual book scholarship fundraiser on Thursday February 24 at Estragon, 700 Harrison from 6 to 8 pm. There will be free food from Estragon, Mela, Pita and Siraj Cafe; a cash bar and a wonderful silent auction. We have items from Toro, Orinoco, South End Athletics Company, Flour and more. Tickets are $25/in advance, $30/at the door; $30/$40 for couples.

All the proceeds go to support our book scholarship for South End high school seniors. More information is available at www.bfsna.org or email info@bfsna.org. 

Ringgold fundraising deadline approaches

Ringgold park has gotten Landmarks approval for the new center circle design, but the fundraising deadline is fast approaching.  The Feb 22 fundraising deadline is a little over 2 weeks away!!!  Get full details in this South End News article on the design and fundraising effort.

Read here to read Ringgold Park's latest call for donations.  Or, jump right to the on-line donation page to make your donation!  They need your help in order to make this renovation happen!

Keep up to date on Boston notices

Unsure if Boston has declared a snow emergency?  Need to know when Boston has a parking ban due to snow?  Are schools open or closed?  Keep in touch with up-to-the-minute city notices by adding  NotifyBoston to your Twitter feed.  Tweets are kept to a minimum, but the information is worth following.   During these trying snow times you can also use the hashtag #bostonsnow on your tweets to share snow information with others in Boston.

Universalhub is another good source of Boston information.  It's more chatty and tweets more than notifyboston, but it's fun to see what goes on city-wide.  And of course you can follow our good friends at SouthEndNews.

What Boston twitter feeds do you follow or find interesting?   Add your favoriate to the comments!

Eight Streets meeting postponed

Due to the impending weather, the February Eight Streets meeting has been postponed.   While I'm sure walking across the neighborhood int he snow wouldn't be a problem, many people come to the NA meeting right after work - and with the potential for tomorrow's commute to be extra long, many people won't be able to make the meeting.

Our two presenters have already been rescheduled for our March business meeting, including City Council district 2 candidate Suzanne Lee.

I hope to see everyone at the March meeting.   Hopefully we'll have less snow on the ground, and no storms on the horizon.

(And remember, another snow emergency starts 9AM Tuesday morning (2/1/2010)

SE Library lecture series

The Friends of the South End Library will kick off its 2011 authors' series on Tuesday, January 25 at 6:30 PM at the South End Library with nationally renowned author and professor of literature Doug Bauer. The South End resident  will read from a forthcoming collection of personal essays. More information about the series and its upcoming guests can be found on the FOSEL web site.

Trash collection on SATURDAY this week

Because of the blizzard, this weeks' trash collection has been moved to SATURDAY, Jan 15th.   Please do not put trash out until after 5pm Friday night, or better still, Saturday morning.  

Also, since this snow won't be melting any time soon, please do your best to help the sanitation people.   They can't see over snowbanks and such.  Try to put your trash near a path that leads to the street.  If you have white trash bags, try putting your bags near your neighbors black bags so they can be seen.   And, as always, make sure your trash is in sealed garbage bags.  Please, no trash in paper department store bags or convenience store plastic bags - all trash needs to be in secured barrels or in appropriate garbage bags.

The change of date is for this week only.   Regular trash collection resumes next week.

Got a photo?

Got a good storm photo?  Or any photo of our neighborhood?   If you use Flickr, use the tag eightstreets and share your photos with the neighborhood?   (anyone use picasa?   Lemmie know and we can use tags there as well)

Flickr eightstreets photos...

No January ESNA Meeting

Greetings and Happy New Year everyone!

We will not be having a January Eight Streets Meeting.   We had no issues to vote on and no speaker scheduled.   And I think like myself, many of you are just getting back into the swing of things after a busy December.     Once we are able to move back to the Ballet meeting space, we'll most likely change to the second week of the month, just so the monthly meetings don't sneak up on anyone.

Speaking of which, the next meeting is Tuesday, February 1st.     Currently we just have a project update form the new owners of 5 Dwight street.   This will be informational only - as of now, no votable items on that project.  

As always, let me know if there are speakers you would like to see at our meetings.   We don't have to be all business.  There are many State and City folks who would come to the meeting to speak and ask questions.   (In December we had two city councilor's offices in attendance).   If there's a speaker you'd like to see come to a meeting, or a topic you'd like to discuss, send to the email list or reply to the blog and let us know!

As a reminder, Eight Streets member renewals were do as of September.   If you have not renewed yet, head over to the Membership Page; where you can use paypal to renew your ESNA Membership; or print out a member form and US Mail it in.

Thanks everyone, and see you February 1st!

Christmas Tree Recycling

The city will be recycling Christmas trees from January 3 through January 14th, on the neighborhood recycling days.  For Eight Streets this means you can put your tree out for recycling on the mornings of January 4th and January 11th.   Trees put out on any other day will be taken as trash.

To get your tree recycled, it has to be free of all lights, ornaments and decorations, and must not be in a plastic bag.  If you use a bag to remove your tree form your home, take the bag off the tree once you get streetside.

Trees taken for recycling are shredded and turned into compost which is given out free by the city each Spring.

It's not too late to donate to Ringgold

Theres still a day left to make your tax deductible donation to Ringgold Park and help raise money for the center circle capital campaign fund.   Use their on-line donation form to donate to ringgold park and have your donation apply to the 2010 tax season.  (Or start the new year off by donating on January 1).

Any donation you make will help bring us closer to completing this beautiful project in Ringgold Park.

Ringgold on-line donation site.  From here you can use your credit card to donate any amount.

More Information on Ringgold Donations and the Center Circle project.

Dude, where's my car?

Car missing?    It could have been towed - especially if you didn't move it from a major artery during the snow emergency.   The City's web site has two tools to help you.

On the City's Towed Cars web site, you can enter your license plate and see if your car has been towed.  

A little more useful is the Towed Car Alerts - where you can enter your license plate, and receive an emil or a text message should your car ever be towed.  (Notices are sent 1-4 hours after towing.  For more information see the Tow Alert FAQ)

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!

SE News, delivered

You can now get the South End News delivered - right to your inbox.  head to their web site at mysouthend.com and scroll all the way to the bottom of the page.  There's a box labelled Get on our email list!  and add your email address.  You'll get an email once a week with the news headlines.


For those needing more of a fix, you can always follow @SouthEndNews on twitter

SE News article on crosswalks

The South End news has an article on the new crosswalks being installed at Shawmut and Waltham/Union park.

December ESNA Meeting

Our monthly Eight Streets business meeting will be this Tuesday, December 7th at project

Place (Washington & East Berkeley).

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

7-8:30 - Business meeting.

On the agenda this month:

• City Councilors - Representatives from the offices of City Councilor Pressley and City Councilor Arroyo will be in attendance. Bring your city questions and have the chance for City Hall to hear your concerns!!

• Gate wrap-up - Alan has the results of some research on gates he had done in response to our October meeting. This is just a report - there will be no 'gate discussion' this meeting.

• Watson Park - An abutter has some thoughts on Watson park, so we might get a some light discussion going...

• 2011 planning - don't let the cold get you hibernating yet! Are there any events you'd like to see the NA do this coming Spring and Summer? Are there any speakers you'd like to come to the NA in 2011? let us know!!

We hope you'll be able to make it!!

Food Drive at the South End Library

Ann Smart, of the South End Branch of the BPL lets us know of the food/can drive happening:

The South End Library, 685 Tremont Street, is participating in the 2010 Can Share Food Drive during the month of December. Please bring any canned proteins, fruits, vegetables, soups, and beans to the south end library.

Holiday Shopping Night Out

The holidays continue this Wednesday (12/8) with the South End Holiday Shopping Night Out.

Shop at your neighborhood businesses in the South End and enjoy 15-20% discounts. Grab dinner at one of your favorite South End restaurants who are offering specials for this evening only.

Participants include: 570 Market, Aquitaine, Aunt Sadie’s, Bark Place, Bead + Fiber, Boomerangs Special Edition, diseño | bos, Flock, Flour, Foodie’s Urban Market, Galeria Cubana, Gallardo Works, Gaslight, Gifted, Hudson, J.E.M., Kiwi Baby, Lekker, Looc, M. Flynn Accessories, Metropolis, Michele Mercaldo Jewelry, Michelle Willey, Mohr & McPherson, Motley, Myers+Chang, Patch NYC Shop, Polka Dog Bakery, POPS Restaurant, Posh on Tremont, Restoration Resources, Sara Campbell LTD, Skoah, Sooki, South End Athletic Company, South End Buttery, Stephen Baumbach, Stir, Tadpole, Turtle, Uniform, Union Bar and Grille, Upper Crust, Laura Preshong, D Scale, Charles Tersolo, Face Facts Healing Spa and Escape Salon & Spa.

Tree lighting Sat, Dec 4.

Mayor Menino Invites you to the South End Trolley Tour and Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 4th, 2010 BCA Plaza, 539 Tremont

Entertainment begins at 3pm; tree lighting at 4pm

Performances by:

Senior Singers

Mike Dylan from Little Groove

Baby Wiggle - Music Education for Children music teacher

Refreshments and Activities for children and families

Activities for Children in the Mills Gallery

Sponsored by:

Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services,

Department of Public Works,

Mayor's Office of Special Events

South End Business Alliance,

Boston Center for the Arts, and

The Ellis South End Neighborhood Association

Download the flier here

South End Historical Society calendars

The South End Historical Society is celebrating its 45th anniversary. A special commemorative calendar for 2011, a perfect gift, is now available. It contains historical information about our wonderful neighborhood.

For more information please contact admin@southendhistoricalsociety.org.

Nov 13th Coffee Hour for State Representative Aaron Michlewitz

Our state house representative Aaron Michlewitz will be holding coffee hours this Saturday, November 13 from 10 AM to Noon at South End Buttery (314 Shawmut Ave).

Come on down, grab a cup of coffee and have an informal chat with your state rep. Discuss some state related issues you may have, or just say hi and introduce yourself.

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.

No November ESNA Meeting

Welcome to November everyone.

We will not be having a November Eight Streets meeting. There have been no business agenda items brought forth; and many of our ‘regulars’ will be helping out on election day (either helping the city or supporting their candidates). Given these conditions, we’ve decided to cancel the November meeting. We encourage you to use this free time to head out and Vote on Tuesday – polls will be open until 8pm!


Please remember to keep an eye on our blog to keep up on neighborhood news and notes. The next scheduled ESNA meeting is Tuesday, December 7th.

_________________
John McLachlan, President
Eight Streets Neighborhood Association
South End (Boston) MA
http://eightstreets.org/
http://eightstreets.blogspot.com/

Vote on Tuesday

Excitement is in the air. Yes, it's true, come Wednesday, we'll no longer have to endure endless political ads. Which means on Tuesday we'll all do our civic duty and head to the polls and vote.

All of Eight Streets is in Ward 3, Precinct 7. We vote at Cathedral High School, corner of Waltham and Washington st. Polls are open 7am to 8pm. For a list of candidates on our ballot, follow this link. You might want to print it out and make your selections before you head to the polling location. There are a number of offices up for election, as well as three ballot questions.

So remember to get out and vote!!

State rep Michlewitz coffee hours - 10/30

Our state representative Aaron Michlewitz will be holding his next coffee hours this Saturday, 10/30. Stop by Berkeley Perk (69 Berkeley st; same block as 7-11) between 10am and noon for some informal chat- bring your questions, or just stop by and say hi.

Volunteers needed for a successful Halloween!

Volunteers Are Still Needed!

We are still looking for help with the following:

Food Donations: Veggie trays, hummus, chips, dips, pretzels, popcorn in small bags have been favorites in years past.

Clean Up: Clean up can begin as soon as the parade leaves the park at 5:30 p.m., and will extend on into the evening. We promise it will be a fun and gratifying way to get involved and spend some time with your neighbors.

We can't do it all on our own! If you can lend a hand with food or clean up, please email Becca Schulman.

Our new web site, http://ringgoldpark.org/, has detailed information on the Halloween Party as well as the ongoing Center Circle Project.

Ringgold Halloween Party

Click here to see this message as a web page


Greetings!
We are excited to announce that the planning for the annual Friends of Ringgold Park Halloween Party has begun! It is already shaping up to be a wonderful night for the community. Join us!

The festivities will begin on Sunday October 31st at 4:30 p.m. and the costume parade will wind its way out of the park and down Waltham Street at 5:30 p.m. We will have Waltham Street blocked off for the event so you can count on safe trick or treating for the little ones.

Volunteers are Needed!
We are lucky to have generous neighborhood sponsors that donate delicious food, but we also need help from the community to fill out the menu. In light of the candy to come later in the evening, we particularly welcome savory treats. Veggie trays, hummus, chips, dips, pretzels, popcorn in small bags have been favorites in years past. We look forward to any fresh ideas as well.

Finally, we need volunteers to assist in the pre-event park cleanup, decorating, and post-event clean up tasks on Halloween day. Morning cleanup will begin at 9:00 a.m., park decorating and set up will begin at 2:30 p.m. and clean up can begin as soon as the parade leaves the park at 5:30 p.m., and will extend on into the evening. We promise it will be a fun and gratifying way to get involved and spend some time with your neighbors.

We can't do it all on our own! If you can lend a hand with food, decorating, or clean up, please email Becca Schulman. Please put "Ringgold Park Halloween: Food, AM Cleanup, Decorating, or PM Cleanup" in the subject line to help us keep track of volunteers.

We are looking forward to seeing you and your family in all your Halloween glory!

Our new web site, http://ringgoldpark.org/, has detailed information on the Halloween Party as well as the ongoing Center Circle Project.
Hope to see you soon!
Best regards,

Claire Corcoran
President, Friends of Ringgold Park

October business meeting

Our monthly Eight Streets business meeting will be this Tuesday, October 5th at project Place (Washington & East Berkeley).

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

7-8:30 - Business meeting.

On the agenda this month:

Boston Sports Club - an introduction to their facilities, and a special deal for ESNA Members

Ringgold park - Their Capital Campaign has begin to raise money for the center fountain area. Friends of Ringgold will be there to present the final design and to let everyone know of their fundraising campaign. Visit http://ringgoldpark.org/ for more details

Alleys and Gates - last meeting brought up the issue of gating alleys. We hope to start a discussion about alleys, ownership, and the value of eights. There is no vote or proposal, we just hope to have an open dialog between neighbors. (see a blog posting for more details on this issue)

Some additional notes this month:

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This month's meeting will be run by Heather, who has agreed to take on the role of Vice President of ESNA. She's basically been doing that role as well as secretary for the past year, which was an undue burden. I'd like to take a moment to thank Heather for accepting the role as Vice President.

This does mean we're on the hunt for a secretary for the NA...

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A reminder for this year we meet the first Tuesday of every month, at Project place, at the corner of East Berkeley and Washington. The meeting room is on the second floor; the entrance is the door right next to Meyers and Chang. We had very light attendance last month, so I'm hoping we can have a bigger crowd this week.

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6 Milford was to be on the agenda this month, but has been removed. Their proposal for a deck was tables last month, as there were other construction issues on the site, which abutters were unhappy about. But in the last month, no one from the project has contact Eight Streets. None of the site cleanup that was promised has been done. And while they said they had no hearing date when asked in September, they do have a hearing Tuesday afternoon, which would make a Tuesday night meeting too late for any hearing letter. The Mayor's office knows if the situation, and will let the baord know about our feelings at Tuesday's hearing.

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As the agenda states, we will be having a discussion on the gating of alleys in ESNA. This is a discussion only between neighbors. Talks about gates brings up strong emotions between those very much for and those very much against. I'd like this meeting to be a civil discussion about the pros and cons of gating alleys, approaches other than gating alleys, and the logistical challenges of getting keys to 50-100 people after gating an alley. let's see if we can get a good dialog going.

Hope to see everyone at the meeting on Tuesday!!!

Alleys & Gating

We are planning to have a general discussion on alleys and gating at the upcoming ESNA meeting. The topic was bought up at the last meeting, and we hope to expand the discussion a bit and talk about options, pros and cons of such activities. There will be no official vote or anything - control of the alleys is, in general, up to the residents (all the residents) who abut an alley.

In the Eight Streets neighborhood, three of our 4 alleys cannot be driven down - they are foot-access only. This tends to mean a lot less foot traffic, which can be a good or a bad thing. While it makes our back yards nice and quiet, from time to time it does lend itself as a place for vagrants to hang out, a place for drug users to shoot up in relative quiet, and leads to the occasional unnoticed break in. These activities wax and wane as the general crime in the neighborhood comes and goes. But these activities can lead to a desire to close off the alleys and restrict access via gates. While sounding like a good idea, it gets very complex very fast.

When the South End was built, land was given out in parcels, and developers build what they wanted on the land. This is why some alleys you can drive down, some you cannot. it explains the occasional change in building architecture in mid block, and explains why some areas have unique configurations (like our Ringgold/Bond/Taylor streets) and some do not.

When build, all alleys, even the drive-able ones, were private property. Over time, many of the drive-able alleys (but still, not all) were turned over to the city. The residents lose ownership, but the city pays for snow removal, reconstruction, et al. Most of the walkable alleys continue to remain in private hands. But while they're private, actual ownership and use can quickly become a legal quagmire.

In general, our alleys are owned by the property to which they abut. Effectively your property line goes to the center al the alley. But that is not a blanket rule. Each property owner would have to go back to the original deed to see what part, if any, of the alley is part of their property under deed.

But because you own it, you can't just move your fence and reclaim your land. There a legal right to access the alley, which again is a legal quagmire. Our phone and cable service runs down the alley, so those utility agencies need access to the poles and wires. Originally, all our sewer service was private, and ran down the back alleys. While most buildings are on city/street service, not everyone is. And the old sewers are still back there. (The city won't work on those as they are private sewers). The shared access needed isn't legally defined, and the city doesn't want to touch this issue with a 10 foot pole. Is alley access granted in deeds? Given 160 years has passed, is it as-of-right access, become public ways since they've been accessible by the public for 160 years?

Unfortunately, establishing who has the right to do what really is a legal quagmire. You get a different answer from any owner you ask, and any city agency will give you their own interpretation. Which is why we try to work together as neighbors to try to come to common solutions. No one really needs to start bring lawyers in to argue old deeds and who has the rights to do what.

The alleyways are used by residents. We move furniture in an out. It's a convenient way to get bicycles in and out. Several garden units find it easier to come and go through an alley. (A few garden units even have alleys as their sole access). We being brush and debris out of the alleys when we clean. And as we seem to be perpetually under construction, workers often use alleys to bring large items to a home and remove waste from a home. But as stated earlier, sometimes the element we don't want to see uses our alleys. And thus comes the argument - to gate or not to gate.

Gating an alley does provide a measure of security. criminals and drug users usually can't get in once an alley is gated, But now you've locked out utility works and residents, which starts the neighbor disputes over who has the right to do what. And, unfortunately, these disputes can get out of hand.

- A gate on the Waltham/UP Alley has been there, but unlocked as a visual deterrent. One person has decided to lock it and not give the key to anyone, including the people on whose building the gate it attached. Lawyers are now involved.

- There has been discussion about gating the Milford/Dwight alley. Interestingly, a contractor who freely used the alley entrance for construction work offered to have the alley locked. I wonder if they would have appreciated not having alley use during their construction. But again, when discussion came to who would have keys, the discussion quickly degenerated into a "why should I give anyone a key" discussion.

- And the most recent incident where someone put a gate up on part of the Milford/Hanson alley without notifying anyone. This guy neighbors upset. Someone also called the fire department to take it down, but lied to the FD and said it was a public alley, when it (and the others) are not public.

So unless people want to spend a lot of money on lawyers, we need an open dialog. First and foremost, do we want gates at all? Do they really stop problems, or just give the illusion of security? We don't have that much crime. And this summer, the BPD has been patrolling the alleys regularly, bringing incidents way down. A locked alley brings no police presence. Locking always also brings the question of how to get keys to everyone. And not just the buildings that have gates attached. Every single apartment and condo will want access. All you need is one person without access to call police or fire and get locks cut off, or hire a lawyer and start suing people. This is also an issue we need to resolve ourselves. The city has a big hands-off policy on private alleyways. The police have no opinion. The fire dept can break through any gate or door, so they have no strong opinions.

So we hope at this meeting we can start an open dialog about our alleys. Should we lock? Are there better ways to address any problems other than locks and keys. If people do want locks, how do you manage access for 100 people who abut and have rights to use the alleys?

Hope to see you Tuesday...

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.

Boston Lobster party

From the Boston Restaurant Blog:

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Another culinary event is coming to the SoWa section of Boston, and this event will focus on lobster.

On Saturday, October 16, 2010, The Boston Lobster Party will be held at The Trolley Barn (540 Harrison Avenue), and it will feature lobster-based dishes from several restaurants as well as craft beers from a number of local brewers. Restaurants participating include Garden at the Cellar, Rocca, Stoddard's, Petit Robert Bistro, South End Buttery, and Turner Fisheries, with more on the way. A few of the breweries bringing their beers to the event include Blue Hills Brewery, Cisco, Magic Hat Brewing Company, Mayflower Brewing Company, Notch Session, Peak Organic Brewing Company, and Pretty Things Beer & Ale Project.

All proceeds (after expenses) from The Boston Lobster Party will go to Community Servings, Share our Strength, and Lovin' Spoonfuls.

Tickets to The Boston Lobster Party, which will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM, cost $30.00 (plus fee) for early-bird tickets and $35 (plus fee) for regular tickets.

For more information on The Boston Lobster Party, please go to the following links below.

[Facebook event page]
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=110069062385969

[Eventbrite page]
http://bostonlobsterparty.eventbrite.com/

[Eat Boston Twitter page]
http://twitter.com/eatboston

Free Concert at SEB:BPL

Ann Smart of the South End Branch of the BPL sends the following invite:

Please join classical guitarists Bryan Burns and Dan Kyzer, graduate students at the New England Conservatory of Music in a free concert on Tuesday, September 28 at the

South End Branch Library,

685 Tremont Street,
617-536-8241 on

Tuesday, September 28 at 6:30 p.m.

42nd Annual South End House Tour

The South End Historical Society announces the 42nd Annual South End House Tour.

FORTY-SECOND SOUTH END HOUSE TOUR

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16^TH

BOSTON – The South End Historical Society will hold the forty-second annual South End House Tour, “A Glance at the Past and a Glimpse of the Future” on:

Saturday, October 16^th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tour participants are given a guidebook with descriptions of the houses and a map so that they can take the Tour at their own pace.

Tickets for the Tour are $25 in advance and are available at www.southendhistoricalsociety.org or by calling 617-536-4445. Tickets will also be available on the day of the Tour for $30 the Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont Street and at A.E.Rondeau Real Estate, 69 Appleton Street.

Ringgold Park launches Capital Campaign.

Friends of Ringgold park are launching their Capital Campaign to raise money for the center area of Ringgold Park. Their goal is to raise $100K to compliment the $300K raised so far in an effort to bring the best materials to the design of the center area.

Join FoRP this Sunday, Sept 19th from noon-3pm in Ringgold Park. Enjoy some free pizza from Upper Crust, and enjoy the smooth sounds of local musician Alastair Mook and friends (I'm psyched about that). Designs of the park will be on display and you'll get to meet and discuss the future of the park.

More information can be found in the Campaign Announcement.

Also visit the new Friends of Ringgold Park Web Site.


Hope to see everyone This Sunday!!!

Vote on Tuesday

A Reminder that this Tuesday, Sept 14th, brings us the Primary elections. Eight Streets residents vote at Cathedral High School, at Washington & Waltham. Polls are open from 7am to 8pm.

You can chose to vote in either the Democratic or the Republican primary slate - you cannot vote in both. Here are the ballot names for the Democratic Ballot and the Republican Ballot.

On the Democratic ticket, we have multiple candidates for the office of Treasurer, Auditor, Governor's Council, and our State Senator. On the Republican side, the only contested candidacy is Auditor. There are also no Republican candidates for State Senator, so the winner of the Democratic primary for that race will most likely be the winner of the Senate seat. (Incumbent Sonia Chang-Diaz vs challenger Hassan Williams).

Check out the ballots, and use the Internet to research the candidates, and remember to cast your vote on Tuesday!

The connected city

If you're an internet junkie, the City of Boston has some information for you.

The city web site has now been optimized for your mobile device. www.cityofboston.gov will redirect to m.cityofboston.gov on your mobile device, giving you a more readable web site.

The City also has a large presence on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Check out the City Social Media web page to see a list of the available city feeds on your favorite social media outlet.

And don't forget the city's Citizens Connect section of the city web site can give you quick access to most city services, as well as providing an enhanced search engine. Coupled with that is the Citizens Connect iPhone App, which will let iphone users submit problems to the city right on the spot. (other platforms coming soon)

Yard Waste collections, Fall 2010

Yes, those are leaves you see in the street - but Autumn isn't quite here yet. The City has announced that Fall2010 yard waste pickup will be October 18th through November 27th.

yard waste is to be put in paper bags or open trashcans only - no plastic bags. yard waste is put out on your recycling day during those weeks (Tuesdays for Eigtht Streets)

For more info, see the City Web Site.

Did you flood this summer?

Given a summer of occasional hard downpours - Are you nice and dry? Many years ago there were flooding problems in our area. We worked with the city to get the storm system in the South End fixed (An article on the new pumping station was in the paper a few weeks ago).

Ed Allan, one of the residents who worked closely with the city, would like to know if anyone had flooding problems during the intense rain storms we had this past summer. If you've had issues, please contact him as outlined below.

---

Recently, there have been a number of short but really intense rainstorms that have dropped a lot of water in a very short period of time. If you have experienced ANY of the following, could you please let me know?

1. Flooding of your home.
2. "Near-misses" of flooding
3. Back-up of sewer lines (which can include flushing toilets but the water doesn't go anywhere -- that would normally mean that the check valves, intended to keep sewer water from getting into your home, are working.)

Please let me know where and approximate dates and times, if you can.

Also, if you've spotted subsidence or sinkage taking place in sidewalks or streets, could you please let me know?

Thanks.

Ed Allan

617-877-1619 or edwardjayallan@gmail.com

Meeting tonight (9/7)

A Reminder that the Eight Streets business meeting is Tonight, Tuesday Sept 7th, at our new location in the Project Place meeting room (Above Meyers & Chang)

Times remain the same

6:30 - 7 - Neighborhood Networking

7-8:30 Business meeting.

Agenda items include:

- Welcome back

- 35 Dwight st - change of occupancy

- 6 Milford st - request for rear decks

- Planning

- Open member discussion.

Hope to see you there this evening!!

- John Mc

“Fall in Love with all of Peters Park” Festival

Neighbors, local businesses, sports enthusiasts and dog owners will come together to “Fall in Love with all of Peters Park” on Saturday, October 2 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Peters Park’s first park-wide event will feature fun for all members of the community: a home run derby and tennis clinics for sports enthusiasts, mini boot camps, face painting and storytelling for children, a dog training and “tips and tricks” session for dog owners, food, refreshments and a raffle for Bruins tickets, dog DNA kits, local business gift cards and much more! Proceeds will support park maintenance and improvements.

Local businesses and organizations that have pledged their participation include Foodie’s Urban Market, PICCO, Gallows, Tufts Medical Center, Animal Rescue League, The Pawsitive Dog, Ming’s Supermarket, South End Formaggio, Polkadog Bakery, Bark Place, District D-4 Police Department and the Fire Department.

Peters Park (www.peterspark.org) is a vibrant urban park in Boston's South End that provides five acres of activities for people of all ages. Renovated in 2007, Peters Park features a gated playground, baseball field, tennis court, basketball courts, an off-leash dog park and gardens.

A New season begins

Hi everyone,

It certainly feels Fall-like out there with the cool rain falling. If that weren't reminder enough of the changing of the seasons, it's just two weeks until the monthly Eight Streets meetings return.

Our meeting time and place has changed!!!

Due to construction at the Boston ballet building, we've had to change our meeting time and place beginning September through Springtime. We will be meeting the First TUESDAY of the month, and will be meeting at Project Place. PP is the building at Washington and East Berkeley (1145 Washington Street ). The meeting room is on the second floor - the entrance is right next to the door to Myers & Chang. The meeting times will remain the same - 6:30-8:30.

We currently have two items on the agenda - decks at 6 Milford and zoning for 35 Milford. But I'm hoping we can also do some planning for the coming year. What topics to people want to see discussed at meetings? Do we want guest speakers? Any interest in neighborhood events???

Keep an eye on the website and blog (this), and see everyone on Tuesday, Sept 7th at Project Place!!

Joe V's to close

The Boston Restaurant Talk Blog reports that Joe V's restaurant, just outside of ESNA at Shawmut and Union park, will be closing as the owner opens a new establishment in Brookline (Globe Article)

Voter Registration for Primaries

Yes, election season is fast approaching. State primaries are on September 14th. If you are not registered to vote, next Wednesday, August 25th 2010, as the last day to register to vote and participate in the primaries.

More information, including how to register to vote can be found on the City elections web site.

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.

Recycling bin overflowing?

If you're on an alley or can store one of the larger recycling bins (see pic) on your property, the City has gotten more in stock. They're given out on a first-come first-serve basis. Go to the City Recycling web site and request one!

With a larger capacity and cover to prevent items from blowing away - if you can fit this in your home or on your property, it's one of the best ways to recycle. Keep a small trash can in your kitchen or home office, and when that fills up just empty it into one of these larger bins.

If you can't accomodate one of the larger bins, please remember to use clear plastic bags for recycling whenever possible. The 'regular' blue bins are nice, but they're easily knocked over and paper blows out, and they can leave a messy street. Also remember if you have cardboard boxes, flatten them down and fold or cut them down in size, and leave them under your recycling bags curbside. If you leave your boxes as-is on the curb, they will not be recycled. a) They may contain styrofoam shipping pieces, which are not recyclable and b) if people see an open box they will dump trash in it. For that reason recycling crews will not take 'open empty boxes' in the recycling trucks. This applies to all those flat-screen TV boxes we're seeing lately as people upgrade to HDVTs.

A final reminder recycling for the Eight Streets area is Tuesdays only. Bring your recyclables to the curb before 7am on Tuesday morning.

Doggie Ice Cream Social, 2010

BOSTON VETERINARY CARE ‘ICE CREAM SOCIAL FOR DOGS’ AT PETERS PARK IN BOSTON’S SOUTH END

Boston, MA – What do dogs and ice cream have in common? Peter’s Park in Boston’s South End! Your best friend can enjoy free canine-friendly ice cream courtesy of Polka Dog Bakery, and free gelato for their human companions. Come and mingle with your canine and human friends and neighbors.

WHAT: A celebration of the “Dog Days of Summer”

Ø An ice cream sundae bar provided by Polka Dog Bakery

Ø Snapshots of you and you dog by photographer Amelia Hughes

Ø Free nutrition and health advice from Boston Veterinary Care veterinarians

WHERE: Joe Wex Dog Recreation Space at Peters Park, 1277 Washington Street (between Waltham Street and Berkeley Street.) in Boston’s South End.

WHEN: Thursday, August 19, 2010 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Animal Rescue League of Boston

Founded in 1899, The Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Boston is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing domesticated animals and wildlife from suffering, cruelty, abandonment, and neglect. In addition to the organization’s animal rescue, law enforcement, shelter, and veterinary headquarters in Boston, the ARL of Boston operates shelters in Boston, Dedham, and Brewster, Massachusetts. The ARL of Boston also maintains a fleet of animal ambulances, a mobile Spay Waggin’ providing subsidized spay/neuter services throughout southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod, and operates the state’s only Mobile Adoption Rescue Vehicle (MARV).

[flier here]

Free movie nights in August

Cathedral High School and Boston Centers for Youth and Families are presenting Thursday Family Fun Nights - a night of structured activities, light refreshments and a movie! It's presented for free a Cathedral High School gym. Activities begin at 3pm with the movie starting at 6pm.

Activities days are on Thursday,

• August 12th
• August 19th
• August 26th

Movies are currently TBD. Fliers with a contact email can be found here

Biketown: Earn a new bike

Bicycling Magazine's BikeTown is coming to Boston!

In 2003, the editor of Bicycling Magazine wondered if a bicycle could change someone's life. After giving away thousands of bicycles to people all over the U.S., the answer is clearly YES! People have lost weight, connected with their family, been able to beat diabetes, saved money, overcome depression, renewed marriage vows and dozens of other stories. For 2010, BikeTown is going to eight cities: Cleveland - Indianapolis - Denver - Boston - Minneapolis - Los Angeles (with Best Buddies) - New Orleans - Charleston. BikeTown, MetLife and Jamis Bicycles will be giving away 31 new bicycles on Friday August 27 at Boston City Hall Plaza during Bike Friday. Submit a 50- word essay about how a bicycle could change someone's life at http://www.bicycling.com/enter-biketown [PDF Announcement]