Boston College spends $65M to buy 18 acres in Brighton
Archdiocese to sell Brighton site to BC - The Boston GlobeCardinal Sean P. O'Malley, continuing an aggressive and dramatic restructuring of the region's largest religious denomination, agreed yesterday to sell the Archdiocese of Boston's remaining acreage in Brighton to Boston College for $65 million.
Last night's Harvard Allston Task Force meeting
The logistics of Harvard's construction and how that will impact the neighborhood was a main topic of last night's meeting. One sticking point is where parking for the construction workers should be located.Harvard estimates that the maximum worker parking demand during the Science Complex construction will be for 750 parking spaces. Surface parking requires about 300 square feet of land per parking space or 124 parking spaces can be created on one acre. So 6 acres of land are needed to park 750 cars.
The site size of the Science Complex is 4.7 acres.
So parking and the construction site need 10.7 acres (6 + 4.7).
Luckily, Harvard owns 19 contigous acres of land around the project site. Plus another 3 acres on the north side of Western Ave (allowing for a setback from the Charlesview housing) and another 1/2 acre to the east of Rotterdam (allowing for a setback from the homes at the end of Hopedale).
Put this all together and there are 22.5 acres that seem to be avilable for the construction of this building, and 11.8 acres that can be used for things other than parking and the actual site of the buildings. I'm not an expert on this, but 11 acres is a lot of land. It would be great to understand what Harvard needs to do to support the construction that can't happen on 11 acres. This information would help explain why Harvard proposed using the Sears building site for the construction of the Science Complex and why the problems that would result for residents of Windom St would be justified.
Q: Where do Harvard's alumni park their cars when they visit for reunion?
A: Not in Hahvahd Yahd, of course.
Many of them will park here in North Brighton at the Brighton Mills Shopping Center.
The Class of 1972 and Class of 1982 are two of the classes that will be there.
As the Class of '82 explains, "we have made arrangements with a Harvard Parking Lot to reserve space for the Class of 1982. We suggest you drive directly to the Harvard Parking Lot upon arrival in Cambridge...The Student Bellhops at the Parking Lot will have your 25th Reunion Parking Pass, which should be placed in your car's rear window to allow free movement in and out of the Parking Lot at any time."
The Brighton Mills parking lot can hold something like 700 cars. I don't know how many of these spots Harvard is taking for its reunion attendees, but if you are thinking about a trip to Petco or Shaws between June 6 and June 10, maybe allow a bit of extra time.
Many of them will park here in North Brighton at the Brighton Mills Shopping Center.
The Class of 1972 and Class of 1982 are two of the classes that will be there.
As the Class of '82 explains, "we have made arrangements with a Harvard Parking Lot to reserve space for the Class of 1982. We suggest you drive directly to the Harvard Parking Lot upon arrival in Cambridge...The Student Bellhops at the Parking Lot will have your 25th Reunion Parking Pass, which should be placed in your car's rear window to allow free movement in and out of the Parking Lot at any time."
The Brighton Mills parking lot can hold something like 700 cars. I don't know how many of these spots Harvard is taking for its reunion attendees, but if you are thinking about a trip to Petco or Shaws between June 6 and June 10, maybe allow a bit of extra time.
History of Allston Village/Union Square/Lower Commonwealth Avenue
Tonight, May 24, 2007, at 7:30PM at the Jackson Mann School in Allston
Lecture by Bill Marchione, President of the Brighton-Allston Historical Society
Lecture by Bill Marchione, President of the Brighton-Allston Historical Society
The Phoenix remembers Kelly Wallace
Kelly Wallace, 1983-2007 - News - The Phoenix
Kelly Wallace was killed on May 6, after her bike was hit by a car in a crosswalk at the intersection of Cambridge Street and Harvard Avenue, in Allston. Near that spot, a stark white “ghost bike” stands in her memory, adorned with handwritten notes and a profusion of blooming flowers.
It’s the second fatal bicycle accident in Boston in a month. But no newspaper besides the Eagle-Tribune, from near Wallace’s hometown of Methuen, seemed to notice. Why?
Kelly Wallace was killed on May 6, after her bike was hit by a car in a crosswalk at the intersection of Cambridge Street and Harvard Avenue, in Allston. Near that spot, a stark white “ghost bike” stands in her memory, adorned with handwritten notes and a profusion of blooming flowers.
It’s the second fatal bicycle accident in Boston in a month. But no newspaper besides the Eagle-Tribune, from near Wallace’s hometown of Methuen, seemed to notice. Why?
The Harvard Crimson looks at potential candidates to replace Barrios
The Harvard Crimson :: News :: Barrios Departs, Race Opens
Former Cambridge mayor and City Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio said in an interview yesterday that he is “seriously considering” running for Barrios’s seat.
State Representative Alice K. Wolf whose House district is almost entirely in Cambridge, said she is “strongly considering whether to run” and acknowledged that a race between her and Galluccio would be a tight one.
Michael J. Albano, the former mayor of Springfield, Mass. and a potential candidate, said that while he was “certainly thinking about” establishing a campaign, he would not run against a popular progressive like Wolf.
Chelsea City Councillor Paul R. Nowicki and State Representative Eugene L. O’Flaherty both told The Crimson they are considering possible runs.
Former Cambridge mayor and City Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio said in an interview yesterday that he is “seriously considering” running for Barrios’s seat.
State Representative Alice K. Wolf whose House district is almost entirely in Cambridge, said she is “strongly considering whether to run” and acknowledged that a race between her and Galluccio would be a tight one.
Michael J. Albano, the former mayor of Springfield, Mass. and a potential candidate, said that while he was “certainly thinking about” establishing a campaign, he would not run against a popular progressive like Wolf.
Chelsea City Councillor Paul R. Nowicki and State Representative Eugene L. O’Flaherty both told The Crimson they are considering possible runs.
City Council at-large candidates
Talking Politics - Comings and Goings
Sometimes it can be easy to forget, but here in Allston and Brighton we are also represented at City Hall by 4 at-large councilors. Here is who is running for those seats, courtesy of the Phoenix.
"Nine potential candidates have submitted signatures for at-large, including the four incumbents. The elections office has not gotten to all of them yet, so we don't know yet if they'll all qualify, but the challengers to incumbents Felix Arroyo, Michael Flaherty, Steve Murphy, and Sam Yoon are John Connolly of West Roxbury (repeat candidate); William Estrada of East Boston; Matthew Geary of Dorchester; Martin Hogan of Dorchester (by way of Southie); and David James Wyatt of Roxbury."
Sometimes it can be easy to forget, but here in Allston and Brighton we are also represented at City Hall by 4 at-large councilors. Here is who is running for those seats, courtesy of the Phoenix.
"Nine potential candidates have submitted signatures for at-large, including the four incumbents. The elections office has not gotten to all of them yet, so we don't know yet if they'll all qualify, but the challengers to incumbents Felix Arroyo, Michael Flaherty, Steve Murphy, and Sam Yoon are John Connolly of West Roxbury (repeat candidate); William Estrada of East Boston; Matthew Geary of Dorchester; Martin Hogan of Dorchester (by way of Southie); and David James Wyatt of Roxbury."
Barrios to take job at Blue Cross
Barrios to take job at Blue Cross - Local News Updates - The Boston Globe
Senator Jarrett Barrios, a Cambridge Democrat who has been an outspoken advocate for minorities and gay marriage, confirmed today that he will leave office in early July to become the president of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation.
Senator Jarrett Barrios, a Cambridge Democrat who has been an outspoken advocate for minorities and gay marriage, confirmed today that he will leave office in early July to become the president of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation.
City Council candidates who had been planning to run for State Rep
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance website lists campaign finance reports for candidates and potential candidates for State office. Greg Glennon and Tim Schofield, two of the candidates for City Council to represent Allston & Brighton were recently considering runing for State Representative against Mike Moran.
Making laws at the State House is very different than being a City Councilor at City Hall. Allston & Brighton need a City Councilor who really wants to be City Councilor, so hopefully these two repeat candidates will present a clear explination of their sincere interest in City Council and why that is where they belong instead of at the State House.
2006 Year-end reports by the Committee to Elect Greg Glennon and the Committee to Elect Tim Schofield can be viewed by going to https://www.efs2.cpf.state.ma.us/EFSprod/servlet/WelcomeServlet, selecting "View Reports", then "Candidates", then entering the last name. For some reason the way this website is built the links directly to these reports don't work.
Making laws at the State House is very different than being a City Councilor at City Hall. Allston & Brighton need a City Councilor who really wants to be City Councilor, so hopefully these two repeat candidates will present a clear explination of their sincere interest in City Council and why that is where they belong instead of at the State House.
2006 Year-end reports by the Committee to Elect Greg Glennon and the Committee to Elect Tim Schofield can be viewed by going to https://www.efs2.cpf.state.ma.us/EFSprod/servlet/WelcomeServlet, selecting "View Reports", then "Candidates", then entering the last name. For some reason the way this website is built the links directly to these reports don't work.
Have you eaten at this place?
Stem cell dilemma a job for Congress - Opinion & Editorial - BostonHerald.com: "There is a story going around town - one now verging on urban myth - that somewhere in the basement of a Thai restaurant in Allston is a refrigerator that is home to a number of newly created stem cell lines."
Upcoming zoning hearings
55 Perthshire Road - Create off street parking for four vehicles
55 Saunders Street - Erect a shed dormer on a two-family dwelling
16 Harvard Avenue - Change the legal occupancy from exhibit hall, restaurant with #37 & #37a artist lifts, performing arts offices, art sales and theatre to exhibit hall, restaurant with #37 & #37A, artist lifts, performing arts offices, art sales, theatre and karaoke use on level one
131 Brooks Street - Erect a two-family dwelling
For more information call the Board of Appeal at 617-635-4775.
55 Saunders Street - Erect a shed dormer on a two-family dwelling
16 Harvard Avenue - Change the legal occupancy from exhibit hall, restaurant with #37 & #37a artist lifts, performing arts offices, art sales and theatre to exhibit hall, restaurant with #37 & #37A, artist lifts, performing arts offices, art sales, theatre and karaoke use on level one
131 Brooks Street - Erect a two-family dwelling
For more information call the Board of Appeal at 617-635-4775.
Find a safe bike ride in and around Boston
http://therightride.org/
This innovative website lists various cycling hazards in the area and was featured in today's Globe
This innovative website lists various cycling hazards in the area and was featured in today's Globe
Harvard Stadium parking and the Boston Cannons
| The Boston Cannons, Boston's Major League Lacrosse team, starts its home season on tonight at 7:00 at Harvard Stadium. Parking is $10 for cars to park at the Harvard athletic complex. Seats for the game cost $20 or $15 (seems expensive to watch a lacrosse game, if you ask me). Probably 1000+ cars will come into North Allston for this game. One good reason for charging $10 to park is that it encourages people to use public transportation or otherwise get to the game without driving. One problem this creates people who drive to the game and park for free in unregulated street parking spaces in our neighborhood. This also relates to the construction parking issue discussed at the Harvard meeting on Monday. Harvard obviously has hundreds of parking spaces that it can create on the athletic fields for Harvard-affiliated and non-affiliated events. So when it comes to parking for construction workers who will build the Science Complex on Western Ave, where should they park? Can the inconvenience created by this daily influx of several hundreds cars be shared between the Harvard and Allston communities? |   |
A $2.5 million property sale in North Brighton (and Harvard wasn't the buyer!)
156 Lincoln Street, the longtime home of Goldstein Office Furniture, has been sold for $2,550,000 to Self Storage Lincoln St LLC. Pretty good considering that the value of the land is appraised by the city at $914,600.Preparations for the demolition of the 110 year old building are underway to make space for another self-storage warehouse in our neighborhood.
he Cambridge Sunshine Foundation
The Cambridge Sunshine Foundation (http://www.cambridgesunshinefoundation.com/) is a new and different organization in Cambridge. Among other things, it is calling for a national holiday to honor and respect Native Americans which seems like a good idea to me.
Traffic analysis of Harvard's Science Complex construction
Harvard had planned to give this presentation at the meeting on Monday - Harvard Construction Traffic Presentation - but the meeting ended before we got to this subject. The presentation includes information about worker vehicle trips, parking needs for construction worker cars, and existing daily traffic.
This subject will be discussed at the next Harvard Allston Task Force meeting on Wednesday, May 23, 6:30 p.m. at the Honan Allston Library
This subject will be discussed at the next Harvard Allston Task Force meeting on Wednesday, May 23, 6:30 p.m. at the Honan Allston Library
Brighton Allston Historical Society Lecture Reminder, Thursday May 17
Brighton-Allston Women’s History Trail
Thursday May 17, 2007 @ 7:30 pm
Brighton Allston Congregational Church, 404 Washington Street, Brighton Center
This unique program will feature fifteen local women and women’s organizations of distinction. Presentations by members of the Women’s History Group of the BAHS will highlight the extraordinary lives, struggles and achievements of Brighton-Allston women spanning three centuries. Visit http://www.bahistory.org/BAHS_bri_wo_hist_flyer_May07.doc for more details
Thursday May 17, 2007 @ 7:30 pm
Brighton Allston Congregational Church, 404 Washington Street, Brighton Center
This unique program will feature fifteen local women and women’s organizations of distinction. Presentations by members of the Women’s History Group of the BAHS will highlight the extraordinary lives, struggles and achievements of Brighton-Allston women spanning three centuries. Visit http://www.bahistory.org/BAHS_bri_wo_hist_flyer_May07.doc for more details
Bicyclist killed in Allston
I haven't seen much mention of this in the news, but on May 6 a bicyclist was hit by a car and killed at the intersection of Cambridge St & Harvard Ave (near the Sports Depot). This is just a short distance from the intersection of Franklin & Lincoln Streets where a bicyclist was hit and killed a couple years ago.Please be careful and considerate! Bicyclists, drivers, pedestrians!
Flickr: Photos from sacredplague
Discussion at http://board.lemmingtrail.com/t.php?id=68873
If you want to sleep, don't live in Boston?
In the opinion of an anonymous reader, everyone living in Boston should accept the inevitability of loud, all night parties. Anonymous is right that I knew when I moved to Allston that Harvard, BU, and BC were in the general vicinity (though I don't live particularly close to any college campus). I also knew that noise from the Mass Pike can be heard from my house, that helicopters fly over frequently, that train whistles can be heard from trains on the tracks along the Mass Pike, etc., etc.
It is also true that the Boston Municipal Code (chapter 16, section 26) sets a standard for noise that is unreasonable or excessive.
Most importantly I would hope, regardless of where one lives, that neighbors will treat their neighbors considerately and with courtesy. This is all the more important when people live in close quarters like we do here. Maybe people who feel they have a right to have loud outdoor parties at 3 a.m. should move somewhere they can do this without harming other people.
It is also true that the Boston Municipal Code (chapter 16, section 26) sets a standard for noise that is unreasonable or excessive.
Most importantly I would hope, regardless of where one lives, that neighbors will treat their neighbors considerately and with courtesy. This is all the more important when people live in close quarters like we do here. Maybe people who feel they have a right to have loud outdoor parties at 3 a.m. should move somewhere they can do this without harming other people.
Tired of not sleeping because loud parties keep you up at night?
Party season in Allston and Brighton is back! (Some would say it never ended, but after the Mansfield St party that was still going strong at 3:00 Saturday morning, I am declaring that it is back).
Boston Police have a new program to help us with this - the Boston Police Party Line - The purpose of the Party Line is to give city residents a direct contact for reporting the occurrence of loud after-hours parties. Please make note of the telephone number 617-343-5500.
Boston Neighborhood Crime Watch :: BOSTON POLICE LAUNCH CITYWIDE "PARTY LINE"
Boston Police have a new program to help us with this - the Boston Police Party Line - The purpose of the Party Line is to give city residents a direct contact for reporting the occurrence of loud after-hours parties. Please make note of the telephone number 617-343-5500.
Boston Neighborhood Crime Watch :: BOSTON POLICE LAUNCH CITYWIDE "PARTY LINE"
City of Boston Online Customer Service
Welcome to the City of Boston Online Customer Service
I tried using this relatively new City website to report the obvious signs of significant rodent activity at one of the least-maintained houses in the neighborhood. For some reason, the system would not accept the address when I selected "Allston/Brighton" from the neighborhood list. When I changed it back to "Select Neighborhood" then it went through.
The method of looking up existing reports is interesting because you can just type in different numbers and see what sort of problems other people are having. Go to http://cobonlineservices.cityofboston.gov/customerservice/ServiceRequestLookup.aspx and type in 16418 or most any number less than that to browse. 16369 is one that might help you choose where not to eat dinner. Someone with some time could easily look at a number of these to anaylze which parts of the city are having the most problems with rats, trash, etc.
I tried using this relatively new City website to report the obvious signs of significant rodent activity at one of the least-maintained houses in the neighborhood. For some reason, the system would not accept the address when I selected "Allston/Brighton" from the neighborhood list. When I changed it back to "Select Neighborhood" then it went through.
The method of looking up existing reports is interesting because you can just type in different numbers and see what sort of problems other people are having. Go to http://cobonlineservices.cityofboston.gov/customerservice/ServiceRequestLookup.aspx and type in 16418 or most any number less than that to browse. 16369 is one that might help you choose where not to eat dinner. Someone with some time could easily look at a number of these to anaylze which parts of the city are having the most problems with rats, trash, etc.
Why some in Porter Sq are not thrilled about university expansion
Lesley University's plans sacrifice preschool and green space - The Boston Globe
"...I wish the reporter had dug deeper to find out exactly what prompted the architect to say, "The challenge for us is how to make the building say, 'Here I am, the good citizen of Cambridge.'"
Wouldn't it be great to see Harvard and BC become good citizens of Allston and Brighton (and for the BRA to require that as a condition of their expansion)?
"...I wish the reporter had dug deeper to find out exactly what prompted the architect to say, "The challenge for us is how to make the building say, 'Here I am, the good citizen of Cambridge.'"
Wouldn't it be great to see Harvard and BC become good citizens of Allston and Brighton (and for the BRA to require that as a condition of their expansion)?
Who has it worse?
Considering how neglected we sometimes feel by City Hall here in Allston and Brighton, it is interesting to see this letter to the Globe from a Dorchester resident who says compared "Allston, Brighton, JP, or West Roxbury and you'll find we get nothing in comparison."
Getting down to nitty gritty - The Boston Globe
Getting down to nitty gritty - The Boston Globe
Globe editoral about the new $85 million home of WGBH
Studios worthy of the station - The Boston Globe
"...The five-story southern building, designed from scratch to WGBH's specifications, emphasizes the station's commitments to the community. It includes a 210-seat theater, with technology installed so that sight- or hearing-impaired people will be able to appreciate the programming. A performance studio will accommodate 75 listeners, triple the size of the old space. An atrium will accommodate 300 people for larger events. Becton has the space to help achieve his goal to "demystify media."
And passers-by will be treated to a view, through sound-proofed windows, of radio broadcasters at work. WGBH, with city permission, widened the sidewalks so that those who wanted to pause a while would not disrupt foot traffic. The station is determined to fit well in its new Brighton neighborhood. "Every step of the way, WGBH reached out to include the community," said City Councilor Jerry McDermott in a telephone interview. The theater will be available for local groups when not in use by the station..."
"...The five-story southern building, designed from scratch to WGBH's specifications, emphasizes the station's commitments to the community. It includes a 210-seat theater, with technology installed so that sight- or hearing-impaired people will be able to appreciate the programming. A performance studio will accommodate 75 listeners, triple the size of the old space. An atrium will accommodate 300 people for larger events. Becton has the space to help achieve his goal to "demystify media."
And passers-by will be treated to a view, through sound-proofed windows, of radio broadcasters at work. WGBH, with city permission, widened the sidewalks so that those who wanted to pause a while would not disrupt foot traffic. The station is determined to fit well in its new Brighton neighborhood. "Every step of the way, WGBH reached out to include the community," said City Councilor Jerry McDermott in a telephone interview. The theater will be available for local groups when not in use by the station..."
Glimmers of a Turnaround in Springfield - Can North Allston/Brighton be far behind?
Despite a continued problem with violent crime and a troubling reputation to overcome, the New York Times nots in this story that major new real estate developments are being built in Springfield, MA that could bring a big turnaround to the local economy.
A $14 million project will add 25,000-square-feet to the 45,000-square-foot former home of the Basketball Hall of Fame. LA Fitness, the national health club chain, which will occupy a 60,000-square-foot space in the new building. The remaining space will go to Trillium Sports Medicine and Chiropractic and a restaurant named Hollywood Barn.
Performance Food Group, a company that provides frozen meals for schools and hospitals, is building a new $30 million 236,000-square-foot building and has promised to create 240 new jobs by October 2013.
One of Springfield’s largest employers, Baystate Medical Center, submitted plans for a $259 million 600,000-square-foot building on a 3.7-acre parcel next to its current Springfield Street complex. The expansion is expected to add 550 permanent jobs.
Meanwhile, last week Harvard got a "for lease" sign up in front of the former Citizens Bank building on Western Ave in North Brighton. Can our economy keep up with Springfield's?
A $14 million project will add 25,000-square-feet to the 45,000-square-foot former home of the Basketball Hall of Fame. LA Fitness, the national health club chain, which will occupy a 60,000-square-foot space in the new building. The remaining space will go to Trillium Sports Medicine and Chiropractic and a restaurant named Hollywood Barn.
Performance Food Group, a company that provides frozen meals for schools and hospitals, is building a new $30 million 236,000-square-foot building and has promised to create 240 new jobs by October 2013.
One of Springfield’s largest employers, Baystate Medical Center, submitted plans for a $259 million 600,000-square-foot building on a 3.7-acre parcel next to its current Springfield Street complex. The expansion is expected to add 550 permanent jobs.
Meanwhile, last week Harvard got a "for lease" sign up in front of the former Citizens Bank building on Western Ave in North Brighton. Can our economy keep up with Springfield's?
Commenting on Harvard's Construction Plans
For "t.s." (who just commented about fencing around Harvard's construction site) or anyone else who can or can't attend the meeting on Monday and wants to comment on this, you can click here to email the BRA, Harvard, and the Task Force with your thoughts.
Information for Monday's Harvard Construction meeting
There will be a meeting of the Harvard-Allston Task Force about construction management and mitigation at the Honan-Allston Library on Monday the 14th, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Harvard has provided some information for our review in advance of the meeting that you can download using this link.
Harvard has provided some information for our review in advance of the meeting that you can download using this link.
Beware of agressive asphalt pavers!
| This story (Paving firm is convicted of $1.8m fraud - The Boston Globe) about unethical and illegal actions by asphalt paving companies brings to mind problems that we have had in the past. It seems that the contractors who pave the streets for the City often have extra asphalt leftover at the end of the day and they would love to make an extra buck by doing some spontaneous paving work. When the asphalt is in the truck at the end of the day I guess either needs to be used or discarded, so they are hot to make a quick sale. We have seen various pressue tactics to get people to agree "right now" to have the job done. At my house we share a driveway with our next-door neighbors and the pavers have told us the neighbor wants to have the paving done when that is not true. So it is great to see Alcott, Litchfield, and other streets in the neighborhood, but watch out in the afternoon for a great deal on driveway paving. Or if you are actually looking to have some of your property paved, here is a chance to maybe get a good deal. But if you are in the latter category, maybe you'll consider a more environmentally green approach instead of asphalt. There are many options for porous paving that allow water to drain through, let grass grow between the paving blocks, and look much better than more black asphalt to a lot of people. |   |
Paul Creighton joins City Council race
According to BostonNOW, Paul Creighton has joined Tim Schofield in the race for City Council
Creighton, director of the Allston-Brighton Area Planning Action Council, had already decided to run for the "same reason I ran last time," he said. "The job hadn't been done the way I thought it should be done."
BostonNOW: City councilor steps away from neighborhood race - Jerry McDermott will not defend his District 9 seat
Creighton, director of the Allston-Brighton Area Planning Action Council, had already decided to run for the "same reason I ran last time," he said. "The job hadn't been done the way I thought it should be done."
BostonNOW: City councilor steps away from neighborhood race - Jerry McDermott will not defend his District 9 seat
Grants for summer youth programs in Boston
City of Boston
Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced Friday the availability of Boston Community Grants to be used for summer programming. The grants total $300,000 and will be parceled out in increments of $5,000-$7,500 for summer activities geared towards pre-teens and teenagers for outside agencies wishing to partner with the city. For more info call 617-635-4463.
Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced Friday the availability of Boston Community Grants to be used for summer programming. The grants total $300,000 and will be parceled out in increments of $5,000-$7,500 for summer activities geared towards pre-teens and teenagers for outside agencies wishing to partner with the city. For more info call 617-635-4463.
Allston Village Main Streets Accepting Letters of Interest from Prospective Board Members and Committee Members
Allston Village Main Streets (AVMS) is currently accepting letters of interest for prospective board members. Interested candidates should submit a letter describing their interest in AVMS and how they feel they can contribute to the organization and the Allston Village Community. Submission of a resume is strongly encouraged. Letters of interest will be accepted through June 15.
AVMS board members must commit 2-4 hours per month to the organization, outside of the monthly board meetings. Board members are also strongly encouraged to serve on one of the three committees: Design, Promotion or Economic Restructuring. Desirable candidates will be enthusiastic, interested in the community and willing to dedicate time and resources to AVMS.
Click here for more info or contact Katie Reed, Executive Director at (617) 254-7564 or katie@allstonvillage.com
AVMS board members must commit 2-4 hours per month to the organization, outside of the monthly board meetings. Board members are also strongly encouraged to serve on one of the three committees: Design, Promotion or Economic Restructuring. Desirable candidates will be enthusiastic, interested in the community and willing to dedicate time and resources to AVMS.
Click here for more info or contact Katie Reed, Executive Director at (617) 254-7564 or katie@allstonvillage.com
Tim Schofield jumps in to City Council race
Tim Schofield jumps in to City Council race
From BayWindows.com: "As soon as we got wind of the news this morning that District 9 Boston City Councilor Jerry McDermott wouldn’t be running for re-election to the Allston-Brighton district seat this fall, we rang up Tim Schofield, an openly gay Brighton man who’s been eyeing another run for political office since losing a squeaker special election for the 18th Suffolk House seat to Mike Moran back in 2005. Sure enough, when we caught up with Schofield on his cell phone this morning, he confirmed that he was already on his way to pick up nomination papers. “I’m going to the election department this morning,” said Schofield as he gassed up his car at the Allston Hess."
From BayWindows.com: "As soon as we got wind of the news this morning that District 9 Boston City Councilor Jerry McDermott wouldn’t be running for re-election to the Allston-Brighton district seat this fall, we rang up Tim Schofield, an openly gay Brighton man who’s been eyeing another run for political office since losing a squeaker special election for the 18th Suffolk House seat to Mike Moran back in 2005. Sure enough, when we caught up with Schofield on his cell phone this morning, he confirmed that he was already on his way to pick up nomination papers. “I’m going to the election department this morning,” said Schofield as he gassed up his car at the Allston Hess."
This will make the next 6 months more interesting
Hub city councilor to step down in fall - Local Politics - BostonHerald.com: "Citing personal reasons, Boston City Councilor Jerry McDermott has decided to not seek re-election this November and to instead return to the real-estate business."
Want to join the field? Call the Boston Election Department at 617-635-3767.
Want to join the field? Call the Boston Election Department at 617-635-3767.
Harvard Prez Faust To Add Executive VP
The Harvard Crimson :: News :: Faust To Add Executive VP to Mass. Hall
The new vice president will oversee the central administration's financial, administrative, and human resources arms as the University continues its expansion in Allston, renews its efforts in University-wide science initiatives, and attempts to encourage more collaboration across Harvard's 11 schools.
The new vice president will oversee the central administration's financial, administrative, and human resources arms as the University continues its expansion in Allston, renews its efforts in University-wide science initiatives, and attempts to encourage more collaboration across Harvard's 11 schools.
Said Faust, "I have been encouraged to consider, in particular, how the central administration can enhance its responsiveness to the needs of our faculties, schools, and other units, and achieve a more integrated approach to the challenges presented by new ventures in science, Allston, and other areas that will call for more collaboration across traditional boundaries...We have set up a dedicated search email account, evp_search@harvard.edu, so that you can write to me to share your views about organizational issues, the qualities we should seek in the executive vice president, and individuals we should consider. All communications will be treated confidentially."
The new vice president will oversee the central administration's financial, administrative, and human resources arms as the University continues its expansion in Allston, renews its efforts in University-wide science initiatives, and attempts to encourage more collaboration across Harvard's 11 schools.
The new vice president will oversee the central administration's financial, administrative, and human resources arms as the University continues its expansion in Allston, renews its efforts in University-wide science initiatives, and attempts to encourage more collaboration across Harvard's 11 schools.
Said Faust, "I have been encouraged to consider, in particular, how the central administration can enhance its responsiveness to the needs of our faculties, schools, and other units, and achieve a more integrated approach to the challenges presented by new ventures in science, Allston, and other areas that will call for more collaboration across traditional boundaries...We have set up a dedicated search email account, evp_search@harvard.edu, so that you can write to me to share your views about organizational issues, the qualities we should seek in the executive vice president, and individuals we should consider. All communications will be treated confidentially."
Think that BADL might protest Harvard's Science Complex?
This story in the Herald (Activist cells prep BIO 2007) describes "a group of notorious animal rights activists" who "are planning to stage day one of “hard-hitting demonstrations” that will carry on throughout the [BIO 2007 biotechnology] convention."
The group is Boston Animal Defense League (http://boston.animaldefense.info/) and guess how their website says to contact them? That's right - a P.O. Box here in Allston!
The group is Boston Animal Defense League (http://boston.animaldefense.info/) and guess how their website says to contact them? That's right - a P.O. Box here in Allston!
How Tall Is Too Tall?
Just as we are asking this question here in Allston about Harvard's proposed 100-something foot tall Science Complex, residents of Chinatown are asking the same question about a residential tower proposed in their neighborhood. This story in today's Globe - Question of scale: Is tower too tall for Chinatown? - The Boston Globe - describes the supporters and opponents of a 340 foot tall residential tower proposed for the edge of Chinatown. Mayor Menino is one person who opposes the proposed height - "The design is not in keeping with the neighborhood," said Menino. "I told them it was way too high."We can't really make an "apples-to-apples" comparison between what might be too tall for Chinatown and too tall in Allston. There are already several buildings in and near Chinatown that are 300+ feet tall. The nearby Hopedale Street neighborhood is comprised of homes probably no more than 30 feet tall. Along Western Ave, there is nothing close to 100 feet tall except for Harvard's One Western Ave, and the tower of that building is set back a significant distance from the Western Ave sidewalk.
This graphic is incredibly helpful in understanding the height of the proposed project and the exisitng buildings in the Chinatown neighborhood. Will we ever get comparable information from Harvard or the BRA about the Science Complex? The BRA's Scoping Determination (4MB file with public comment & 0.2MB file without comments) required a lot of important urban design information about the Science Complex and its surrounding context, but so far we haven't seen any information like this from Harvard. We can hope that the Draft Project Impact Report from Harvard (expected by the end of May) makes this clear for those of us who can't easily understand the visual impact of the proposed buildings.
Protest potential at Harvard's Stem Cell Institute
Peaceful protests vs. biotechnology vowed - The Boston Globe
Twenty thousand people are expected to attend a 4-day biotech conference that starts tomorrow at the South Boston Convention Center. Boston Police expect 1,500 protesters during the event.
Allston residents have been asking for months about protest activity that might be related to the bio-tech research building that Harvard wants to build on Western Ave. There is no shortage of controversial activities and initiatives proposed for that building:
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute
- Microbial Sciences
- Origin of Life studies
- Global Neglected Diseases
- Storage of live animals for research purposes
Members of the community have repeatedly asked Harvard about plans to handle protests, vandalism, or other legal or illegal things that people might do. Basically Harvard's response has been that we shouldn't worry about this. Everything will be fine.
Twenty thousand people are expected to attend a 4-day biotech conference that starts tomorrow at the South Boston Convention Center. Boston Police expect 1,500 protesters during the event.
Allston residents have been asking for months about protest activity that might be related to the bio-tech research building that Harvard wants to build on Western Ave. There is no shortage of controversial activities and initiatives proposed for that building:
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute
- Microbial Sciences
- Origin of Life studies
- Global Neglected Diseases
- Storage of live animals for research purposes
Members of the community have repeatedly asked Harvard about plans to handle protests, vandalism, or other legal or illegal things that people might do. Basically Harvard's response has been that we shouldn't worry about this. Everything will be fine.
German School parents visit St. A's
A large group of parents from the German International School of Boston toured the St. Anthony's School building this evening. In general they seemed very positive about it and optimistic that it will be the new home to their school.
Tangled up in Brighton
Tangled up in Brighton - Local & Regional - BostonHerald.com
It was electrical spaghetti after a tractor-trailer struck a utility pole in Brighton yesterday afternoon, knocking live wires onto the ground.
It took police, Hazmat firefighters and Nstar crews more than an hour to clean up the mess at the corner of Dighton Street and Chestnut Hill Avenue, Boston police said.
The wires fell on a parked car. No one was inside the vehicle at the time, and no one was injured.
Several live power lines fell onto the street along with the two utility poles that crashed into the car.
It was electrical spaghetti after a tractor-trailer struck a utility pole in Brighton yesterday afternoon, knocking live wires onto the ground.
It took police, Hazmat firefighters and Nstar crews more than an hour to clean up the mess at the corner of Dighton Street and Chestnut Hill Avenue, Boston police said.
The wires fell on a parked car. No one was inside the vehicle at the time, and no one was injured.
Several live power lines fell onto the street along with the two utility poles that crashed into the car.
Allston Village Main Streets gets new director
Brighton - Allston Village Main Streets gets new director - Allston/Brighton TAB
What’s new at Allston Village Main Streets?
·$17,000 was raised at the Taste of Allston event.
·A $50,000 beautification grant from Boston College will allow AVMS to replace the existing street barrels with new ones, and add 10 more. The city has agreed to maintain the barrels.
·The raffle that began at the Taste of Allston will continue until 500 tickets are sold. Prizes include a Vespa scooter, two mountain bikes and a Razor scooter. Tickets cost $10 and can be bought by calling 617-254-7564. A drawing will be held in June at a time and place to be determined. All those who purchased tickets will be individually notified of the date of the event.
·AVMS is currently accepting letters of interest for nominations for the Board of Directors.
·AVMS welcomes feedback and ideas from members of the public on how to improve Allston Village. Call 617-254-7564 or e-mail mainstreets@allstonvillage.com.
What’s new at Allston Village Main Streets?
·$17,000 was raised at the Taste of Allston event.
·A $50,000 beautification grant from Boston College will allow AVMS to replace the existing street barrels with new ones, and add 10 more. The city has agreed to maintain the barrels.
·The raffle that began at the Taste of Allston will continue until 500 tickets are sold. Prizes include a Vespa scooter, two mountain bikes and a Razor scooter. Tickets cost $10 and can be bought by calling 617-254-7564. A drawing will be held in June at a time and place to be determined. All those who purchased tickets will be individually notified of the date of the event.
·AVMS is currently accepting letters of interest for nominations for the Board of Directors.
·AVMS welcomes feedback and ideas from members of the public on how to improve Allston Village. Call 617-254-7564 or e-mail mainstreets@allstonvillage.com.
St. Anthony's School for sale?
Brighton - St. Anthony's School for sale? - Allston/Brighton TAB
"Andreas Jacob, headmaster of the school, also confirmed that discussions were taking place, but was oblique about whether a deal was near.
“We are interested in the building,” Jacob said. “I can’t go beyond this. But we are very interested in having our own building.” The school currently leases its premises at 54 Essex St. in Cambridge."
The Harvard Crimson :: Opinion :: The Best Benefits
The Harvard Crimson :: Opinion :: The Best Benefits
Harvard Crimson editorial about community benefits associated with Harvard's Allston development. One excerpt:
Harvard Crimson editorial about community benefits associated with Harvard's Allston development. One excerpt:
"When deciding how Harvard should benefit the community, the University should listen to Gerald Autler, Senior Project Manager at the BRA, who said, “The emphasis should be on those things that Harvard can do better than other entities.” This does not mean, however, that Harvard should ignore other suggestions to improve the quality of life in the Allston community. Many of the community’s suggestions for public space, such as burying Soldiers Field Road, improving bridges over the Charles, and beautifying the area, are ideas that will benefit Harvard as well."
Allston limo service makes inner city list of booming firms
Hub's inner city ranks high in booming firms - The Boston Globe
Commonwealth Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, an Allston limousine service with 270 workers and $21.7 million in sales in 2005, makes the list of the 100 fastest-growing inner-city companies.
The list of companies is compiled by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (www.icic.org), a group founded by Harvard Business School professor Michael E. Porter. ICIC looks like an organization with a tremendous amount of knowledge that could be applied to benefit Allston, the home of Harvard Business School. For example, it recently published a report "Realizing the Inner City Retail Opportunity: Progress and New Directions". Sounds like expertise that could benefit Allston Village and Western Ave.
Commonwealth Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, an Allston limousine service with 270 workers and $21.7 million in sales in 2005, makes the list of the 100 fastest-growing inner-city companies.
The list of companies is compiled by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (www.icic.org), a group founded by Harvard Business School professor Michael E. Porter. ICIC looks like an organization with a tremendous amount of knowledge that could be applied to benefit Allston, the home of Harvard Business School. For example, it recently published a report "Realizing the Inner City Retail Opportunity: Progress and New Directions". Sounds like expertise that could benefit Allston Village and Western Ave.
The future of mass transit in Allston and the roles of Harvard and BU
Pay to play? - The Boston Globe
Governor Patrick's administration is reportedly trying to get money from Harvard to help fund the purchase of CSX rail lines west to Worcester, south to Fall River and New Bedford, and north to Somerville. Apparently this would be part of some deal that would lead to a commuter rail station in Allston that would serve, among others, users of Harvard's Allston campus.
Enter Boston University. BU recently unveiled a new master plan for its campus, and of course a commuter rail stop and transit hub also part of BU's vision.
Harvard and BU may not each be able to get their own transit hub in their nearby campuses. Is there a win-win design that benefits both schools relatively equally or will there be a winner and loser?
Governor Patrick's administration is reportedly trying to get money from Harvard to help fund the purchase of CSX rail lines west to Worcester, south to Fall River and New Bedford, and north to Somerville. Apparently this would be part of some deal that would lead to a commuter rail station in Allston that would serve, among others, users of Harvard's Allston campus.
Enter Boston University. BU recently unveiled a new master plan for its campus, and of course a commuter rail stop and transit hub also part of BU's vision.
Harvard and BU may not each be able to get their own transit hub in their nearby campuses. Is there a win-win design that benefits both schools relatively equally or will there be a winner and loser?
Another independently owned business closes in Harvard Sq
The Harvard Crimson :: Opinion :: Utility Before Ownership
The Greenhouse Restaurant and Coffee Shop, which had been in business in Harvard Sq for the last 30 years, closed last week. The Crimson Editorial Board is absolutely right in their concerns about the retail future of Allston. They "hope that Barry’s Corner will not end up with another four banks to facilitate student withdrawals, but rather see appealing shops and eateries that will benefit students, faculty, staff, and Allston community members alike."
Harvard has spent hours and hours telling us about parts of their proposed buildings that the general public will never see. But Harvard seems to have minimal interest in the true public spaces of the buildings. We are told "maybe there will be a cafe" or about a cafeteria that might exist. But a Starbucks or an institutional cafeteria are not going to make Barry's Corner and the rest of Western Ave a special and interesting place.
If Harvard wants more support for its plans in Allston, a great place to start would be a serious focus on the public areas that will host businesses that will serve and enrich the Allston and Harvard communities.
The Greenhouse Restaurant and Coffee Shop, which had been in business in Harvard Sq for the last 30 years, closed last week. The Crimson Editorial Board is absolutely right in their concerns about the retail future of Allston. They "hope that Barry’s Corner will not end up with another four banks to facilitate student withdrawals, but rather see appealing shops and eateries that will benefit students, faculty, staff, and Allston community members alike."
Harvard has spent hours and hours telling us about parts of their proposed buildings that the general public will never see. But Harvard seems to have minimal interest in the true public spaces of the buildings. We are told "maybe there will be a cafe" or about a cafeteria that might exist. But a Starbucks or an institutional cafeteria are not going to make Barry's Corner and the rest of Western Ave a special and interesting place.
If Harvard wants more support for its plans in Allston, a great place to start would be a serious focus on the public areas that will host businesses that will serve and enrich the Allston and Harvard communities.
More on the Harvard Allston farm idea
Fresh air, no Harvard Sq.: Allston farm eyed - Business - BostonHerald.com
Harvard officals don't seem particularly supportive ("Keep it all in perspective,” said Harvard spokesman Joe Wrinn, stressing the sustainable farm proposal is just “one of many ideas for future development of Allston") so it is great to hear that the idea is gaining support from multiple diverse groups across the University (Harvard’s Sustainable Allston committee and Harvard Medical School’s Center for Health and the Global Environment). Based on the positive comments that readers posted on this blog yesterday, there is also great interest from the community.
Someone asked yesterday how to support this idea. I think the most important thing is to keep public attention on it. Ask about it at Harvard Allston Task Force meetings (the next one is Monday at 6:30 at the Honan Library). Write a letter to the editor of the Herald (letterstotheeditor@bostonherald.com)to follow up their story and voice your support. Call Paul Holloway in the Mayor's Office (617-635-2678).
Harvard officals don't seem particularly supportive ("Keep it all in perspective,” said Harvard spokesman Joe Wrinn, stressing the sustainable farm proposal is just “one of many ideas for future development of Allston") so it is great to hear that the idea is gaining support from multiple diverse groups across the University (Harvard’s Sustainable Allston committee and Harvard Medical School’s Center for Health and the Global Environment). Based on the positive comments that readers posted on this blog yesterday, there is also great interest from the community.
Someone asked yesterday how to support this idea. I think the most important thing is to keep public attention on it. Ask about it at Harvard Allston Task Force meetings (the next one is Monday at 6:30 at the Honan Library). Write a letter to the editor of the Herald (letterstotheeditor@bostonherald.com)to follow up their story and voice your support. Call Paul Holloway in the Mayor's Office (617-635-2678).
Harvard construction projects in Cambridge
Ripening Nicely, Harvard Construction near fruition - Harvard Magazine
Harvard's alumni magazine profiles a few projects under construction in Cambridge. I can't help but notice that none of these buildings are anywhere near as tall or big as the Science Complex that Harvard has proposed to build in Allston. And considering the small scals of the Western Ave housing, it is fascinating that Harvard gave as much to the community as mentioned below.
- A new theater
- Housing at the intersection of Western Ave and Memorial Drive (former site of Mahoney's).
Harvard will turn the land in front of these buildings into a public park. Although the University proposed at first to put a park at the interior of the property, close to neighborhood houses and away from the traffic-filled streets, Riverside residents and some city councilors insisted that it be where it will be for its public visibility. Also as part of the deal that allowed this construction project to move forward, Harvard agreed to build and turn over to the city, after all the building permits it needed were in hand, 34 units of affordable housing.
- Laboratories on Oxford St
The 137,000-square-foot Laboratory for Integrated Science and Engineering, a.k.a. LISE. Only a third of the building is above ground. The building also includes a cafe and patio. The newly created quadrangle of which the patio is part will be landscaped in a way that accommodates an outdoor music performance space.
- The Northwest Science Building
This building has 210,000 square feet of space above ground and 260,000 square feet below (four stories up, four stories down).
The HTML version of this article seems to be missing some photos, so you can download the article in its printed format from www.harvard-magazine.com/lib/07mj/pdf/0507-32W.pdf
Harvard's alumni magazine profiles a few projects under construction in Cambridge. I can't help but notice that none of these buildings are anywhere near as tall or big as the Science Complex that Harvard has proposed to build in Allston. And considering the small scals of the Western Ave housing, it is fascinating that Harvard gave as much to the community as mentioned below.
- A new theater
- Housing at the intersection of Western Ave and Memorial Drive (former site of Mahoney's).
Harvard will turn the land in front of these buildings into a public park. Although the University proposed at first to put a park at the interior of the property, close to neighborhood houses and away from the traffic-filled streets, Riverside residents and some city councilors insisted that it be where it will be for its public visibility. Also as part of the deal that allowed this construction project to move forward, Harvard agreed to build and turn over to the city, after all the building permits it needed were in hand, 34 units of affordable housing.
- Laboratories on Oxford St
The 137,000-square-foot Laboratory for Integrated Science and Engineering, a.k.a. LISE. Only a third of the building is above ground. The building also includes a cafe and patio. The newly created quadrangle of which the patio is part will be landscaped in a way that accommodates an outdoor music performance space.
- The Northwest Science Building
This building has 210,000 square feet of space above ground and 260,000 square feet below (four stories up, four stories down).
The HTML version of this article seems to be missing some photos, so you can download the article in its printed format from www.harvard-magazine.com/lib/07mj/pdf/0507-32W.pdf
Harvard Farm Is Newest Allston Notion
The Harvard Crimson :: News :: Farm Is Newest Allston Notion
This is one of the best ideas that I have seen from Harvard Square in quite a while. The proposal for a working farm in Allston is being championed by the Harvard student organization Sustainable Allston. This would fit beautifully with Mayor Menino's goals to improve the environment as part of the "Grow Boston Greener" program announced in this press release.
If you add in some community gardens (there are community gardens along the Charles River and some in Allston south of the Mass Pike, but none in the North Allston/North Brighton area where Harvard is our neighbor), a famers' market, some public art (possibly some scuplture associated with the Art Museum that Harvard talks about building in Allston) and this could really be something wonderful.
A joint Harvard-community green development like this would be a great mixing area for the Harvard and Allston/Brighton communities to mingle and interact. Farmer-students would meet Allston and Brighton residents who grow flowers and vegetables on nearby plots, local children and Gardner school students could be involved to learn about the environment, agriculture, and nutrition, and people from across the neighborhood could stroll in and around the gardens, shop at the market, and enjoy nature in a unique setting in this urban location.
This is one of the best ideas that I have seen from Harvard Square in quite a while. The proposal for a working farm in Allston is being championed by the Harvard student organization Sustainable Allston. This would fit beautifully with Mayor Menino's goals to improve the environment as part of the "Grow Boston Greener" program announced in this press release.
If you add in some community gardens (there are community gardens along the Charles River and some in Allston south of the Mass Pike, but none in the North Allston/North Brighton area where Harvard is our neighbor), a famers' market, some public art (possibly some scuplture associated with the Art Museum that Harvard talks about building in Allston) and this could really be something wonderful.
A joint Harvard-community green development like this would be a great mixing area for the Harvard and Allston/Brighton communities to mingle and interact. Farmer-students would meet Allston and Brighton residents who grow flowers and vegetables on nearby plots, local children and Gardner school students could be involved to learn about the environment, agriculture, and nutrition, and people from across the neighborhood could stroll in and around the gardens, shop at the market, and enjoy nature in a unique setting in this urban location.
More Trees
Mayor Menino Hosts Dorchester Arbor Day Event
Mayor Menino will use the event to announce a new initiative to dramatically increase tree canopy cover in the city, as well as a partnership with the USDA Forest Service to launch the nation’s first Urban Research Forest.
With the “Growing Boston Greener” initiative, the city is setting a goal of increasing canopy cover by 20% by the year 2030. This is a significant undertaking, and will require the planting of over 100,000 trees between now and 2020. The initiative will focus on addressing environmental justice concerns by planting trees in areas with low canopy cover, and on mitigating urban heat islands, and will include plantings on both public and private property.
For more information, visit the Grow Boston Greener website at www.cityofboston.gov/parks/streettrees/growboston.asp.
Mayor Menino will use the event to announce a new initiative to dramatically increase tree canopy cover in the city, as well as a partnership with the USDA Forest Service to launch the nation’s first Urban Research Forest.
With the “Growing Boston Greener” initiative, the city is setting a goal of increasing canopy cover by 20% by the year 2030. This is a significant undertaking, and will require the planting of over 100,000 trees between now and 2020. The initiative will focus on addressing environmental justice concerns by planting trees in areas with low canopy cover, and on mitigating urban heat islands, and will include plantings on both public and private property.
For more information, visit the Grow Boston Greener website at www.cityofboston.gov/parks/streettrees/growboston.asp.
Somerville neighbors don't want to be left in the shadows
Neighbors don't want to be left in the shadows - The Boston Globe
Residents of Union Square in Somerville are organizing to have a say in the zoning changes that will allow taller buildings and denser development in their neighborhood. They decided to write their own zoning petition as an alternative to the city's proposal, which the group submitted in March.
Stuart Dash, director of community planning in Cambridge and a member of Union Square Neighbors, wants to ensure that building setbacks are appropriate and buildings gradually increase in height. The city's original zoning proposal, which called for 140-foot buildings, would create a "darker, less personal" square, he said. The 100-foot limit would be better, but "it's not as far reduced as we would like to see it," he said.
Vickie Choitz bought a home in Union Square in 2005 in part because she knew it was an area that would be redeveloped. She said she is concerned that multi story development in the area could put her home, partway up Prospect Hill, in a valley.
"We don't necessarily want to preserve Union Square as is," she said. "We're not afraid of development. We want it to be done in a way that isn't giving away the farm of Union Square and telling developers you can do whatever you want."
Residents of Union Square in Somerville are organizing to have a say in the zoning changes that will allow taller buildings and denser development in their neighborhood. They decided to write their own zoning petition as an alternative to the city's proposal, which the group submitted in March.
Stuart Dash, director of community planning in Cambridge and a member of Union Square Neighbors, wants to ensure that building setbacks are appropriate and buildings gradually increase in height. The city's original zoning proposal, which called for 140-foot buildings, would create a "darker, less personal" square, he said. The 100-foot limit would be better, but "it's not as far reduced as we would like to see it," he said.
Vickie Choitz bought a home in Union Square in 2005 in part because she knew it was an area that would be redeveloped. She said she is concerned that multi story development in the area could put her home, partway up Prospect Hill, in a valley.
"We don't necessarily want to preserve Union Square as is," she said. "We're not afraid of development. We want it to be done in a way that isn't giving away the farm of Union Square and telling developers you can do whatever you want."
Home, elusive home - The Boston Globe
Home, elusive home - The Boston Globe
Today's Globe editorial highlights the difficulties that many people have affording home ownership in Boston. Another reminder (like the one from earlier this week) about how we should look at opportunities to rebuild and revitalize Western Ave and the Holton St Corridor.
Today's Globe editorial highlights the difficulties that many people have affording home ownership in Boston. Another reminder (like the one from earlier this week) about how we should look at opportunities to rebuild and revitalize Western Ave and the Holton St Corridor.
A Concrete Plan to Speed Up Buses in Traffic
A Concrete Plan to Speed Up Buses in Traffic - New York Times
New York is joining cities including San Francisco, Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland by installing "bus bulbs" in an attempt to ease traffic congestion and improve public transit.
Basically, a bus bulb is an extension of the curb into the space usually reserved for on-street parking. It is used when there is not a dedicated lane for buses, but when buses share the lane with regular traffic.
The bulb seems counter-intuitive because it causes the bus to stop in the travel lane, and therefore cars behind the bus also need to stop. But studies (like this one from the Federal Transit Administration) suggest that this delay is more than offset by eliminating the delays that are caused by buses slowing traffic when they pull out of and back into the travel lane when they stop at a traditional bus stop.
Some people interviewed in the Times article are skeptical about this approach. But it is at least worth considering as Harvard talks about a need for dedicated shuttle bus lanes and we also want less pavement and narrower, more human scaled streets in the future of our neighborhood.
New York is joining cities including San Francisco, Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland by installing "bus bulbs" in an attempt to ease traffic congestion and improve public transit.
Basically, a bus bulb is an extension of the curb into the space usually reserved for on-street parking. It is used when there is not a dedicated lane for buses, but when buses share the lane with regular traffic.
The bulb seems counter-intuitive because it causes the bus to stop in the travel lane, and therefore cars behind the bus also need to stop. But studies (like this one from the Federal Transit Administration) suggest that this delay is more than offset by eliminating the delays that are caused by buses slowing traffic when they pull out of and back into the travel lane when they stop at a traditional bus stop.
Some people interviewed in the Times article are skeptical about this approach. But it is at least worth considering as Harvard talks about a need for dedicated shuttle bus lanes and we also want less pavement and narrower, more human scaled streets in the future of our neighborhood.
Allston could get commuter rail station
Brighton - Allston could get commuter rail station - Allston/Brighton TAB
"A new commuter rail station could be in the works for Allston. Boston City Council recently voted to support a grant to study comprehensive traffic management plans for the city, which could involve building such a station in this neighborhood."
"A new commuter rail station could be in the works for Allston. Boston City Council recently voted to support a grant to study comprehensive traffic management plans for the city, which could involve building such a station in this neighborhood."
Genzyme to add 115,000 sq ft onto Allston plant
Biotech boomtown: Genzyme to build onto Allston plant - Business - BostonHerald.com
This is a surprise. I have never heard about this project - has anyone else in the community? How does it fit in with Harvard's plans?
This is a surprise. I have never heard about this project - has anyone else in the community? How does it fit in with Harvard's plans?
With sales of its newest drug, Myozyme, soaring, Genzyme is hammering out plans for a $125 million expansion of its North Allston plant.
The proposal, set to receive City Hall’s approval next week, would add another 115,000 square feet to the existing 180,000-square-foot drug-making complex.
Construction could start soon on that first phase, officials said.
Meanwhile, the biotech giant is now eyeing plans for an even larger future expansion. While the proposal is still tentative, the company is exploring whether to add another 170,000 square feet of new manufacturing space and parking to its North Allston drug plant.
22 suffer minor injuries in Brighton school bus collision
22 suffer minor injuries in Brighton school bus collision - Local News Updates - The Boston Globe
Where else would the story end this way?
Where else would the story end this way?
"The students not taken to hospitals were brought to a nearby Brazilian barbecue restaurant and given water and snacks."
Brighton bust nets $1 million in cash and drugs
Boston - Brighton bust nets $1 million in cash and drugs - Town Online: "State and federal officials descended on a quiet Oak Square street and left with 125 pounds of marijuana, $500,000 in cash and four suspects in one of the largest drug busts ever in Brighton."
Palestinian refugee children’s art stolen from Honan-Allston library
International Solidarity Movement » Palestinian refugee children’s art stolen from library
On April 19, 2007, eighteen photographs were stolen from an exhibit documenting Palestinian children’s journey to Jerusalem, the sea, and their ancestral lands. The exhibit, which opened on April 14, was hanging in the Honan-Allston branch of the public library, and was scheduled to remain there until May 25.
While the thieves of the artwork are unknown, Birthright Unplugged organizers suspect that the motives were political. The Honan-Allston library confirms that this is the first time a theft of this kind has happened there, although they often display art exhibits.
On April 19, 2007, eighteen photographs were stolen from an exhibit documenting Palestinian children’s journey to Jerusalem, the sea, and their ancestral lands. The exhibit, which opened on April 14, was hanging in the Honan-Allston branch of the public library, and was scheduled to remain there until May 25.
While the thieves of the artwork are unknown, Birthright Unplugged organizers suspect that the motives were political. The Honan-Allston library confirms that this is the first time a theft of this kind has happened there, although they often display art exhibits.
Street sweepers are back, but what do they sweep?
I'm not sure if I am happy or not to see the spring return of the street sweepers to our neighborhood. On one hand, anything that makes this place cleaner is great to see. But when the sweeper goes down streets lined with parked cars it really doesn't accomplish much of anything. Even if we don't want to have parking restrictions to let the sweepers get to the curb where all the trash accumulates, there must be a better way. Elsewhere in Boston, people do manage with bi-monthly no parking. There is even an online service from Boston.com that sends email reminders to help people remember when to move cars to avoid tickets - http://bostonsweeper.boston.com/.
Boston's need for more housing
A climate for growth - The Boston Globe
Harvard Professor Edward Glaeser writes in today's Globe about the urgent need for more housing to be built in Boston. He cites statistics (Boston's 1.4 percent growth rate in a recent Census report was slower than 277 other metropolitan areas, Boston's median home price of $400,000 is more than twice that of other large cities, the cost of living is 50% higher in Boston than in Houston) and concludes saying that more people should live in Boston but that can only happen if we permit more housing.
These thoughts are very consistent with the North Allston Strategic Framework for Planning. It mentions an increased demand for scarce housing, creating housing opportunities affordable to a wide range of people, integrating new Harvard and community housing to form lively new neighborhood settings, and working toward achieving over 20 years a goal of 2,400
to 2,800 new housing units in North Allston.
Harvard has acres and acres of land sitting dormant in North Allston that it doesn't seem to know what to do with. Wouldn't it be great to see some of this new housing that everyone seems to agree we need?
Harvard Professor Edward Glaeser writes in today's Globe about the urgent need for more housing to be built in Boston. He cites statistics (Boston's 1.4 percent growth rate in a recent Census report was slower than 277 other metropolitan areas, Boston's median home price of $400,000 is more than twice that of other large cities, the cost of living is 50% higher in Boston than in Houston) and concludes saying that more people should live in Boston but that can only happen if we permit more housing.
These thoughts are very consistent with the North Allston Strategic Framework for Planning. It mentions an increased demand for scarce housing, creating housing opportunities affordable to a wide range of people, integrating new Harvard and community housing to form lively new neighborhood settings, and working toward achieving over 20 years a goal of 2,400
to 2,800 new housing units in North Allston.
Harvard has acres and acres of land sitting dormant in North Allston that it doesn't seem to know what to do with. Wouldn't it be great to see some of this new housing that everyone seems to agree we need?
The South End revitalized, but North Allston and North Brighton keep waiting
On Washington St., a call for new voices - The Boston Globe
This is a great story about the successful revitalization of the South End. I certainly remember it from when I was growing up as a place that seemed to have lots of problems (crime, drugs, etc.). This story tells us about $571 million invested in the Washington St area, 160,000 square feet of new commercial space and 57 new businesses, MBTA Silver Line access to downtown, new housing with more, not less, affordable housing, and strong support from the Mayor.
All this sounds a lot like the North Allston Strategic Framework's vision for Western Ave and Barry's Corner. But what is happening there? Not much. Because it seems nothing will happen there until Harvard decides it wants something to happen.
This is a great story about the successful revitalization of the South End. I certainly remember it from when I was growing up as a place that seemed to have lots of problems (crime, drugs, etc.). This story tells us about $571 million invested in the Washington St area, 160,000 square feet of new commercial space and 57 new businesses, MBTA Silver Line access to downtown, new housing with more, not less, affordable housing, and strong support from the Mayor.
All this sounds a lot like the North Allston Strategic Framework's vision for Western Ave and Barry's Corner. But what is happening there? Not much. Because it seems nothing will happen there until Harvard decides it wants something to happen.
Land Harvard owns beyond the boundary of its 50 year plan
Crimson Tide - Boston Business Journal: Campus is just one part of Harvard's Allston plans
I almost choked when I read this:
So when is Harvard going to get to it? How many more years will you continue to let Western Ave and other parts of our neighborhood rot away?
And actually, some people in Allston do think it is a terrible situation to be dealing with one major landowner who shows no interest in redeveloping this huge stretch of land in middle of our neighborhood.
I almost choked when I read this:
"We have the potential to be really good stewards of property," said Kathy Spiegelman, chief planner for Harvard's Allston expansion. She added, "I think most people, if you go on Western Avenue, would agree that there are lots of opportunities for improvements. And the message I hear from people in the community and business people is, 'Get to it. Don't let it languish.' "
So when is Harvard going to get to it? How many more years will you continue to let Western Ave and other parts of our neighborhood rot away?
"While we would never encourage Harvard or any other institution to acquire property simply for the purpose of land-banking it, it's not a terrible situation ... to be dealing with a smaller number of landowners as we talk about redevelopment of this whole area," said Gerald Autler, the BRA senior project manager assigned to Harvard's expansion into Allston.
And actually, some people in Allston do think it is a terrible situation to be dealing with one major landowner who shows no interest in redeveloping this huge stretch of land in middle of our neighborhood.
Barack Obama in Allston tonight - good luck driving down Comm Ave during rush hour
Thousands expected for Obama fund-raiser at BU - The Boston Globe
More than 5,000 supporters are expected to attend the fund-raiser at the Agganis arena, where Obama will make his first public appearance in the state since he announced his candidacy for president.
The doors to Agganis Arena — which typically hosts sporting events, concerts, and trade shows — will open at 6 p.m. Inside, the venue will be decorated with American flags and bright banners bearing Obama’s name. A male a capella group from Tufts and a dance troupe will perform before Obama takes the stage at about 7 p.m.
More than 5,000 supporters are expected to attend the fund-raiser at the Agganis arena, where Obama will make his first public appearance in the state since he announced his candidacy for president.
The doors to Agganis Arena — which typically hosts sporting events, concerts, and trade shows — will open at 6 p.m. Inside, the venue will be decorated with American flags and bright banners bearing Obama’s name. A male a capella group from Tufts and a dance troupe will perform before Obama takes the stage at about 7 p.m.
Professional Women's Soccer comming to Allston next year
BREAKERS ARE BACK Will start play in '08
"The Boston Breakers will be among eight teams in women's professional soccer league set to begin play in April 2008, it was announced Wednesday... The Breakers could return to Boston University's Nickerson Field or play at Harvard University."
"The Boston Breakers will be among eight teams in women's professional soccer league set to begin play in April 2008, it was announced Wednesday... The Breakers could return to Boston University's Nickerson Field or play at Harvard University."
Upcoming lecture: Negotiating a Livable City
StreetTalk: Negotiating a Livable City by Roger Boothe | LivableStreets Alliance
Roger Boothe presenting Negotiating a Livable City: The role of architecture, zoning and site design in the re-development of Cambridge. Roger draws on his more than 28 years as Director of Urban Design with the City of Cambridge. Specific examples drawn from Kendall Square, University Park and North Point.
Apr 23: 6:30 - 8:00
70 Pacific Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
Roger Boothe presenting Negotiating a Livable City: The role of architecture, zoning and site design in the re-development of Cambridge. Roger draws on his more than 28 years as Director of Urban Design with the City of Cambridge. Specific examples drawn from Kendall Square, University Park and North Point.
Apr 23: 6:30 - 8:00
70 Pacific Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
Upcoming zoning and licensing hearings
Click here to download more info about hearings for properties on Cambridge St, Comm Ave, Kilmarnock St, Western Ave, LaRose Place, Margo Rd, Union St, Montfern Ave, and Brighton Ave.
House stands by budget earmarks
House stands by budget earmarks - The Boston Globe
Here is where you can find the complete list of 1487 amendments (an average of 9 amendments per legislator). Earmakrs by the Allston & Brighton reps are:
$50,000 for the Allston-Brighton Vocational Center
$25,000 for the Allston-Brighton CDC's continued operation of a grant program to enhance housing quality standards
$150,000 for the rehabilitation of the Herter Center in the Christian A. Herter Park
$75,000 for the continued operation of computer technology centers at the Commonwealth Housing Development, the Jackson Mann Community Center and the Power Up Center at Brighton High School
$50,000 for programs at the Fishing Academy
$500,000 for the creation and dedication of a park located in Suffolk County on parcel 2102442005 (an 18 acre state-owned parcel near Cleveland Circle)
$14,000,000 for disproportionate share payments for inpatient services provided at pediatric specialty hospitals and units, including pediatric chronic and rehabilitation long-term care hospitals
Here is where you can find the complete list of 1487 amendments (an average of 9 amendments per legislator). Earmakrs by the Allston & Brighton reps are:
$50,000 for the Allston-Brighton Vocational Center
$25,000 for the Allston-Brighton CDC's continued operation of a grant program to enhance housing quality standards
$150,000 for the rehabilitation of the Herter Center in the Christian A. Herter Park
$75,000 for the continued operation of computer technology centers at the Commonwealth Housing Development, the Jackson Mann Community Center and the Power Up Center at Brighton High School
$50,000 for programs at the Fishing Academy
$500,000 for the creation and dedication of a park located in Suffolk County on parcel 2102442005 (an 18 acre state-owned parcel near Cleveland Circle)
$14,000,000 for disproportionate share payments for inpatient services provided at pediatric specialty hospitals and units, including pediatric chronic and rehabilitation long-term care hospitals
Living Up To the Town Gown Promise
The Harvard Crimson :: News :: Living Up To the Town Gown Promise - Residents question Harvard’s adherence to past guidelines as expansion progresses
Boston EMS April 9th in the Hinterlands
Buckospal's blog Boston Blogs: Boston EMS April 9th in the Hinterlands
This person is completely right about the horribly long wait times we can have in Allston and Brighton when an ambulance is needed. I have had personal experience with this when an elderly neighbor had a vein burst that resulted in significant bleeding. The firemen arrived in a reasonable time, but it felt like a 1/2 hour wait at least for the ambulance to arrive to take him to the hospital. My wife recently saw a similar problem when a woman fainted at the Brighton YMCA. Getting sick or injured people to a hospital in a reasonable period of time seems to me like a very basic city service that we all should be able to depend on.
This person is completely right about the horribly long wait times we can have in Allston and Brighton when an ambulance is needed. I have had personal experience with this when an elderly neighbor had a vein burst that resulted in significant bleeding. The firemen arrived in a reasonable time, but it felt like a 1/2 hour wait at least for the ambulance to arrive to take him to the hospital. My wife recently saw a similar problem when a woman fainted at the Brighton YMCA. Getting sick or injured people to a hospital in a reasonable period of time seems to me like a very basic city service that we all should be able to depend on.
Six-figure ZIP codes - 3% in Allston, 6% in Brighton
Six-figure ZIP codes - The Boston Globe
This Globe story uses 2004 IRS data to show the % people in each zip code who earn $100,000 or more. The Boston average is 11%.
This Globe story uses 2004 IRS data to show the % people in each zip code who earn $100,000 or more. The Boston average is 11%.
| Lowest % in 'City Weekly' region | Highest % in 'City Weekly' region |
| 02121 Roxbury / Grove Hall 1% 02119 Roxbury 2% 02120 Roxbury Crossing 2% 02128 East Boston 2% 02112 Downtown Boston 3% 02125 Dorchester / Uphams Corner 3% 02126 Mattapan 3% 02134 Allston 3% 02122 Dorchester / Fields Corner 4% 02124 Dorchester / Codman Square 4% 02145 Somerville 4% 02135 Brighton 6% 02136 Hyde Park 6% 02143 Somerville 6% | 02138 Cambridge 20% 02142 Cambridge 20% 02446 Brookline 20% 02114 West End / Back of the Hill 21% 02129 Charlestown 21% 02445 Brookline 25% 02116 Back Bay 30% 02210 South Boston / Fort Point 30% 02196 Downtown Boston 34% 02109 Markets / Inner Harbor 36% 02199 Prudential 36% 02108 Beacon Hill 39% 02205 Downtown Boston 42% 02110 Financial District / Wharves 47% |
More about Harvard's plans for a sustainable Allston campus
The Harvard Crimson :: News :: The Grass is Greener Across the Charles, Planners Say of Enviro-friendly Complex
An architect designing the Science Complex said the buildings will utilize innovative heating and cooling systems that will allow the building to use at least 50 percent less energy than comparable buildings.
An architect designing the Science Complex said the buildings will utilize innovative heating and cooling systems that will allow the building to use at least 50 percent less energy than comparable buildings.
Few dialing Hub police ‘party line’
Few dialing Hub police ‘party line’ - Local & Regional - BostonHerald.com
When finally the weather warms up and the rain stops, the noise from parties and people who have had a few too many will probably increase. The Boston Police "party line" is 617-343-5500 which will be nice to have instead of having to call 911 to report noise disturbances.
When finally the weather warms up and the rain stops, the noise from parties and people who have had a few too many will probably increase. The Boston Police "party line" is 617-343-5500 which will be nice to have instead of having to call 911 to report noise disturbances.
Build Your Campus in 3D Competition!
Welcome to the Build Your Campus in 3D Competition!
Google is offering a 3 day trip to Google's Mountain View headquarters to the team of students that does the best computer model of their school's campus. Maybe an enterprising group of Harvard students will model Harvard's current and proposed Allston campuses. I'm working on such a model myself, but unfortunately I am not eligible for this contest (students only).
Google is offering a 3 day trip to Google's Mountain View headquarters to the team of students that does the best computer model of their school's campus. Maybe an enterprising group of Harvard students will model Harvard's current and proposed Allston campuses. I'm working on such a model myself, but unfortunately I am not eligible for this contest (students only).
Menino seeking big boost in budget
Menino seeking big boost in budget - The Boston Globe: "Mayor Thomas M. Menino is proposing the largest increase in the city's operating budget in more than five years, including an additional $6.9 million for the Police Department to upgrade fingerprinting and ballistics equipment and add 100 officers.
The proposed budget of $2.3 billion represents an increase of $134.7 million, or 6.2 percent, over the current year and includes a wide array of initiatives, such as teacher education and mentoring, foreclosure prevention, and small-business loans. But most of the new funds are focused, directly or indirectly, on improving public safety as the city faces a surging number of homicides."
The proposed budget of $2.3 billion represents an increase of $134.7 million, or 6.2 percent, over the current year and includes a wide array of initiatives, such as teacher education and mentoring, foreclosure prevention, and small-business loans. But most of the new funds are focused, directly or indirectly, on improving public safety as the city faces a surging number of homicides."
Harvard's Science Factory?
| Is this what Harvard's Science Complex is going to really look like? Of course not! This is the Battersea Power Station. You might recognize it from the cover of the Pink Floyd album "Animals". |  |
| But many people at last night's Harvard Allston Task Force meeting were suprised to see Harvard present drawings showing several 28' tall smokestacks on top of the buildings of the Science Complex. I don't have copies of these images to share (Harvard wouldn't give out copies of the images last night, but said they would be posted to http://www.allston.harvard.edu/) but here is the south elevation view of the complex from Harvard's Project Notification Form filed a few months ago. |  |
It is true that this image shows smokestacks on top of the building but they don't look like much and they seem to blend in with the sky and the birds in the sky. What was shown last night looked much more industrial. These smokestacks, on top of the exhaust fans and other mechanical equipment, would be 135 feet above the sidewalk.
The question was also asked what types of gases or fumes would come out of these stacks. The architect assured us that it was all perfectly safe, but if it is so safe, why does it need to be released so high in the air? There are lots of chemicals that people once thought were safe (lead paint, asbestos, etc.). Will the residents of Hopedale St, Rena St, and elsewhere consider this to be a great neighbor to have in their backyard?
Harvard's Allston Plans Continue To Meet Resistance
The Harvard Crimson :: News :: Allston Plans Continue To Meet Resistance
"Allston residents continued to voice concerns about the impact of Harvard’s
proposed science complex and questioned the University’s relationship with
the neighborhood at a meeting of the Harvard Allston Task Force last night..."
Harvard Allston Task Force meeting - TONIGHT
Next meeting of the Task Force is Monday, April 9 at 6:30 at the St. Anthony's School on Holton St.
Agenda includes follow-up from last month's subcommittee meetings about Science Complex design, roads (Rena, Windom, Stadium Way), and construction mitigation.
Agenda includes follow-up from last month's subcommittee meetings about Science Complex design, roads (Rena, Windom, Stadium Way), and construction mitigation.
Globe Editorial about new location for Suffolk dorm
A ladder for Suffolk U. - The Boston Globe
"Everything that Beacon Hill neighbors deplored about the Somerset Street proposal -- building size, location, student density -- is addressed for the better in the new proposal. The proposed dorm at 10 West St. would utilize an existing eight -story building and accommodate 270 students, about half the number planned on Beacon Hill. And unlike Beacon Hill, there is a dearth of night activity in Downtown Crossing. Students would make the area both livelier and safer.
Mayor Menino and the Boston Redevelopment Authority have given their blessing to the West Street dorm proposal. But they had also backed Suffolk's earlier plan on Beacon Hill. When opposition intensified, however, city officials backed away, leaving the university in the lurch."
"Everything that Beacon Hill neighbors deplored about the Somerset Street proposal -- building size, location, student density -- is addressed for the better in the new proposal. The proposed dorm at 10 West St. would utilize an existing eight -story building and accommodate 270 students, about half the number planned on Beacon Hill. And unlike Beacon Hill, there is a dearth of night activity in Downtown Crossing. Students would make the area both livelier and safer.
Mayor Menino and the Boston Redevelopment Authority have given their blessing to the West Street dorm proposal. But they had also backed Suffolk's earlier plan on Beacon Hill. When opposition intensified, however, city officials backed away, leaving the university in the lurch."
Boston Globe story about "green building" at Harvard and other local schools
Graduating to green - The Boston Globe
"I think we're probably doing more in the Northeast region on the whole than in other parts of the country," said Barbara Batshalon, founder of the Green Roundtable, an independent nonprofit group that aims to mainstream green building practices. "There are so many colleges and universities around here, which I think is why the market has accelerated so much. When Harvard starts making noise that they want green buildings, every architect around here is going to look into it so they can start the bidding."
Harvard University has certified 20 new-construction and renovation projects for green construction credits under a nationally recognized rating system since 2002, more than any other university in the country, according to Harvard.
"The more we do it, the better we get at doing it," said Leith Sharp, director of the Harvard Green Campus Initiative, a university-sponsored operation that employs about two dozen full-time staff members who know about green building design and energy conservation.
Sharp said the university spends $100,000 each year on renewable energy research, and purchases enough renewable energy credits to offset about 7 percent of its energy consumption, a move that has been advocated "by students, staff, and faculty alike."
"I think we're probably doing more in the Northeast region on the whole than in other parts of the country," said Barbara Batshalon, founder of the Green Roundtable, an independent nonprofit group that aims to mainstream green building practices. "There are so many colleges and universities around here, which I think is why the market has accelerated so much. When Harvard starts making noise that they want green buildings, every architect around here is going to look into it so they can start the bidding."
Harvard University has certified 20 new-construction and renovation projects for green construction credits under a nationally recognized rating system since 2002, more than any other university in the country, according to Harvard.
"The more we do it, the better we get at doing it," said Leith Sharp, director of the Harvard Green Campus Initiative, a university-sponsored operation that employs about two dozen full-time staff members who know about green building design and energy conservation.
Sharp said the university spends $100,000 each year on renewable energy research, and purchases enough renewable energy credits to offset about 7 percent of its energy consumption, a move that has been advocated "by students, staff, and faculty alike."
Globe story about Brighton resident & secretary of state Bill Galvin
Grown-up on duty - The Boston Globe
...Sometimes he simply states the obvious. Take the Boston Redevelopment Authority : "The BRA is an advocate for developers and institutions. It is not an advocate for neighborhoods."
He controls the Massachusetts Historical Commission in his capacity as its chairman ex officio. If it finds that a developer's plans would have an adverse impact on a historical asset, and no mitigation agreement is reached, Galvin can deny a sewer hookup. As in the toilets won't flush.
He's astringent about Harvard and his alma mater, Boston College. "They all have this sense of manifest destiny," he says about the perceived right of universities to expand.
There has been talk regarding Harvard's move into Allston of a tunnel below or a bridge above the Charles River so that, in his words, "Harvard students won't get lost finding the new campus." But the Charles, he says, is a historic asset, and if the commission rules such plans would have an adverse effect on the river, remember the toilets.
...Sometimes he simply states the obvious. Take the Boston Redevelopment Authority : "The BRA is an advocate for developers and institutions. It is not an advocate for neighborhoods."
He controls the Massachusetts Historical Commission in his capacity as its chairman ex officio. If it finds that a developer's plans would have an adverse impact on a historical asset, and no mitigation agreement is reached, Galvin can deny a sewer hookup. As in the toilets won't flush.
He's astringent about Harvard and his alma mater, Boston College. "They all have this sense of manifest destiny," he says about the perceived right of universities to expand.
There has been talk regarding Harvard's move into Allston of a tunnel below or a bridge above the Charles River so that, in his words, "Harvard students won't get lost finding the new campus." But the Charles, he says, is a historic asset, and if the commission rules such plans would have an adverse effect on the river, remember the toilets.
Should City employees be required to live in Boston?
Residency rule: jail or parole? - The Boston Globe
Mayor Thomas Menino insists the recent loosening of the city residency rule
requiring municipal employees to live in Boston will not lead to an exodus of
middle-class city workers. He says city living is an attractive choice that most
municipal workers will make, even if they don't have to.Instead of either holding fast to the residency policy or declaring it unimportant, the administration has decided to split the difference, settling contracts that require municipal workers to live in the city for 10 years, after which they are free to take up residence where they please. The odd compromise gives the impression that you have to "serve time" in Boston, after which you're sprung and can move where you wanted to go in the first place.
BostonNOW - a new free Boston newspaper
The founders of the Metro (which is now owned by the Boston Globe) are founding a new newspaper. It will be a combination of traditional news, AP wire stories, and content from local bloggers. Sounds like an exciting way for a variety of voices to provide insight into a range of stories and issues from across the city.
http://bostonnowpaper.blogspot.com/ - BostonNOW blog
http://www.weeklydig.com/news_opinions/articles/opening_up_the_floodgates - Story in The Weekly Dig
http://bostonnowpaper.blogspot.com/ - BostonNOW blog
http://www.weeklydig.com/news_opinions/articles/opening_up_the_floodgates - Story in The Weekly Dig
Boston preschools falling far short of goals
Boston preschools falling far short of goals, study says - The Boston Globe: "Boston's public preschool and kindergarten programs are hobbled by mediocre instruction, unsanitary classrooms, and dangerous schoolyards, according to a first-ever study of the programs."
Dooley honored at Allston-Brighton CDC housing dedication
Dooley honored at housing dedication - The Boston Globe: "The late Ray Dooley, a top aide of former mayor Ray Flynn during the 1980s, was honored yesterday as the Allston-Brighton Community Development Corporation dedicated a set of affordable apartments in his name. "
The German International School of Boston and the St. Anthony's School building
According to the "Friends of GISB", the German International School of Boston is negotiating a lease for the old St. Anthony's school building at 57 Holton St., Allston.
Possible Allston commuter rail station gains City Council support
Possible Allston station gains Council support - News: "The Boston City Council threw its unanimous support yesterday behind a plan to install a commuter rail station in Allston, the site of planned expansions from area universities.
Councilor Salvatore LaMattina (North End, East Boston), an Aviation and Transportation Committee chairman, said yesterday his committee accepted a $1 million grant from the Massachusetts Highway Department to study potential roadway and traffic management improvements, including the proposed station"
Councilor Salvatore LaMattina (North End, East Boston), an Aviation and Transportation Committee chairman, said yesterday his committee accepted a $1 million grant from the Massachusetts Highway Department to study potential roadway and traffic management improvements, including the proposed station"
Harvard's Plans a Crimson "Stadium Way"?
Is this Harvard's latest rendering of its proposed "Stadium Way" road? A vision of literally painting Allston crimson?No, it is much bigger than even that. I-495 yesterday was painted crimson when barrels of dye fell out of a tractor-trailer on I-495 north in Littleton. Will Harvard's design and transportation consultants follow this example of bold design? Time will tell...
Crimson ride for motorists: Dye spill creates red menace on I-495 - Local & Regional - BostonHerald.com
Patrick vows to build Southeast Mass. rail line
Patrick vows to build Southeast Mass. rail line - The Boston Globe
The governor announces plans to build a commuter rail line serving Fall River and New Bedford. Building the line would cost $1.07 billion, and the trains would cost $163 million.
Now let's bring a commuter rail stop to Allston!
Transit, roads: The system is broken - The Boston Globe
Transit, roads: The system is broken - The Boston Globe
This is a great letter by Marc Draisen, director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, the regional planning agency for the metropolitan Boston region. It has much relevance to the current situation in Allston and Brighton and particularly Harvard's development plans and their limited plans for improving our transit and roads. Here are a couple quotes:
Marc's letter is in response to this recent story - Transit and roads face huge shortfall
This is a great letter by Marc Draisen, director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, the regional planning agency for the metropolitan Boston region. It has much relevance to the current situation in Allston and Brighton and particularly Harvard's development plans and their limited plans for improving our transit and roads. Here are a couple quotes:
we need to fix our roads and bridges when they need it, not 10 years later when the costs have doubled
The entire system is broken. Fixing it is essential to cut down on congestion and encourage more companies to locate and expand in our region.
Marc's letter is in response to this recent story - Transit and roads face huge shortfall
BRA backs Suffolk dorm near Downtown Crossing
BRA backs Suffolk dorm near Downtown Crossing - The Boston Globe
More on the story of the Suffolk dorm planned for Beacon Hill that the City stopped last December. The new site at 10 West St. will house about 270 students -- not 550, like the plan Suffolk had pushed for a Somerset Street site on Beacon Hill.
This quote brings to mind Harvard's plans for Barry's Corner. The North Allston Strategic Framework makes a clear case for Harvard and community housing in and near Barry's Corner.
"It's a great spot," said BRA spokeswoman Jessica Shumaker, "especially because it's going to help with the Downtown Crossing improvement initiative. With the influx of students, hopefully new retailers will want to locate there, and existing ones will want to extend their hours, all adding to a livelier district."
More on the story of the Suffolk dorm planned for Beacon Hill that the City stopped last December. The new site at 10 West St. will house about 270 students -- not 550, like the plan Suffolk had pushed for a Somerset Street site on Beacon Hill.
This quote brings to mind Harvard's plans for Barry's Corner. The North Allston Strategic Framework makes a clear case for Harvard and community housing in and near Barry's Corner.
"It's a great spot," said BRA spokeswoman Jessica Shumaker, "especially because it's going to help with the Downtown Crossing improvement initiative. With the influx of students, hopefully new retailers will want to locate there, and existing ones will want to extend their hours, all adding to a livelier district."
The Taste of Allston is coming!
This annual fundraiser is an event "that would do the United Nations' annual picnic proud," according to Stuff@Night. Held at the Double Tree Guest Suites, 400 Soldiers Field Road, Allston, the Taste features food from an international array of Allston Village eateries, a cash bar, silent auction, and live music.Save the date: Wednesday, April 25, 2007, for the 10th annual Taste!
Tickets are $25 or $200/10 in advance; $30 at the door. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS!
St. E's: too fast, or what doc ordered?
St. E's: too fast, or what doc ordered? - The Boston Globe: "To some residents of Allston-Brighton, a planned $30 million expansion of Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical Center -- including a new access road, the addition of two floors to the main parking garage, and a new, three-story emergency department -- is too big, too intrusive, and is happening too quickly. But for hospital officials and residents who support the project, it's just what the neighborhood needs, and is all being done by the book."
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