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This meeting was held at 70 St Botolph St on Wednesday, April 22nd,2025.
Chair - Joan Carragher, President, SBNA Panel Attendees
1. Welcome and Introduction The Meeting was opened by Joan Carragher, President of SBNA who thanked 70 St Botolph for hosting the gathering and welcomed all. Joan called for a moment of recognition for Joe Coppola, owner of Copley House, who recently passed away. As a long time supporter and friend of the neighborhood, and city, Joe will be honored with a proclamation to be presented to his family at a future date. 2. Community Updates Neighborhood Cleanup Initiative SBNA organized a "rat safari" to address trash management issues in the alley between Fallon and West Newton. Northeastern University donated 25 new trash bins. Claire from SBNA, Mary Decker and Meghan Chiasson from the nearby condo association, organized distribution throughout the alley. The results are improved trash practices in the alley and increased community participation in subsequent cleanup events. ‘Love your Block” Neighborhood Clean Up The clean up on April 12th was a huge success despite the weather. Photos up on the SBNA photo gallery on the website. It was supported by The Colonnade Hotel, Copley House and City of Boston. Winter debris was removed in hard to reach areas, trees were mulched and new faces joined up. It was a fun event with neighbors catching up. Problem Property Update at 231 West Newton St Meghan Chiassan from the Condo association gave an update. There has been a court ruling and the owner is no longer allowed to reside in building. She confirmed police will escort him out if he returns. The ruling didn't apply to the second owner (he has not been served). It seems likely he is looking to sell property to pay off substantial legal fees owed. The mortgage company is working with the condo association on a potential foreclosure on the property. The situation has been quieter since the court action and Meghan expressed her gratitude to the community for all the support. She promised to update residents with any new developments. 3. Updates from Elected Officials Reggie Stewart (Director of Community Relations, District 7,) is the newly appointed Director of Community Relations. He offers assistance with neighborhood issues (rats, trash). There will be no special election for the Boston City Council vacancy for District 7. The position will be on the regular ballot in the fall. The Preliminary election will be in September and the general election in November. Riley Nichols (Senator Collins' Office) listed her office’s key priorities which include policy and public health in the South End. Senator Collins conducted a walk through near Mass & Cass with state police. The Legislation updates include:
Require patients who received opioid reversal medications to meet with social workers Require justice hearing before discharge from state-run hospitals John Moran (Suffolk District State Representative) provided updates on areas he's working on. Budget changes he pushed for include:
Requiring committees to get reports out within 60 days, ensuring public committee votes and all information be available on MAlegislator.gov. Other areas include he is working on are substance use disorder, anti-book banning legislation and raising income limits for senior tax relief. More details available from the MA legislators website https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/JFM1 Ed Flynn (District 2 City Councillor) reiterated that he is focused on quality of life issues including enforcing the ban on public use of drugs and getting drug sellers arrested. He remains committed to the nuts and bolts of community issues including making sure the city works for all residents. He is currently working with his colleagues on budget items Officer Francis (Boston Police D4) provided the latest crime statistics for district 4. He noted the following:
Lydia Hausle, and Daniel Milbrand from Boston Transportation Department gave an update on upcoming transportation improvements happening in the neighborhood. The following streets are scheduled for repaving (late summer):
4. Community Discussion and Action Items Joan opened the meeting to the floor and the following items were discussed: Federal fund Cuts Concerns were voiced about potential federal funding cuts. John Moran pointed out that the State has $9 billion surplus in "Rainy Day Fund" but agreed with other officials about the potential impact on
Safety on the Public Roads A big concern raised was the use of mopeds for delivery and the challenge of enforcing traffic rules. It was noted that the particular challenge was the lack of identification on bikes. There was a general concensus that any delivery bike should be insured and licenses filed with the city. There was interest in illuminated crosswalks with motion sensors. Residents had issues with lack of enforcement of speeding offenders and trucks who regularly violated the 2-ton weight limit on neighborhood streets. It was noted that Logan Express buses and tour buses frequently drove through the neighborhood despite the “no trucks” signage. Everyone was urged to report truck violations via 311. Suggestions to prevent trucks using our streets, included using technology to prevent GPS routing of large vehicles. Residents were urged residents to get in touch with their representatives with issues reminding everyone that the City Councillors -at large have responsibility for all districts. This meeting which was held at 70 St Botolph St on Wednesday October 23 2024.
Introduction Joan thanked 70 St Botolph for donating the room. She thanked the elected officials and public servants who gave of their time and their commitment to work on neighborhood issues: Attending the meeting were Deputy Chief of Streets Julia Cambell and Transportation Planner Daniel Milbrandt, Liaison Maccon Bonner from the ONS, Assistant Commissioner Environmental Services John Ulrich and Boston Police D4 W Newton/St Botolph Intersection - Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Deputy Chief of Streets Julia Campbell and Transportation Planner Daniel Milbrandt took questions and listened to concerns about traffic, pedestrian safety and future plans for the main intersection of the neighborhood. A follow-up meeting will be scheduled in the spring to present plans and solutions. There continues to be utility work on Huntington, but by spring that should be concluded and plans to repave West Newton and update the crosswalks is already planned - it is hoped is that there will be plans to included improvements to the intersection before the re-paving happens. Joan promised to keep neighbors informed via the website and newsletter. Dealing with Rodent Problems The ever-present issue of rats is an ongoing problem and John Ulrich, Assistant Commissioner of Environmental Services for the City of Boston, talked about the importance of education and enforcement about how to reduce the rat population and steps that can be taken to make a difference: Neighbors were urged to read up on best trash practices and sign up for a free composting bin from the city. When the regular trash is not smelling with food waste, it doesn’t attract the rats! Rat informational meetings with neighbors was encouraged. The SBNA will help residents coordinate. Neighbors along West Newton and St Botolph who share the alley off of Follen St. already have one planned and SBNA and John Ulrich’s team have been invited to talk about specific needs. General Safety in the Neighborhood The police listened to oncoming concerns about activity on the corridor- specifically drug use, camping out and other complaints about a specific location. D-4 continues to work with state officials to monitor the corridor and show up when there is a problem, but neighbors were urged to remain attentive. SBNA are working on a follow-up meeting and will keep you posted. In the meantime, neighbors were urged to please call 911 if you see suspicious or blatantly illegal behavior - and call 311 if you come across needles, drug items, or if there is a cleanup needed. Please remember how important it is to make those calls and reports - the BPD needs to know how often this is happening and need data to track incidents - it helps us all in the future when we document the present. The annual community meeting was held on Wednesday April 17, 2024 at the
Colonnade Hotel. SBNA board for 2024 - 2026 The SBNA board, as voted on by SBNA members for the next 2 years was confirmed: President- Joan Carragher Vice President -Arber Skendaj Treasurer -Lorraine Steele Clerk -Kathie Enright Board Directors -Claire Dargan, Adel Labib, Jo-Ann Suna, Janie Wallace Introduction Joan thanked the Colonnade Hotel Management for donating the room and refreshments. She thanked the elected officials and public servants who gave of their time and their commitment to work on neighborhood issues: Attending the meeting were Councilors Tania Anderson and Ed Flynn, State Rep John Moran, State Sen Collins’ Legislative Director Riley Nichols, Chief Brianna Millor and Liaison Maccon Bonner from the ONS, and Officer Pagan from BPD D4. Joan confirmed that the Midtown project is on hold indefinitely and that Northeastern University will continue to lease the building as a dorm. It was confirmed that the renovation project at 70 St Botolph St Apartments is under way. SBNA participated in the Boston Strong Daffodil program for the Boston Marathon as part of the Copley House’s annual beautification gift to the SBNA. Panel of Speakers The panel of Speakers each gave a two minute presentation on their role and aims Tania Fernandes Anderson, City Councilor, District 7 Of note to attendees - Tania’s office has created an app for district 7 which can be downloaded. Tania urged residents to start dialogues with the at large councilors on the city council. Ed Flynn, City Councilor, District 2 Of note to attendees - Ed is committed to quality of life issues including rats, constituent services and the nuts and bolts of city services. John Moran State Representative for 9th Suffolk District Of note to Attendees - John is focused on ensuring protective reproductive Justice and LGBTQ , combating the humanitarian crisis facing neighbors suffering drug addiction and homelessness by focusing on ensuring adequate budgeting is passed. Riley Nichols Legislative Director Office of Nick Collins Of note to Attendees - Nick’s priorities include Public Health and safety including supporting the recent bill to have all pharmacies stock Narcan. Maccon Bonner Office of Neighborhood Service Ward 4 Brianna Millor Chief of Community Engagement Of note to Attendees - To eliminate silos between residents and city hall. Brianna overseas various Community Engagement departments at City Hall including 311, the Office of Civic Organizing, (ONS) SPARK Boston - (empowering 20 -35 to play a greater role in planning for the City’s future) and more….. Sgt Pagan from Boston Police District 4 (was standing in for our new liaison officer, Sgt Joseph Narduzzo as our former liaison officer, Sgt. Matthew Hogardt, has been promoted to Lt.) Of note to Attendees - District 4 assigns community liaison officers to neighborhoods. They act as liaison between the police and the community - the liaison officer will take community information to District 4 personnel for action. Contact information on the safety page . RE: Trash and Rodents within the neighborhood The SBNA continues to encourage residents to use responsible and appropriate trash disposal practices! During the meeting there was a lively discussion about some of the worst culprits: residents who are either ignorant of or disregard rules, and management companies and absent landlords who do not provide proper bins. Many attendees encouraged our city councilors to work for a budget that includes a commitment to a dedicated department for dealing with this. The SBNA will continue to encourage management companies to provide buildings with the appropriate bins for trash, recycling and food waste program. The city was encouraged to make it easier for residents to avail of city programs such as the recycling program and the food waste program. RE: Situation at 231 W Newton: It was good to know that the city, the DA, the state (due to proximity of Southwest Corridor Park), and Boston Police Department are all focused on this property. Joan has been invited to the ongoing discussion group led by Bob Barney of the Claremont Neighborhood Association and will continue to support and validate the residents of the building and neighbors who are dealing with this. RE: Intersection of W Newton & St B concerns:
SBNA's President Joan has been added by John Moran to an ongoing discussion about street improvements. RE: Parking ONS committed to reviewing parking enforcement and ratios of metered/resident spaces. RE: Widett Circle Homeless shelter proposal ONS and Councilors promised to get back to us with the status of this. RE: Street Cleaning ONS and Councilors promised to look into extending street cleaning Mar-Dec and supporting the efforts with towing cars that do not move for street cleaning. Great to see so many of you at the April, 12th 2023 Community Meeting
Many thanks to our friends at the 70 St Botolph St Apartments and Director Monica Daniel for hosting our forum! Thanks also to our Councilor (and Council President) Ed Flynn and D4’s Sgt Matthew Hogardt and Det.Thomas Hopkins for attending and taking our questions, as well as our fantastic St B Landmarks Commission representatives! And we also enjoyed meeting John Moran, who is running to fill Jon Santiago’s MA house seat (More on that in a minute!) Questions? Problems? Complaints? Compliments?- feel free to contact me at [email protected], Ed Flynn at [email protected], Gabbie at Landmarks at [email protected],Sgt Hogardt at [email protected], or our fantastic Office of Neighborhood Services, Maggie Van Scoy at [email protected] AND NOW, we need to roll… We on the SBNA board agree that there are two topics that need to be followed up on - if you agree, please join us in officially reaching out to the city council as they set the 2022-2023 budget. First, STREET CLEANING. The South End street-cleaning schedule goes until the end of December, while the St Botolph neighborhood currently ends in November. We’ve been told it’s a budget issue, so if you would like to see an additional month of cleaning our streets too, please consider sending an email to both Ed and Tania, so they know there is interest. We’ve put together a sample email that you can copy and paste, so if you want cleaner streets, let your voice be heard about it. Second, PARKING AND STREET SAFETY. We need a reevaluation of the allocation and amount of resident parking spaces, an effective plan to deal with so much truck traffic on our “truck prohibited” streets, and we need to revisit the flex post installation at the corner of St B and W Newton – while they were installed to keep pedestrians safer and provide greater visibility of the crosswalks and stop signs, they are also encouraging worse truck behavior and are regularly disregarded. Do you support the city allocated funds to improve the parking and streets? If so, we'll be sending out the newsletter with links to copy and paste a template and send it to Ed and Tania in order to recommend funds for these items, they need to hear from as many people as possible before the budget process ends - PLEASE EMAIL THEM BY FRI, APRIL 22! We had a productive and informative meeting on April 8 and I want to thank everyone who participated. Captain Stephen Sweeney and Sergent Paul Deleo talked crime and safety, BTD Commissioner Greg Rooney fielded questions about crosswalks, metered parking and street conditions, we got an update from BHA’s Kathlyn Mcgonagle about upcoming renovations at 70 St Botolph, and were pleased to have Councilor Ed Flynn and Representative Jon Santiago join us as well. And, as always, if you have any questions about issues and items affecting our neighborhood, please reach out to me [email protected] and if you see a problem that needs the city’s attention, use 311!
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You can find News & Updates at our bulletin board outside the 7-Eleven at the corner of Saint Botolph and West Newton Street. |
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