7-Day Forecast

7-Day Forecast

Where is your favorite place in the neighborhood to stay cool? The Honan Library is my top pick - where do other people go if there is no AC at home?

Hub sets citywide WiFi plan

Hub sets citywide WiFi plan - The Boston Globe: "Boston will tap a nonprofit corporation to blanket the city with ``open access' wireless Internet connections, under a plan to be unveiled today by Mayor Thomas M. Menino"

Connecting people to `can't get there from here' parks

Connecting people to `can't get there from here' parks - The Boston Globe: "In a heat wave, green space sure looks appealing. But what if you can't find it? Allston/Brighton has 40 percent less public green space than the average Boston neighborhood, said Heather Knopsnyder of that neighborhood's community development corporation. Worse, existing parks go underused. ``People just don't know where things are and how to get to them,' she said."

Connecting people to `can't get there from here' parks

Connecting people to `can't get there from here' parks - The Boston Globe: "In a heat wave, green space sure looks appealing. But what if you can't find it? Allston/Brighton has 40 percent less public green space than the average Boston neighborhood, said Heather Knopsnyder of that neighborhood's community development corporation. Worse, existing parks go underused. ``People just don't know where things are and how to get to them,' she said."

Kell's owner pours out heart, $100G, to aid dying man

BostonHerald.com - Local & Regional: Pub owner pours out heart, $100G, to aid dying man: "As an Irish immigrant who made a home in Boston, he fulfilled his own American Dream, but what Jerry Quinn cherishes most it making others' dreams come true.

His most recent act in a career of generosity: donating $100,000 to save a man�s life - a man he'd never met before. "

City of Boston's description of Allston - new and improved

City of Boston: "This radiant neighborhood is best known for its student population due to its proximity to many colleges and universities. In recent years, an influx of immigrants and young professionals has taken an increasingly active role in the neighborhood. This varied mix of people creates one of the most energetic and diverse populations in Boston. Harvard Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue and Brighton Avenue host many ethnic restaurants and popular watering holes. The Honan-Allston branch public library, named after the late Boston City Councilor Brian Honan, is a treasure of information and genuine resource for the entire community. "

Lawmakers give initial approval to August sales tax holiday

Lawmakers give initial approval to August sales tax holiday - Boston.com
Put off the purchase of that new dishwasher for a couple weeks to save a few $$$

Turnpike chief resigns under pressure after tunnel collapse

Turnpike chief resigns under pressure after tunnel collapse - Boston.com: "Massachusetts Turnpike Authority Chairman Matthew Amorello, under fire since part of a Big Dig tunnel collapsed and crushed a motorist, agreed Thursday to resign after weeks of calls for him to step aside."

Joes may stop graffiti woes

TownOnline.com - Local News: Joes may stop graffiti woes: "The side wall of the Silhouette Lounge was having to be repainted too often for owner Joe Elisio's taste. Every time a fresh coat of paint went up, taggers came to leave a new batch of graffiti behind. But Elisio has hope that a mural going up on the wall will deter taggers while adding some art to the neighborhood."

Its great to see something positive happening to help the neighborhood look better!

Vandals break commercial windows in Arlington

Local News Updates - Vandals break commercial windows in Arlington -The Boston Globe: "Police today are investigating a rash of vandalism on Massachusetts Avenue, where at least 20 businesses had their windows shattered overnight by some type of pellets."

Graffiti is bad in Allston, but thankfully we haven't seen anything like this

Overpasses become activists' podiums

Overpasses become activists' podiums - The Boston Globe

The Franklin St walkway that crosses the Mass Pike (near the Sports Depot) or the bridge at Market St (near the Stockyard) must be two of the best places for getting your message out.

http://freewayblogger.com/

BC eyes using cardinal's house as alumni club

BC eyes using cardinal's house as alumni club - The Boston Globe
The Italianate manse that came to symbolize the Archdiocese of Boston over a century as the grand residence of archbishops of Boston is now a candidate for conversion to a new branch of the Boston College club, where alumni and friends of the Jesuit university network, hobnob, dine, and maybe even sleep.
Boston College, which acquired the 40-room house as part of a $107 million purchase of archdiocesan land in 2004, recently sent an e-mail survey to thousands of East Coast alumni, suggesting that ``the development of a new private club' for alumni in the building that the college called ``a highly visible landmark property.'

Old structures to get face lift in Massachusetts

Old structures to get face lift in Massachusetts - The Boston Globe
Around the state, dozens of century-old breweries, mill factories, cinemas, and other historic structures have sat for years, forsaken and forlorn, in a losing fight against weather and time.

Time for a word on Massachusetts mass transit

Time for a word on Massachusetts transit - The Boston Globe
Maybe now we could begin talking seriously again about mass transit in Massachusetts. If nothing else, the problems with the Big Dig tunnels should put state transportation policy, or the lack of it, back on the public agenda.
Romney will not be around to propose, let alone implement, a comprehensive transportation plan that gives commuters an alternative to the automobile. Those candidates who would replace him in the corner office next January might want to add mass transit to their stump speech lists of pressing issues facing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Summer Reading for Middle Schoolers

Here and Now : Summer Reading for Middle Schoolers - 7/17/2006: "Sherry Eskin of the Honan-Allston library in Boston joins us with this summer's best books for 6th - 8th graders."

Pair tied to theft of copper wire from WGBH Construction Site

Pair tied to theft of copper wire, tubing: "Two men allegedly caught stealing spools of copper wire and tubing from a Brighton construction site were arraigned yesterday on burglary charges, after police said they had spotted them breaking into the Guest Street site early Saturday. "

City of Boston's description of Allston

City of Boston

Its a shame that this is how the City's website describes Allston:

Allston caters to the individual looking for something different-and cheap. There's rarely a quiet moment in this neighborhood-everyone from students to the elderly traverse the streets of Allston through all hours of the day and night.

Harvard Extension School Scholarship

This summer, the Allston-Brighton Community Scholars Program will award five Allston-Brighton residents full tuition remission on any one course at the Harvard Extension School for the Fall 2006 term. Deadline for applications is Monday, July 31st.

Residents interested in applying for the scholarship must fill out a Harvard Extension School application (available at the Honan-Allston Library) and provide a short personal statement (no longer than one page) describing their involvement in the Allston-Brighton Community. Completed application materials should be submitted to the Honan Allston Branch Library by July 31st. Upon review of the submitted applications, five Community Scholars will be selected by the Allston Civic Association Scholarship Committee for the coming fall semester. Five more scholarships will be awarded in the spring. Scholarship recipients will be responsible for payment of the $50 registration fee, books, course supplies and parking.

The Harvard University Office of Community Affairs and the Division of Continuing Education at Harvard introduced the Allston-Brighton Community Scholars Program and other scholarship programs specifically for Allston Brighton residents in 2003, as part of Harvard's partnership with the City of Boston and the Allston community. These scholarship programs include the Allston Brighton English Language Program, the Conant Fellowships and the Brian J. Honan Scholarships.

Charlesview residents weigh latest relocation offer from Harvard

Apartment complex residents weigh latest relocation offer from Harvard - The Boston Globe
While staying put is still an option, Jacques said, the apartment complex, built in 1971, badly needs structural repairs that are unlikely to be paid for by the federal government.
The relocation proposal by Harvard is seen by some as a way to get new, better-quality housing. Others see it as a land grab by Harvard, which wants the property regardless of how it might affect the displaced low-income residents.
Though Charlesview residents are not likely to face a move for at least four years, the goal is to settle on a suitable location soon so that city approvals are in place by the time the complex's federal housing permit expires in September 2007.

Boston's website upgrades its look

Boston's website upgrades its look - The Boston Globe: "Boston unveiled a revamped website yesterday as part of an increased effort to appeal to a younger generation and get its message across to residents."
www.cityofboston.gov

Charles' Dirty Water: Industrial engine turns into hot property

BostonHerald.com - Business News: Charles� �Dirty Water�: Industrial engine turns into hot property: "On the Allston bank near Soldiers Field Road, an area once an open sewer for nearby stockyards, Harvard University is set to build a new campus with a life sciences and public health complex and student housing. And Boston University continues to construct its student residential village along the Charles.

Some of the old mill and factory buildings serve the region�s new economy, such as medical device maker Boston Scientific, with space along the Charles in Watertown. Biotech giant Genzyme built a factory along the river in Allston to produce enzymes.

�With the new life science complexes, housing, parks and walkways along the entire length of the river, the Charles is not only a more desirable amenity but more accessible,� says Larry Meehan, vice president with the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau."

Faculty critiques Harvard turf wars

Faculty critiques Harvard turf wars - The Boston Globe
A group of top Harvard University professors issued a striking critique of the university's approach to scientific research and teaching...
The report also suggests that the new Allston campus be made into a center for science education and reaching out into the community. Harvard's science museums could be moved there, it suggests, as well as the Graduate School of Education. And the university should increase its efforts in local public schools and on finding ways of improving the nation's science curriculum.

For the Record, Mr. Mayor, Your Mother Called

For the Record, Mr. Mayor, Your Mother Called - New York Times
Apparently NYC Mayor and billionaire Michael Bloomberg has local roots!

“He was born at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital on Cambridge Street in Brighton,” Mrs. Bloomberg said. At the time of Michael’s birth, she said, the Bloombergs were living at 100 Brainerd Road in Allston.

State's parks need help

State's parks need help - The Boston Globe
Those of us who use the parks along the Charles River know how true this is.
Please consider visiting http://www.conservationandrecreationcampaign.org/ where you can click on the gubernatorial websites to e-mail them an invitation to visit the park in your area. The more they are able to experience firsthand the condition of our parks the more likely they will be to commit to an increase in funding for operating and maintenance costs.

More on the HBS Garage Fire

The Harvard Crimson :: News :: Fire Chars 18 Cars at Business School Garage
The parking garage at Harvard Business School’s Soldiers Field Park caught fire just after noon on Tuesday, emitting plumes of smoke that billowed across Allston and were visible from Harvard Yard.

Donor dissent squeezes Harvard

Kansas City Star | 07/14/2006 | Donor dissent squeezes Harvard
President’s resignation and lack of permanent leader put $390 million in gifts in limbo.
The fallout from Lawrence H. Summers’ resignation as president of Harvard University has now hit the school’s pocketbook, impairing the largest fundraising operation in higher education.
The withheld gifts included $100 million from media mogul Mortimer Zuckerman to fund a neuroscience institute, and $100 million from Richard A. Smith, a former member of Harvard’s governing board, to fund a 500,000-square-foot science complex planned for a new campus in Boston’s Allston neighborhood.

How they voted - Legislature delays vote on same-sex marriage amendment

How they voted - The Boston Globe
A yes vote was in favor of adjourning the state's Constitutional Convention until Nov. 9.

Kevin G. Honan, D-Boston - Y
Michael J. Moran, D-Boston - Y

Boston superintendent search may take till January

Boston superintendent search may take till January - The Boston Globe
Boston officials do not expect to have a new school superintendent in place until next January, after a disappointing and lengthy search in which all but one of five top candidates invited by the city to contend for the job dropped out of the process.

Fire at Harvard Business School garage

Local News Updates - Fire chars cars at Harvard Business garage -The Boston Globe: "The Harvard Police Department and the Boston Fire Department are investigating a fire today at a Harvard Business School parking garage in Allston.
Four or five cars went up in flames on the third floor of the Soldier's Field parking garage on Western Avenue shortly after noon, Harvard police Sergeant Bill Chipman said. He said at least 15 cars have smoke and heat damage.
Students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the business school who have parked their vehicles in the garage will be able to retrieve them once officials determine whether the building is structurally sound."

Better Acoustics at the Honan Library

It was a pleasure to be in the meeting room of the Honan Library last night and get to enjoy the vastly improved acoustics created by the paneling added to the side and back walls. Thanks to the Friends of the Honan Library, Harvard, and everyone else who helped make this happen.

It's not too late

It's not too late - The Boston Globe
A Sam Allis opinion piece about the future of Harvard Square

Harvard Square's chain-store backlash

Harvard Square's chain-store backlash - Boston Business Journal:

Call it chain-store hangover. Independent retailers are gaining leverage in Harvard Square after years of taking a back seat to flashy national players.
Abercrombie & Fitch, Pacific Sunwear, HMV Records and The Limited were willing to pay record rents -- up to $120 per square foot or more in the 1990s -- to have a nameplate in the square better known for its arts and culture than cargo pants. But those chains failed, misreading the demographics and leaving behind artificially raised rents and a 4 percent vacancy rate.

Ceiling tumbles in tunnel in Boston

Ceiling tumbles in tunnel in Boston - The Boston Globe

A portion of the ceiling in the tunnel connecting Interstate 93 north to the Ted Williams Tunnel collapsed last night, cascading debris onto a passing car and killing a female passenger, authorities said this morning.

The Ted Williams Tunnel eastbound and the eastbound section of I-90 that is east of I-93 will likely be closed for this morning's commute

Beware of major traffic delays
http://www.boston.com/traffic/

Ceiling tumbles in tunnel in Boston

Ceiling tumbles in tunnel in Boston - The Boston Globe

A portion of the ceiling in the tunnel connecting Interstate 93 north to the Ted Williams Tunnel collapsed last night, cascading debris onto a passing car and killing a female passenger, authorities said this morning.

The Ted Williams Tunnel eastbound and the eastbound section of I-90 that is east of I-93 will likely be closed for this morning's commute

Beware of major traffic delays
http://www.boston.com/traffic/

Stolen car recovered in Allston-Brighton little league heist

WHDH-TV - Boston - Stolen car recovered in Allston-Brighton little league heist: "Allston-Brighton, Mass.--Police have recovered a car that was stolen from an Allston-Brighton little league coach last week.
After seeing a story that aired on 7-news, a viewer spotted the car and called police.
Coach Kimberly Sully had all of her baseball team's equipment in the car when it was stolen.
A Walpole family later donated equipment to replace what was lost."

The question is: Should the city go `car free' more often?

The question is: Should the city go `car free' more often? - The Boston Globe: "Most people heading to the Esplanade for the Fourth of July fireworks came equipped with blankets, lawn chairs, cold drinks, and maybe a raincoat.

For two local activists on a research mission, though, the gear list was simpler: Two bikes, a video camera, and the question, ``What if, as the Esplanade is on the Fourth, the river roadways, and other parts of the city, were car-free more often?'"

Ringer Park Party - July 22 10am-6pm

Free Food & Entertainment and much more!
Featuring: Jo Henley rock band, Sunyata jazz quartet, face painting, Mass Motion dance studio, Franklin Park Zoo animals, Boston Fire Dept, martial arts, the Fishing Academy, Zip Car...
For more information call Joan Pasquale at 617-254-0632

Microsoft Is Looking for More Elbow Room

Microsoft Is Looking for More Elbow Room - New York Times

It's not exactly clear how this compares to Harvard's plans for Allston, but it is interesting to see how Microsoft is planning to enlarge its campus.

"It will spend $1 billion to expand that campus by more than a third, or 3.1 million square feet, over the next three years.

But some local residents do not applaud Microsoft's expansion. For them, it means increased traffic, higher home prices and crowded parks. Roads are clogged and median housing prices on the Eastside, the area east of Lake Washington where Redmond is located, have soared 17 percent.

Transportation has become the largest issue for the growing region. And for its part, Microsoft has vowed to spend $35 million on transportation improvements in Redmond, including an overpass over Route 520 near its campus, sewer upgrades and turn lanes on nearby roads.

But even a sizable cash infusion would merely be a temporary solution to a problem that has been steadily worsening for years. The area's roads and bridges, some of which are earthquake hazards, already struggle to handle the company's 30,000 employees. The Route 520 bridge, which crosses Lake Washington and connects Seattle to Redmond, was built in 1963 to handle 15,000 vehicles a day. Now, 115,000 vehicles cross it daily. Increased traffic, windstorms, earthquakes and boating and traffic accidents have further shortened the bridge's life and required extensive repairs. State officials worry a strong windstorm or earthquake could damage the bridge beyond repair.

Privately, Microsoft officials bristle at the notion that the transportation burden is theirs. But Microsoft's size makes it a convenient target for complaint among Redmond residents.

"Almost immediately after Microsoft began expanding in the late 1990's, the traffic in our neighborhood just went nuts," Mr. Bittner said. "That makes me not too excited about this expansion.""

Grassa O'Neill of Milton withdraws as Boston superintendent candidate

Grassa O'Neill of Milton withdraws as Boston superintendent candidate - The Boston Globe

Mary Grassa O'Neill , former superintendent of Milton schools, has become the third candidate to drop off the short list to become the new chief of Boston Public Schools.

The pullout plunges the hunt for a new superintendent, which is already behind schedule, into uncertainty. The two contenders still in the running to succeed Thomas W. Payzant are high-ranking school system officials but have never served as superintendents.

Still in the running are Nancy J. McGinley , chief academic officer for Charleston County schools in South Carolina, and Deborah Sims , chief of K-12 operations in San Francisco.

Urban Reuse in New York

Friends of the High Line
A project in New York to transform a old elevated rail line into an elevated park

Trash Can Sponsorship Opportunities

The Back Bay Sun:

One city councilor’s latest proposal to keep filth off the streets? More trash cans—with sponsor’s names on them.

Modeled after New York City's Adopt-A-Basket Program, a Boston program by the same name would allow businesses to advertise their names on high quality trash receptacles for the purchase price of the can."

To critics, Brookline's efforts to slow traffic aren't fast enough

To critics, Brookline's efforts to slow traffic aren't fast enough - The Boston Globe

Trying to get traffic slowed down to create safer streets in Brookline

Red bucket brigade cleans up what taggers have sullied

Red bucket brigade cleans up what taggers have sullied - The Boston Globe

Nice to see a group of citizens volunteering to clean up Boston

"The Graffiti NABBers , a committee of the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay , has already cleaned lampposts, traffic signs, and other fixtures the entire length of Newbury Street and now has a Boylston Street retouch in its sights. They offer their services for free to any interested local property owner."