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.
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
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