The Harvard Crimson :: Opinion :: Harvard’s Human Touch
The Editorial Board of The Harvard Crimson has called on President Faust to reject an “ends justify the means” approach to campus expansion and suggest that Harvard can and should do much more to be a socially responsible neighbor in Allston. They recognize that "Harvard can either act apathetically toward the current community, or it can be receptive to residents’ needs and desires".
Noting that Harvard is not required to do anything for the residents of Allston, they nonetheless suggest that Harvard could make a variety of positive contributions to the community - from the small (open its shuttles to residents; extend bike paths and green streets into the neighborhood; allow the local elementary school to have consistent access to the new museum) to the large (build affordable housing on some of its many unused acres; open a University-affiliated Allston high school; or open its thousands of housing units to Harvard staff as well as graduate students).
For those of you anxious to see what Faust will say in her inauguration ceremony and if she will acknowledge the role that Harvard can have with its closest and newest neighbors, a live webcast will start at 2:00.
Presentation School Foundation event on Friday
The Presentation School Foundation invites you to a significant and joyous announcement concerning the future of the Presentation School building. The event will begin at 3:30 on Friday, October 12 in Oak Square (rain or shine). Mayor Menino and Cardinal Sean O'Malley will be participating.
Will more Harvard Allston employees live in Allston/Brighton?
Historically, Boston has done a pretty poor job of convincing Harvard's employees who work in Allston to live nearby in Allston or Brighton. I don't have specific data on how many Harvard employees live in 02134/02135, but only 8% of Harvard's Allston employees bike or walk to work (and some of them are probably coming from Brookline, Cambridge, or beyond). Strangely, Harvard's plan for the Science Complex only increases this bike/walk number to 10% which demonstrates Harvard's meager interest in having Harvard's employees live in new or existing housing in our neighborhood.
Harvard and Boston both talk about being "green" and creating urban, walkable communities, and nothing is "greener" than an environment where people can leave their cars at home and walk to work, school, and local stores. Having more Harvard employees live in Allston and Brighton would also mean more business for local stores and more money in the Boston economy. (Yes, I know right now Harvard hasn't left many places to shop in North Allston and North Brighton, but for the sake of argument let's be optimistic and forward-thinking).
Any discussion about where people choose to live must focus on the quality of the local public schools. The Allston/Brighton community has been clear about our need for substantial improvements to the educational opportunities in our neighborhood but Harvard has responded with only an offer for some unknown amount of after-school tutoring. When Harvard's new or existing Allston employees consider where to live (and many Harvard employees will be able to afford Brookline or Newton) will they choose Allston or Brighton?
To put it in pictures, compare the size and facilities of the only public school in North Allston or North Brighton, the Gardner School, with the nearest public school in Brookline, the Devotion School. If you were a scientist recruited by Harvard to work at the new Science Complex, which one would you choose for your children?
If Harvard really wanted to partner with our community and create a sustainable community (and not just a sustainable campus), could Harvard and the City do something to change your answer to the question above?
Harvard and Boston both talk about being "green" and creating urban, walkable communities, and nothing is "greener" than an environment where people can leave their cars at home and walk to work, school, and local stores. Having more Harvard employees live in Allston and Brighton would also mean more business for local stores and more money in the Boston economy. (Yes, I know right now Harvard hasn't left many places to shop in North Allston and North Brighton, but for the sake of argument let's be optimistic and forward-thinking).
Any discussion about where people choose to live must focus on the quality of the local public schools. The Allston/Brighton community has been clear about our need for substantial improvements to the educational opportunities in our neighborhood but Harvard has responded with only an offer for some unknown amount of after-school tutoring. When Harvard's new or existing Allston employees consider where to live (and many Harvard employees will be able to afford Brookline or Newton) will they choose Allston or Brighton?
To put it in pictures, compare the size and facilities of the only public school in North Allston or North Brighton, the Gardner School, with the nearest public school in Brookline, the Devotion School. If you were a scientist recruited by Harvard to work at the new Science Complex, which one would you choose for your children?
If Harvard really wanted to partner with our community and create a sustainable community (and not just a sustainable campus), could Harvard and the City do something to change your answer to the question above?
City Councilor Michael Flaherty responds to the allston02134 city council candidate questionaire
1.) Do you support the creation of a Boston Planning Department?
Yes__X_ No_____
I believe there is a disconnect between development and planning in the city of Boston, given recent redevelopment proposals such as moving City Hall to the South Boston waterfront, building a destination resort casino in East Boston, constructing a 1,000-foot tower in Winthrop
Square, and Harvard's plans to expand their campus into Allston. A stand-alone planning department could restore some balance, accountability and transparency to the city's planning and development efforts. At the same time, it would encourage a better public dialogue that considers the benefits and impacts of large-scale development plans in Boston neighborhoods.
2) Should height limits in the North Allston Strategic Framework be strictly applied to Harvard's proposed buildings?
Yes_X_ No_____
Members of the community devoted significant time and thought to develop the North Allston Strategic Framework (NASF). The NASF should be treated as a genuine plan and any proposals for development should be required to adhere to the plan's established height restrictions.
Exceptions should only be made with the approval of the community.
3) Should City Council approval be required before a university can purchase property in Boston?
Yes__X_ No____
One of the biggest problems facing the city of Boston is that more than half the city is tax exempt ( i.e., government agencies, hospitals, colleges and universities, etc.), leaving the other half to shoulder the city's financial burdens. Every time an institution acquires a
property, that's one less taxable property for the city. With tax-exempt non-profits comprising a significant portion of Boston, that is significant money lost in city revenue. That hurts the City and many of its programs. That hurts individual residents already struggling to
pay their property taxes and stay in their homes. While I have tremendous appreciation for the valuable contributions that our area's colleges and universities make to our city, giving them a free pass for unlimited growth sets a dangerous precedent, especially when the expansion is for non-educational purposes ( i.e., campus Dunkin Donuts). Giving the City Council the authority to approve future university property purchases will hold institutions to strict standards and require them to demonstrate their need is greater than any potential negative impact on the community.
4) What are your thoughts about a possible Charlesview relocation?
My priority is to ensure that the residents of Charlesview have access to convenient, quality affordable housing. I am hopeful that the decision to relocate or redevelop onsite can be reached through an open process that meets the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
5) What should be the future of the Speedway property on Western Ave?
Although the DCR has oversight over this property, I am committed to working with officials at the state level to ensure the community's voice is heard and respected. I believe we can reach a compromise that permits the sale of this property, provides benefits to the community and preserves the property's historical significance at the same time.
6) How do you feel about the vacant Harvard-owned properties in North Allston and North Brighton?
All Harvard properties should be maintained whether they are vacated or not. Furthermore Harvard should strive to be a good neighbor by providing space to businesses that the community will enjoy and use. For instance, Brighton Mills has long served the North Allston and North Brighton communities and it is important that property, in addition to all Harvard owned properties, enhances the community.
Yes__X_ No_____
I believe there is a disconnect between development and planning in the city of Boston, given recent redevelopment proposals such as moving City Hall to the South Boston waterfront, building a destination resort casino in East Boston, constructing a 1,000-foot tower in Winthrop
Square, and Harvard's plans to expand their campus into Allston. A stand-alone planning department could restore some balance, accountability and transparency to the city's planning and development efforts. At the same time, it would encourage a better public dialogue that considers the benefits and impacts of large-scale development plans in Boston neighborhoods.
2) Should height limits in the North Allston Strategic Framework be strictly applied to Harvard's proposed buildings?
Yes_X_ No_____
Members of the community devoted significant time and thought to develop the North Allston Strategic Framework (NASF). The NASF should be treated as a genuine plan and any proposals for development should be required to adhere to the plan's established height restrictions.
Exceptions should only be made with the approval of the community.
3) Should City Council approval be required before a university can purchase property in Boston?
Yes__X_ No____
One of the biggest problems facing the city of Boston is that more than half the city is tax exempt ( i.e., government agencies, hospitals, colleges and universities, etc.), leaving the other half to shoulder the city's financial burdens. Every time an institution acquires a
property, that's one less taxable property for the city. With tax-exempt non-profits comprising a significant portion of Boston, that is significant money lost in city revenue. That hurts the City and many of its programs. That hurts individual residents already struggling to
pay their property taxes and stay in their homes. While I have tremendous appreciation for the valuable contributions that our area's colleges and universities make to our city, giving them a free pass for unlimited growth sets a dangerous precedent, especially when the expansion is for non-educational purposes ( i.e., campus Dunkin Donuts). Giving the City Council the authority to approve future university property purchases will hold institutions to strict standards and require them to demonstrate their need is greater than any potential negative impact on the community.
4) What are your thoughts about a possible Charlesview relocation?
My priority is to ensure that the residents of Charlesview have access to convenient, quality affordable housing. I am hopeful that the decision to relocate or redevelop onsite can be reached through an open process that meets the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
5) What should be the future of the Speedway property on Western Ave?
Although the DCR has oversight over this property, I am committed to working with officials at the state level to ensure the community's voice is heard and respected. I believe we can reach a compromise that permits the sale of this property, provides benefits to the community and preserves the property's historical significance at the same time.
6) How do you feel about the vacant Harvard-owned properties in North Allston and North Brighton?
All Harvard properties should be maintained whether they are vacated or not. Furthermore Harvard should strive to be a good neighbor by providing space to businesses that the community will enjoy and use. For instance, Brighton Mills has long served the North Allston and North Brighton communities and it is important that property, in addition to all Harvard owned properties, enhances the community.
124 from A/B vote in yesterday's State Senate election
There wasn't much suspense in yesterday's election, as Anthony Galluccio (who won the Democratic primary last month) ran unopposed in yesterday's election for our new State Senator. 1.5% of eligible Allston/Brighton registered voters voted anyway. Congratulations to our new senator.
Upcoming hearings about Mass Pike toll increase
Toll hike public hearings start tonight - Local News Updates - The Boston Globe
- Tuesday, Oct. 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.Mario Umana Harbor Side School 312 Border St., East Boston
- Wednesday, Oct. 10, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Veterans' War Memorial Auditorium 1000 Commonwealth Ave., Newton
- Friday, Oct. 12, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Framingham Memorial Building 150 Concord St., Framingham
- Thursday Oct. 18, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.Worcester Vocational Technical High School 1 Skyline Dr., Worcester
Brighton-Allston Historical Society 2008 Calendar now on sale
The 2008 Brighton Allston Historical Calendar is hot off the press and it looks wonderful. It is for sale for $10 each or $7 each for orders of 10 or more. I have the 2007 version of the calendar on my office wall and it is a great way to learn about the history of our neighborhood and be reminded about the importance of working to improve its future.
Calendars can be purchased by emailing Margarita at monteronorton@comcast.net. They will also be on sale at the Museum and Minihanes Flowers at 425 Washington St in Brighton.
Calendars can be purchased by emailing Margarita at monteronorton@comcast.net. They will also be on sale at the Museum and Minihanes Flowers at 425 Washington St in Brighton.
Tuesday deadline for nominations to the State's Citizens Advisory Committee to review Harvard's expansion
The State is accepting nominations for the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) that will oversee review of Harvard's expansion through the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act office. The CAC is an opportunity for us to create a new, independent, and officially recognized group distinct from the the City's review that has frustrated so many people in the neighborhood over the past several months. The CAC will also have money to hire consultants to review Harvard's plans.
Tuesday is the deadline to be nominated for the CAC. You can nominate yourself by sending and email to briony.angus@state.ma.us. The email should be addressed to Ian A. Bowles, Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. It also will help to be nominated by one of our elected officials at the State House so you can feel free to ask any or all of them to nominate you:
· Rep. Mike Moran - Rep.MichaelMoran@Hou.State.MA.US
· Rep. Kevin Honan - Rep.KevinHonan@hou.state.ma.us
· Senator Steve Tolman - Steven.Tolman@state.ma.us
· Senator-elect Anthony Galluccio - AnthonyGalluccio@comcast.net
The selection of Chairman/Chairwoman of the CAC will have a huge impact on how effectively the CAC can advocate for our community, so you might also want to let Secretary Bowles know your thoughts about how governance of the CAC should be similar to or different from the BRA's Task Force.
For more information about the CAC you can contact Briony Angus at the MEPA office briony.angus@state.ma.us or (617) 626-1029.
Tuesday is the deadline to be nominated for the CAC. You can nominate yourself by sending and email to briony.angus@state.ma.us. The email should be addressed to Ian A. Bowles, Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. It also will help to be nominated by one of our elected officials at the State House so you can feel free to ask any or all of them to nominate you:
· Rep. Mike Moran - Rep.MichaelMoran@Hou.State.MA.US
· Rep. Kevin Honan - Rep.KevinHonan@hou.state.ma.us
· Senator Steve Tolman - Steven.Tolman@state.ma.us
· Senator-elect Anthony Galluccio - AnthonyGalluccio@comcast.net
The selection of Chairman/Chairwoman of the CAC will have a huge impact on how effectively the CAC can advocate for our community, so you might also want to let Secretary Bowles know your thoughts about how governance of the CAC should be similar to or different from the BRA's Task Force.
For more information about the CAC you can contact Briony Angus at the MEPA office briony.angus@state.ma.us or (617) 626-1029.
Massachusetts envisions new bike trails - What happened to "fix it first"?
It is nice that the State is considering a plan to spend $82 million on 100 miles of new bike trails (Massachusetts envisions extensive bike trail - The Boston Globe). Safe and attractive places to bicycle are wonderful things to have and help promote physical fitness and non-automotive transportation. It would be even nicer to see the State fix the bike paths we already have that are unsafe and virtually unusable.In my opinion, making the paths along the Charles River in Boston rideable should come before creating a 120 mile trail from Lowell to Westfield (here's a map for everyone who, like me, needs to be reminded where Westfield is). I don't know where the Ware River Valley is, but I know that hundreds of people a day ride along the Charles and have to deal with paths that are too narrow, too bumpy where tree roots have grown under the asphalt, and just plain wrong for bikes (the wooden boardwalk under the B.U. Bridge).
Not that I was any big fan of the Romney Administration, but I do think he made a lot of sense when he talked about a "fix it first" policy for our roads, bridges, and other parts of our infrastructure. But this policy seems to be out of vogue with the current administration, especially because just last month the Globe wrote about the sad condition of the Charles River Bike Path.
So if there is the possibility of $82 million to make new bike paths in parts of the State where they will get much less use, let's also see the $20 million to fix what would be one of the most heavily used bike paths in all of Massachusetts."Because financing is tight, said Dan Driscoll, the Department of Conservation and Recreation's director of bikeways and green infrastructure, the department has been doing path upgrades on a piecemeal basis in the last several years. To "do everything that's in bad shape" along the entire path, and fix up riverside parklands, would cost $20 million."
If its Tuesday there must be an election
Tuesday, October 9 there is another election coming to Allston/Brighton, though this one will likely have less impact than any of the September or November elections this year.
This will be the final election to elect a new State Senator to replace Jarrett Barrios. The Sept 11 election was a democratic primary, and Oct 9 will be a special general election. Anthony Galluccio, the winner of the primary is running unopposed on Tuesday so there shouldn't be much suspense in the outcome. To find out if you are in this Senate district and where to vote, go to the Where Do I Vote website and if Barrios is listed as your State Senator then you can cast a ballot on Tuesday.
Many people in attendance at the BRA Board meeting about Harvard's Science Complex on Wednesday were impressed that Anthony attended the meeting and spoke clearly in support of the community. You can hear his comments here or read my typed version of his comments below:
"...My experience thus far with this neighborhood is a group of very reasonable, hardworking neighborhood people who are, quite honestly, overwhelmed with what they are dealing with. I hope as you go forward with your deliberations you will consider the fact - these are not a group of people who have attempted to stop Harvard, and I have dealt with many folks like that over the years. This is a very reasonable group of folks who have welcomed Harvard into the neighborhood. And I hope that during your deliberations you will reward that thoughtfulness.
You, unlike in a place like Cambridge, where City Councilors have the opportunity to file zoning and actually stop projects in mid-stream, these folks don't have those mechanisms at their fingertips. So you are, as Rep Moran describes, the only hope. And I would just suggest that the more trust that is built in this relationship, the better this project is, the more that this body attempts to deal with the mitigation issues that Rep Moran discussed, all within the context of what Rep Honan discussed, what are very productive and visionary proposals. But the more this Board is able to step in and bring trust to this relationship really to solidify what has been requested so these folks leave with a clear understanding of how things will proceed, I think the relationship is better over the next, let's face it, we're talking 30 years here.
Unless we stop right now and start to clarify the relationship - not just the mitigation, how community benefits will work, how the community is going to be responded to when they make requests for information, how this relationship proceeds is incredibly important to both the university and community. So I would just ask that the Redevelopment Authority take this responsibility very seriously, listen to the community members here. They again, have not tried to stop Harvard, but are deeply concerned about the impact on their neighborhood, and rightly so. And at the same time, recognizing that Harvard can and certainly will play a very positive role in this community. But again, if there is no trust in this relationship it is not going to be to the benefit of either group.
So I don't confess to know every detail as I haven't been as involved as the other elected officials, but I will say to the community and to this Board, having vast experience dealing as an intermediary with the community and Harvard I intend to be very involved going into the future and hope that today's deliberations leave the community in a better place with better faith, better confidence in the process going forward. Thank you."
This will be the final election to elect a new State Senator to replace Jarrett Barrios. The Sept 11 election was a democratic primary, and Oct 9 will be a special general election. Anthony Galluccio, the winner of the primary is running unopposed on Tuesday so there shouldn't be much suspense in the outcome. To find out if you are in this Senate district and where to vote, go to the Where Do I Vote website and if Barrios is listed as your State Senator then you can cast a ballot on Tuesday.
Many people in attendance at the BRA Board meeting about Harvard's Science Complex on Wednesday were impressed that Anthony attended the meeting and spoke clearly in support of the community. You can hear his comments here or read my typed version of his comments below:
"...My experience thus far with this neighborhood is a group of very reasonable, hardworking neighborhood people who are, quite honestly, overwhelmed with what they are dealing with. I hope as you go forward with your deliberations you will consider the fact - these are not a group of people who have attempted to stop Harvard, and I have dealt with many folks like that over the years. This is a very reasonable group of folks who have welcomed Harvard into the neighborhood. And I hope that during your deliberations you will reward that thoughtfulness.
You, unlike in a place like Cambridge, where City Councilors have the opportunity to file zoning and actually stop projects in mid-stream, these folks don't have those mechanisms at their fingertips. So you are, as Rep Moran describes, the only hope. And I would just suggest that the more trust that is built in this relationship, the better this project is, the more that this body attempts to deal with the mitigation issues that Rep Moran discussed, all within the context of what Rep Honan discussed, what are very productive and visionary proposals. But the more this Board is able to step in and bring trust to this relationship really to solidify what has been requested so these folks leave with a clear understanding of how things will proceed, I think the relationship is better over the next, let's face it, we're talking 30 years here.
Unless we stop right now and start to clarify the relationship - not just the mitigation, how community benefits will work, how the community is going to be responded to when they make requests for information, how this relationship proceeds is incredibly important to both the university and community. So I would just ask that the Redevelopment Authority take this responsibility very seriously, listen to the community members here. They again, have not tried to stop Harvard, but are deeply concerned about the impact on their neighborhood, and rightly so. And at the same time, recognizing that Harvard can and certainly will play a very positive role in this community. But again, if there is no trust in this relationship it is not going to be to the benefit of either group.
So I don't confess to know every detail as I haven't been as involved as the other elected officials, but I will say to the community and to this Board, having vast experience dealing as an intermediary with the community and Harvard I intend to be very involved going into the future and hope that today's deliberations leave the community in a better place with better faith, better confidence in the process going forward. Thank you."
Brighton's Mary Lyon School at top of State MCAS performers
Congratulations to the students, teachers, families, and the rest of the Mary Lyon School community for their excellence on the recent MCAS tests. Today's Globe lists the top performers across the state, and 54% of the Mary Lyon 8th graders scored in the top category of the match MCAS. This ranks them 4th in the entire state!
Harvard responds to MEPA's draft decision
In the MEPA Draft Record of Decision, the MEPA office required additional information from Harvard before a final decision would be issued. The response from Harvard can be downloaded here. In my opinion, the whole thing is quite indecipherable, but if anyone has more success figuring out what it means, please leave a comment explaining your findings.
Turnpike Board approves smaller than expected toll hike
Turnpike Board approves smaller than expected toll hike - Local News Updates - The Boston Globe
The board of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority approved a preliminary toll hike today that was smaller than anticipated, putting off bridge repairs and other expenses in hopes that the governor's plan to reorganize transportation will create some "breathing room."
The proposed hike on Jan. 1 would raise tolls at the Allston-Brighton and Weston booths by 25 cents to $1.25. Tolls in the Ted Williams and Sumner tunnels would increase by 50 cents to $3.50.
The board of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority approved a preliminary toll hike today that was smaller than anticipated, putting off bridge repairs and other expenses in hopes that the governor's plan to reorganize transportation will create some "breathing room."
The proposed hike on Jan. 1 would raise tolls at the Allston-Brighton and Weston booths by 25 cents to $1.25. Tolls in the Ted Williams and Sumner tunnels would increase by 50 cents to $3.50.
Harvard laboratory evacuated while the BRA approves a new Harvard laboratory
| It is the height of irony that while many Allston neighbors attended a BRA hearing yesterday to express concerns about Harvard's proposal for a huge laboratory in our neighborhood, a Harvard lab was being evacuated because of a leak of explosive hydrogen gas. Hydrogen leak forces evacuation of lab - The Boston Globe A hydrogen leak forced the evacuation of a building at the Harvard School of Public Health and shut down part of Huntington Avenue during evening rush hour yesterday. No one was injured as a result of the leak, which occurred just after 4 p.m. in a second-floor laboratory at 665 Huntington Ave., fire officials said. Crews entering the building found high readings of the flammable gas, officials said. At least one woman was in the laboratory at the time of the leak, which may have been caused by a faulty valve, said Deputy Fire Chief Robert Dunderdale. Traffic was backed up on Huntington Avenue and on many adjacent streets as crews worked to vent the building, which was expected to be open today. |  Hydrogen, shown here burning the famous explosion of the Hindenburg zeppelin, leaked to dangerous levels in a Harvard lab yesterday |
The Left, left out?
The Phoenix looks at the fate of recent local elections and the candidates considered most liberal. I've excerpted some sections about the recent A/B City Council election.
The Left, left out? - News - The Phoenix
In Allston-Brighton, progressive favorite Tim Schofield was widely expected to win one of two available spots on the November ballot in the race to replace district city councilor Jerry McDermott. But Greg Glennon, considered the most conservative candidate in the race, pulled the upset in the preliminary and will face neighborhood activist Mark Ciommo.
Turnout for the recent special elections and primaries has been dismal, because the less attention-getting an election, the fewer people vote. When that happens, historically the scales tip toward the “neighborhood” voters — ...the long-time residents of Brighton... — who show up at every election.
Anthony Galluccio, who won the Democratic primary to replace Barrios, is liberal enough to have gained the enthusiastic endorsement of several progressive groups in Cambridge. Ciommo, who finished first in the Allston-Brighton council preliminary, meets all the usual progressive tests on the issues.
All of those candidates, observers say, succeeded through hard work — getting to know and impress people in their districts over many years. Yet none of them became a “darling” of the new progressives. And most of those who were anointed darlings — Schofield in Allston-Brighton...— couldn’t put together the kind of effective district-wide campaign that wins races
The Left, left out? - News - The Phoenix
In Allston-Brighton, progressive favorite Tim Schofield was widely expected to win one of two available spots on the November ballot in the race to replace district city councilor Jerry McDermott. But Greg Glennon, considered the most conservative candidate in the race, pulled the upset in the preliminary and will face neighborhood activist Mark Ciommo.
Turnout for the recent special elections and primaries has been dismal, because the less attention-getting an election, the fewer people vote. When that happens, historically the scales tip toward the “neighborhood” voters — ...the long-time residents of Brighton... — who show up at every election.
Anthony Galluccio, who won the Democratic primary to replace Barrios, is liberal enough to have gained the enthusiastic endorsement of several progressive groups in Cambridge. Ciommo, who finished first in the Allston-Brighton council preliminary, meets all the usual progressive tests on the issues.
All of those candidates, observers say, succeeded through hard work — getting to know and impress people in their districts over many years. Yet none of them became a “darling” of the new progressives. And most of those who were anointed darlings — Schofield in Allston-Brighton...— couldn’t put together the kind of effective district-wide campaign that wins races
Turnpike board set to take initial vote on raising tolls - The Boston Globe
Turnpike board set to take initial vote on raising tolls - The Boston Globe
The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority is scheduled to take an initial vote today on a series of toll hikes, even as Governor Deval Patrick looks toward sweeping long-term changes in the state transportation system in hope of saving money.
Tolls at the Allston-Brighton and Weston booths could rise to as much as $1.75, a 75 cent increase. Tolls in the Ted Williams and Sumner tunnels could double to as much as $6.
The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority is scheduled to take an initial vote today on a series of toll hikes, even as Governor Deval Patrick looks toward sweeping long-term changes in the state transportation system in hope of saving money.
Tolls at the Allston-Brighton and Weston booths could rise to as much as $1.75, a 75 cent increase. Tolls in the Ted Williams and Sumner tunnels could double to as much as $6.
Upcoming zoning and licensing hearings
Zoning hearings on October 9 starting at 11:30
- 6 LaRose Place- Change the legal occupancy from a one-family dwelling to a two-family dwelling and erect a addition
- 125-125A Brooks Street - Subdivide lot into two parcels. Erect a two-family dwelling.
- Deep Ellum, 477-489 Cambridge Street - Extend outside deck for added seating of restaurant, Outdoor seating for 38 patrons
- 129-131 Murdock Street - Extend existing driveway for additional vehicles
Zoning hearings on October 16 starting at 9:30
- 240-240R North Harvard Street - Raze existing garage, erect a 24’x30’ two-car garage for existing home. Subdivide the existing lot; erect a four-family dwelling with parking at the rear.
- 21 Kinrose Road - Create off street parking for seven vehicles
Licensing Hearing on October 17 at 10:00
- Domino's Pizza at 150 Cambridge Street requesting an extension of hours from Midnight, Sunday thru Thursday-1:00 A.M. on Friday and Saturdays to 3:00 A.M. All Nights for Delivery Service only.
Licensing Hearings on October 24 at 10:00
- Saray Restaurant at 1098 Commonwealth Avenue has applied for a Seven-Day Common Victuller License
- Chipotle Mexican Grill has applied for a C.V. 7-Day Malt and Wine License
- Esperia Grill & Rotisserie, 344 Washington Street -Requests a 1:00 a.m. closing time
For zoning hearings, call the Board of Appeal at 617-635-4775 for more information. For licensing hearings call Cynthia Fulton at 617-635-4170.
In case there was any doubt what the BRA will do today
Harvard's $1b complex in Allston awaits green light - The Boston Globe
'By the BRA's action today, it will continue our lead in this field and bodes well for our ability to attract other businesses.' Mayor Thomas M. Menino said yesterday
Another North Allston residential demolition
While construction continues on Raymond Street after the recent demolition of 34 Raymond St, the owner of 205 Everett St will appear before the Boston Landmarks Commission on Tuesday, Oct 9 at 5:30 in room 900 of City Hall.
This house at the corner of Holton and Everett Streets (across the street from the St. Anthony's School building) was purchased in 2002 for $483,000 and then sold in 2006 for $600,000. Based on the condition of the property and its adjacent sidewalk on Holton St, the current owner isn't much of a neighbor.
As far as what will come next, it seems like someone tearing down this one family home would want to build as many units as possible to maximize their profit. There is a deed restriction that prevents any building within 20 feet of Everett St and 30 feet from Holton St, so any new building will have to be in the middle of the lot. Hopefully the owner will use some of these profits to buy a rake and some trash bags and hire someone to use them.
This house at the corner of Holton and Everett Streets (across the street from the St. Anthony's School building) was purchased in 2002 for $483,000 and then sold in 2006 for $600,000. Based on the condition of the property and its adjacent sidewalk on Holton St, the current owner isn't much of a neighbor.
As far as what will come next, it seems like someone tearing down this one family home would want to build as many units as possible to maximize their profit. There is a deed restriction that prevents any building within 20 feet of Everett St and 30 feet from Holton St, so any new building will have to be in the middle of the lot. Hopefully the owner will use some of these profits to buy a rake and some trash bags and hire someone to use them.
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A different opinion about Harvard's green Allston campus
The Reference Frame: Universities and green hysteria
Believe it or not but the most important question about the expansion of America's oldest university is whether it will contribute 0.0000002 or 0.0000004 Celsius degrees to the expected global mean temperature in 2050.
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