Eagle Hill Civic Association meets on Wednesday, Jan. 26

The next Eagle Hill Civic Association (EHCA) meeting will be this Wednesday, January 26th from 7:00PM to 8:00PM at the High School.


The Eagle Hill Problem Property Task Force (PPTF) will hold its first meeting of the year from 6:00PM to 7:00PM also at the High School. The meeting will probably be in the library if it is available. The PPTF was created by City Councilor Sal LaMattina and holds meetings every other month with police, Inspectional Services Department, Neighborhood Services, and other relevant agencies attending. Residents can bring up a specific problem with a property in the neighborhood (trash, noise, crime, lack of maintenance, etc) and the assembled team of City officials can take appropriate action to address the problem. Please attend if you have a specific property to discuss.


For the general EHCA meeting begining at 7:00PM, we have the following agenda (order subject to change):


1.) NOAH will present on the "Renew Boston" Energy Efficiency program that allows residents a free energy audit and up to $3,500 in air sealing and weatherization funding. Not to mention that it will help you immediately reduce your heating bills!


2.) Two properties with matters before the Zoning Board of Appeals would like to present their projects to the EHCA:


a. 414 Meridian Street. Owner Richard Cifuni has submitted a petition to construct addition and add an additional story to 8 unit dwelling. No additional units are proposed.


b. 169 Princeton Street. Owner Ana Sarnaglia has submitted a petition to extend living space into the basement to add additional floor space to 1st Unit of 3 family dwelling. No additional units are proposed.

Source: James Bowen

East Boston Branch Library to discuss Zadie Smith's "On Beauty"

The East Boston branch Library will hold a book discussion group on Zadie Smith's On Beauty on Monday, February 7th at 6:30 until 7:30. If you are need a copy of this book title please feel to go to the library of call (617) 569-0271. EBBPL looks forward to your attendance and being part of the conversation with patrons.

Eastboston.com 1/20/2011 Snow emergency effective 9 p.m. tonight

CITY HALL:

With a forecast expected to dump heavy snow during tomorrow morning’s commute Mayor Thomas M. Menino has announced that a Snow Emergency and parking ban for the City of Boston will go into effect tonight at 9 PM and Boston Public Schools will be cancelled on Friday, January 21st.


According to the National Weather Service, the City of Boston and surrounding areas could receive between 5 to 10 inches of snow at an average of two inches per hour between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. The City of Boston is expecting a significant drop in temperatures immediately following the snow fall as well as additional snow early next week and must clear roadways to provide wider access on all streets throughout next week.



Mayor Menino has directed all City of Boston employees to take their time coming into work tomorrow morning and has asked businesses to do the same as the heaviest snowfall is expected during the morning commute. The Mayor reminds people that if they must travel into the city to take public transportation.

Lamattina named vice president of City Council

District 1 City Councilor Sal LaMattina was named Vice President of the Council last week by President Stephen Murphy, a move that recognizes the hard work and collaboration that have characterized LaMattina’s time as a councilor.

“I am truly honored to take on this role,” said LaMattina, “and I want to thank Councilor Murphy for placing his trust in me. I will continue to work every day for the people of my district and for everyone throughout the City of Boston.”

LaMattina was also appointed to six standing committees of the Council, including the City, Neighborhood Services & Veterans Affairs Committee, which he will chair for a second consecutive term.

“Providing day-to-day services is an essential duty of city government,” LaMattina said. “People have a right to expect that basic functions – like having snow cleared, clean streets, potholes filled and street lights fixed – will happen without fail. When these things happen smoothly the public generally doesn’t notice – and that’s the way it should be.”

LaMattina will also serve on committees that oversee city policy on Economic Development & Planning, Education, Environment & Health, Rules & Administration, and Ways & Means.

“It’s always been my belief that public service is among the noblest callings that an individual can have,” said LaMattina. “I try to never forget that I have been entrusted by citizens to be their voice, and that is how I approach my work every day.”

LaMattina has represented the neighborhoods of District 1 – Charlestown, the North End, East Boston and downtown – since the summer of 2006. He is a native of East Boston.

Source: Office of City Councilor Sal Lamattina (District 1).

Massport closes Piers Park for de-icing

According to Massport's Office of Government and Community Affairs, Piers Park will be closed. "Due to the heavy ice and cold temperatures, Massport has closed Piers Park as a temporary safety precaution. Massport personnel are working to de-ice the walk ways throughout the park. Once our personnel feel that it is safe to ‘walk-around’, the park will reopen. We hope to have the park opened shortly depending on the weather."

East Boston News: Senator Petruccelli joins with Senate colleagues in asking State Parole Board for moratorium

The following is a press release from the office of State Senator Anthony Petruccelli;

Senator Anthony Petruccelli (D-Boston) joined with several of his Senate colleagues in asking the Massachusetts Parole Board to place a moratorium on all future parole hearings until a full, comprehensive review of the Board’s policies and procedures could be conducted.

In a letter to Parole Board Chairman Mark Conrad, Senator Petruccelli and his colleagues urge Mr. Conrad to halt all scheduled hearings in light of the tragic shooting death of Woburn Police Officer John Maguire.

"In the wake of the senseless shooting death of Officer Maguire, it is incumbent upon the Parole Board to fully investigate how a violent career criminal like Dominic Cinelli could be paroled and allowed to walk our streets," said Senator Petruccelli. "I strongly urge them to take any and all measures to ensure that a tragedy like this never happens again.”

The letter, a bi-partisan effort aimed at ensuring the safety and security of the residents of the Commonwealth, was mailed on January 6, 2011. The Senators are currently awaiting a response.

Commonwealth ready to auction off two surplus buildings in East Boston, along Chelsea Creek

Two surplus MWRA buildings in East Boston, along Chelsea Creek, will be auctioned off later this month. What will be the land use implications? Will a designated commercial, industrial or airport-related use increase truck traffic? How much tax revenue will a refurbished property  generate for the City of Boston All good questions.

According to the auctioneer, the building is an architectural gem and is eligible for inclusion in the National Register. (Photograph:eastboston.com.)

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Redesigning Central Square

City of Boston's Transportation Department to hold Jan. 19 meeting on the redesign of East Boston's Central Square. Read more at eastboston.com.