Dog park closer to approval

The proposed Peters Park DRS made their presentation before the Parks department yesterday.  Complete coverage in this Boston Globe article

http://tinyurl.com/28xkxz

Project Place near opening

The new home of Project Place, a new building at Washington and East Berkeley, is nearly complete.  Project place hopes to be occupying their new home by the end of February.

For more information on Project Place, visit them at http://www.projectplace.org/

Car break-ins

The neighborhood has had some car break-ins
recently. A reminder of car safety from BPD:

The Boston Police would like to take this opportunity to remind residents
that motor vehicle breaks are among the most easily preventable crimes. They
are typically crimes of opportunity, committed by thieves looking for
valuables left unattended. Taking a few simple steps can often discourage
these thieves. Here’s how you can protect yourself against motor vehicle
breaks.

DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR WHERE OTHERS CAN SEE THEM. Valuable
items, such as your laptop, iPod, etc. should never be left in the front or
back seat of your vehicle. Always take your valuables with you, or move them
into the trunk.

· Lock your doors and windows. Even if your window is only slightly open, it
makes your car an easier target for thieves. A thief will insert a wire into
a slightly open window to pop up the door lock.

· Replace your standard door lock buttons with tapered ones. Tapered door
lock buttons make it more difficult for a thief to hook a wire or device
onto the door lock button to pop it open.

· Invest in an anti-theft device. When you buy a new or used car, checking
to see if it has an anti-theft device is as important as checking the
engine. If there isn't one, you should have one installed.

If you observe any unusual activity or observe a car theft or a break-in,
call 911.

UPNA to Visit John Adams Exhibit

Eight Streets residents are always invited to the Union Park walk series.  This one looks especially interesting.

 

- John Mc

 

UPNA to Visit John Adams Exhibit

 

Join South End’s Beth Prindle, Lead Curator of the “John Adams Unbound” exhibit at the Boston Public Library, for a fascinating special tour to share her personal perspective on John Adams, his library and the Adams Project.  John Adams Unbound" features the 2nd President's 3,800-volume personal library and explores his life, legacy and passionate relationship with his books.  The John Adams Library has been held by the Boston Public Library since 1894 and this is the first public exhibit of the complete library.  The walk takes place on Monday, January 29, 2007 at 6:30.  Meet at the Dartmouth Street entrance to the main branch of the BPL on Monday, January 29, 2007 at 6:30 or join us at the corner of Tremont and Upton Streets at 6:15 and walk over if you would like to have a bit more exercise. 

 

Monthly indoor walks are sponsored by the Union Park Neighborhood Association during the winter months.  The walks are free and open to all.  For more information, visit www.upna.org or call Harriet at 617-262-1342.

 

 

 

 

January ESNA Meeting

Happy New Year everyone!

Now that the festivities are over, a reminder that it is January, and
it's time for our first meeting of 2007.

THIS Wednesday, January 3rd is the regular Eight Streets monthly
meeting. We'll be in our regular location in the Boston Ballet 5th
floor meeting room (Warren & Clarendon)

6:30-7 - Neighborhood Networking.
7-8:30 - Business meeting.

The main agenda item this week is the presentation postponed form
December. Athens II market (Tremont & Milford) wish to add beer &
wine sales to their new business model. They will make a
presentation and will ask for a letter of support.

Hope to see everyone there!

Sahara fire

The South End News reports of a fire at the old Sahara restaurant.   News story and pictures at http://tinyurl.com/ymgf3b

Second Forum meeting on Thursday

A reminder that the second Light Rail today forum is this Thursday, 12/14 at United South End Settlements (Columbus & Mass Ave), form 6:30 to 8:30.   Come see how light rail could be another option to provide service on Washington st to downtown instead of the Silver Bus.

For more information, please see the press release (earlier blog entry – scroll down)

Umbra out

Local eatery Café Umbra is closing down at the end of the month.  They’re on Washington, next to Morse fish market.

 

The North End eatery Sage will be moving into the location.    Current Sage restaurant info can be found at http://www.sageboston.com/

 

 

 

December Eight Streets meeting

Morning everyone,

 

A reminder that our monthly Eight Streets neighborhood meeting is This Wednesday, December 6^th.   As usual, we’ll be meeting in the Boston Ballet board room (corner of Clarendon & Warren).

 

6:30-7 – Neighborhood Networking

7-8:30 – Business meeting.

 

Agenda includes

 

- 7 Dwight Street Decks.  The owners at 7 Dwight st would like to erect decks on the rear of the building.  They will bring their proposal to us, and are asking for a letter of support for the project.

 

- Athens Market II Liquor sales.   Athens II would like to add beer and wine sales to their new store format.  They feel the lower level would be an excellent wine ‘cellar’, and wine & beer sales fit in with their new business model (as presented at a previous meeting).  They will present their proposal, and ask for a letter of support from us.

 

- Gateway Art letter of Support.   The Gateway Art project will be presenting the new art that is going in Peters Park (behind the ballfield).   They will show us the planned project, and ask for a letter of support form Eight Streets.

 

ALSO

 

A representative from City Councilor Sam Yoon’s office will be at our meeting (Councilor Yoon may also be there depending on his schedule).  Bring any City questions or concerns you may have to the meeting for some open discussion.

 

Hope to see everyone there!!!

 

- John Mc

 

 

 

First Friday artists night

A reminder to folks that the artists at 450 Harrison (a short walk from ESNA) have a nice open house the first Friday or every month.  Studios are open, giving people a chance to browse, meet artists and socialize.   This is becoming a large event, and can be a fun way to spend a Friday evening.

 

The First Friday notice can be found on http://www.sowaartists.com/calendar.html   

Light Rail Forum

Eight Streets is one of the sponsors of this forum, happening in our neighborhood THIS MONDAY, 12/4.   I hope everyone can attend        

 

“Light Rail Today”

Community Groups Sponsor Forum on Light Rail Alternatives

• Monday, December 4, 6:30-8:00 PM

Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, 41 Berkeley Street

• Thursday, December 14, 6:30-8:00 PM

USES Harriet Tubman House, 566 Columbus Avenue

 

(South End) “Light Rail Today” is the theme of two public meetings in which South End and Lower Roxbury residents and users of the Silver Line bus service can learn how light rail would work as a transit alternative along Washington Street.  The forums will be held on December 4 and December 14.  They will feature presentations by members of the Washington Street Corridor Coalition, followed by questions from the public. Both are free and open to all.

“Light Rail Today” is co-sponsored by the Eight Streets, Ellis and Old Dover Neighborhood Associations, Castle Square Tenants Organization and The Neighborhood Forum, a program of United South End Settlements.  

When planning to dismantle the elevated Orange Line, the MBTA promised its riders an equal or better replacement service.  The line came down in 1987, and since then there have been buses on the route it served from Dudley to downtown.   Many in the community believe that bus service is not an adequate replacement for a rapid transit line. The bus ride takes longer (averaging 22 minutes now, compared to 8 minutes), and riders must then transfer into the central subway system.

The Washington Street Corridor Coalition has developed alternative proposals, using both light rail and rapid transit technology, that deserve active public discussion and evaluation by the MBTA.  These alternatives could prove more effective and less costly than the Silver Line bus service and bus portals currently being debated.    

Since the MBTA has not engaged in a public process that brings the neighborhoods together to discuss alternatives, neighborhood organizations are now joining together to take on this responsibility.  In the next few months more such informational meetings are being planned with neighborhood groups along the entire length of the replacement service corridor, from Chinatown to Mattapan, to raise public awareness about the light rail alternatives.

 

 

--------------
John McLachlan
President, Webmaster
Eight Streets Neighborhood Association
South End (Boston) MA
http://eightstreets.tripod.com
-----------------------------------

 

 

Holiday Stroll

 

SOUTH END STROLL & HOLIDAY HUNT AND CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

THIS WEEKEND

 

December 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd – South End Stroll and Holiday Hunt

Find the peppermint ornament at one of the participating merchants below and receive a point.  Make a purchase and win a bonus point.  A total of 15 points wins you an entry into the raffle to win a $1000 GRAND PRIZE gift certificate basket (2^nd prize $500, 3^rd prize $250).  For more details, please visit:

 

Hudson, Michelle Willey/Vessels Gallery, Red River Trading Company, Voila, Jari, Laura Preshong Gallery, Sara Campbell, Sooki, Tadpole, Turtle, Parlor, Michele Mercaldo, Aunt Sadie’s Lekker, POSH on Tremont, Appleton Bakery, Red Fez or the South End Buttery

 

December 2^nd - Annual South End Holiday Tree Lighting in front of the BCA, 539 Tremont Street at 3:30pm.  Guest appearance by Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Santa.  Sounds of the Seasons Performance featuring local choirs and brass band.  Food, refreshments and surprises!!!  Bring the kids!

 

For more information, please call the South End Business Alliance at

617-304-4421.

 

 

 

Stacy Koeppel, Administrator

South End Business Alliance

617-304-4421

 

 

Property tax discussion Monday, 11/20

Richard Carlson of the City of Boston Assessing Department will be addressing the underlying cause of the ongoing tax increases and other property tax issues on Monday, November 20, 2006 at 6:30 pm at the Copley Branch of the Boston Public Library on the mezzanine level.  

What's going on in Boston?

A reminder - the City has a semi-regular newsletter of major city
happenings. The newsletter, "Cityline" can be found on the city's
web pages at

http://www.cityofboston.gov/mayor/cityline.asp

The web page also contains links to the city calendar and the mayors
weekly podcast. At the bottom of that page is a link to subscribe to
the newsletter.

November Eight Streets meeting

 

Well, time flies, and right after you greet your ghosts and goblins on Tuesday, Wednesday will bring us November and our Eight Streets monthly neighborhood meeting.

 

We have no vote-able business this month, so we will spend the meeting concentrating on future planning for ESNA.   Are there any speakers you would like to see at future meetings?   Any issues you think we should address.   Any social events you’d like to see us do?  Is there anything you’d like to see Eight Streets involved in?

 

Come with your thoughts and ideas and help shape the direction of Eight Streets.  The association is nothing more than a collection of ideas and community direction, and that’s something we should never do in a vacuum.   Come on down and let us know what YOU want YOUR neighborhood association to be doing.  If you haven’t come to a meeting in a while, or have never been at all, this is the time to join us and let us know what’s on your mind!

 

 

So come on down THIS Wednesday, November 1^st at the Boston Ballet

6:30–7 – Neighborhood Networking

7–8:30 – Business meeting.

 

Hope to see everyone there!

 

- John Mc

 

--------------
John McLachlan
President, Webmaster
Eight Streets Neighborhood Association
South End (Boston) MA
http://eightstreets.tripod.com
-----------------------------------

 

 

Construction on 560 Tremont st

The owners of 560 Tremont street have received permits to begin construction.   This is the location of the former Perdix location, home to the new Pops restaurant.

 

A full size dumpster will be placed on Tremont in their valet location for a few days while major work takes place.  This will be replaced with a smaller dumpster for the remainder of the month.   Please let us know if there are any problems with the dumpster or their construction process

 

 

--------------
John McLachlan
President, Webmaster
Eight Streets Neighborhood Association
South End (Boston) MA
http://eightstreets.tripod.com
-----------------------------------

 

 

Street Construction Update

An update on the recent street construction in the neighborhood:

 

ESNA has been in contact with both the DPW and the Mayor’s office concerning the recent street work in the neighborhood.  DPW has agreed to keep the signs up to date and keep us apprised of the work status.   They are more than half done in the area, so the construction work and parking problems should be winding down.  The signs will be kept up to date, although weather and other delays often delay work completion.  This is an effort by the city to provide better repairs in areas where utility work has been done.  So if any gas/water/elec/sewer work has been done on your street, you may still be in line for work to be done.  Look for orange paint on the street outlining areas that may still receive work.

 

Unfortunately, we were the first section of the South End to have this construction, so we found all the problems with the process.   Other neighborhoods will have things a bit easier thanks to your concerns.

 

While work in Eight Streets I wrapping up, it will be continuing in other areas of the South End, so expect parking restrictions in the areas around ESNA in the coming weeks.  We’ll let you know if there are any changes or significant news

 

 

 

 

Halloween in Eight Streets

Happy Halloween everyone.

A reminder to all new residents that we do indeed have Trick-or-Treating in the city. On October 31st, the youngsters will be out seeking their treats. Door-to-door activities usually start usually after work (say 5:30-6),

Being a city makes it a little more interesting. In most multi-dwelling homes, we hang out on our stoops for an hour or two to hand out treats. If you are in a single-occupant dwelling, leaving your outdoor light on or having Halloween decorations will get your door rung (or keep lights off if you’d like privacy that evening)

Some local Halloween events:

Halloween night, starting at 4:30, Ringgold Park will have it’s annual Halloween Celebration, a favourite activity for neighborhood children. You can find more details below (previous blog entry).

On Sunday the 29th, the Animal Rescue League (down the streets form Eight Streets) is having a “howl-o-wen” celebration for kids and pets. It’s free and they’ll be plenty of entertainment. More info can be found at http://www.arlboston.org/Main/howloween.aspx

Boston Medical Center is having their annual Halloween town fundraiset at the World Trade Center. More infor on this at www.halloweentownboston.com


Everyone have a safe and happy halloween!!!

Halloween at Ringgold Park

From the Friends of Ringgold Park:

Believe it or not, Halloween is around the corner! Come join the fun at the Halloween celebration in Ringgold Park, starting at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31st. Sponsored by the Friends of Ringgold Park, the party will feature food, games, color your own loot bag, music, and other activities, and Halloween favors for kids of all ages. At 5:45 p.m., party-goers will take part in a short costume parade around the block to show off all our terrific costumes.

If you'd like to help with the party, here are some areas where we need participation; please contact ringgoldpark@verizon.net for more information and to volunteer:

1. FOOD: Savory rather than sweet snacks would be much appreciated... we're guessing the kids will have plenty of candy this evening and some won't get home for dinner before trick-or-treating. Hummus, vegetable trays, cheese and crackers, sandwiches, and other appetizers would be terrific.

2. DRINK: It's usually a bit cool that night, so we need hot cider, coffee, and drinks for the kids.

3. SET-UP: We're looking for volunteers to assist with setting up decorations and activities, beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the park.

4. FOLD-OUT TABLES: We desperately need tables -- do you have one you could loan for the evening?

5. CLEAN-UP: Following the party, stay 15-20 minutes afterward to tidy up and keep Ringgold beautiful. This is one of the most important jobs we have -- please consider helping out that evening!

6. FINANCIAL SUPPORT: The Friends of Ringgold Park rely on your contributions to support terrific get-togethers such as this. We will have a donation pumpkin at the event and coloring sheet pledge forms; if your family could help, it would be very much appreciated. All donations to Ringgold park are fully tax-deductible.

Thanks so much to all, and we look forward to seeing you at the park!

Beth Prindle
Friends of Ringgold Park

UPNA Walk to Ming's Market

Union Park NA is adding some indoor walks for the winter.   The next walk is detailed below.  All Eight Streets members are invited.

- J

INDOOR WALK AT MING'S (UPNA)
Monday, October 23rd (6 PM) – 1102 Washington Street or meet at 5:45 pm at Tremont and Upton Streets
No pets please
Love Asian food but feel lost when you enter a Chinese market?   Walk the aisles at Ming's with a Ming's employee and you'll gain a whole new culinary perspective.  Ming's has entire sections devoted to teas, oils, and vinegars. Forget microwaveable mac-and-cheese -- here you can get dim sum in the freezer section.  The fish section features huge tanks of live specimens, more watery brethren on ice, and even some buckets of still-wiggling frogs for good measure.  In the meat area, you will see parts of cows you never knew they had.   And there will be fruits like dorian that taste delicious if you can get past the peculiar aroma. After our walk, join the group for an optional dinner (maybe Chinese food!) at a local eatery. UPNA Indoor walks take place once a month from October to April.  For further information, please contact Harriet at 617-262-1342 or check www.upna.org.