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.
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.
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