Mayor Walsh issues 1,000 new Section 8 vouchers for Boston families and residents

Vouchers will provide housing assistance to Boston chronically homeless individuals and families

BOSTON - Friday, April 26, 2019 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh together with the Boston Housing Authority and local shelter providers yesterday gathered in Roxbury to announce the release of 1,000 new rental housing vouchers for chronically homeless residents and families in Boston. The vouchers are funded through the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and will increase the BHA's portfolio of vouchers to 13,500.

"I am incredibly proud that through these 1,000 rental housing vouchers we'll be able to provide more residents and families with a home," said Mayor Walsh. "These vouchers are more than a rent subsidy -- they represent a foundation for stability, support and self-sufficiency. We will continue working together to create these homes for our residents and be a city where every single person matters and every single person is cared for."

Through partnerships with DHD and DHCD and the network of shelter providers and service providers, voucher holders will receive housing search assistance, funds for relocation, and stabilization services for at least six months.

"These vouchers not only help homeless residents and families find permanent affordable housing, they offer them the stability they need to pursue new opportunities and better their lives," said BHA Administrator Bill McGonagle.

The BHA will issue the 1,000 new vouchers through the Coordinated Access System referral program, the Rapid Rehousing program, the Moving On program, and the Leading the Way Home Program.

Rapid Rehousing is a form of supported housing designed to rehouse families who have recently become homeless. Moving On is a program that will assist formerly chronically homeless tenants who currently occupy traditional housing that has supportive services, and are no longer in need of those services, transition to independent housing. The  Coordinated Access System was developed under the Mayor's Action Plan to End Veteran and Chronic Homelessness and prioritizes matching the most vulnerable homeless individuals, including veterans, youth and young adults and long-term chronically homelessness individuals to housing opportunities. Leading the Way Home is a form of supported housing designed to help families transition out of emergency shelters by offering 18 months of supportive services focused on stabilization and self-sufficiency, along with Section 8 rental assistance.

In addition to the tenant-based Housing Choice Vouchers, the BHA will offer up to 150 project-based vouchers to preserve affordability in developments subsidized through the expiring Mass Housing 13A mortgage program. 13A developments may use these vouchers to help tenants remain in their homes and prevent any risk of homelessness.

BHA was able to secure approximately $28 million in additional funding for vouchers this year after they initiated a rent survey and appealed HUD estimates for Fair Market Rent (FMR) in the Boston area last fall. The survey demonstrated the need for a higher FMR, which sets the payment standard housing authorities can set for voucher-subsidized rents, and determines subsidy levels for voucher holders. The previous HUD FMR rate lagged significantly behind the Boston region's rising rental market. The new rate and additional funding will allow BHA to issue at least 1000 new housing vouchers. The BHA last issued new vouchers in late 2017.

"The Section 8 voucher provided me with the ability to find a place for my children and I to call home. With this new stability, I have been able to maintain a decently paying job along with childcare for my children." said Paulina Morillo, a voucher holder from Dorchester. "These vouchers will do the same for many families like mine."

In addition to today's announcement, Mayor Walsh last week announced his FY20 recommended budget, which includes $4 million to support the creation of approximately 50 new units of permanent supportive housing each year. Creating new permanent supportive housing is a critical component of Boston's Way Home, the City's action plan to end veteran and chronic homelessness in Boston.

In addition, the FY20 recommended budget includes $1 million to provide connections to employment, rental assistance and supportive services for youth, building on the City's action plan to support young Bostonians experiencing homelessness. These funds will help support early identification and outreach, increase access to effective supports, and develop a collaborative system to create pathways to opportunity for those experiencing homelessness. This investment is in addition to a $4.9 million Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The FY20 budget proposal also includes a $300,000 investment that will fund four formerly homeless individuals to work as peer navigators across Boston shelters to connect individuals currently experiencing chronic homelessness with permanent housing pathways. Peer housing navigators will help clients with their housing applications, gathering documentation needed for housing, and mentoring others as they transition from homelessness to housing.

Earlier this week, Mayor Walsh celebrated a $30 million capital investment to revitalize Boston Housing Authority's Bunker Hill Housing development in Charlestown, the first time in the City's history that City bond dollars have been invested directly into a BHA project.

Photo credits: EastBoston.com

Councilor Lydia Edwards Proposes Fair Housing Amendment to Boston Zoning Code

Change Would Advance Civil Rights In Housing & Planning

(Boston, MA, APRIL 11, 2019) - Today, on the eve of the 51st anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, Councilor Lydia Edwards introduced a zoning amendment at the city council to advance fair housing through planning and zoning in the City of Boston.

“Planning and zoning can be tools of equity or tools of exclusion,” said Councilor Edwards. “As we move into the next 50 years of the Fair Housing Act, Boston can advance civil rights by adopting fair housing into our zoning code and ensuring we plan community development for all residents.”

The Fair Housing Act, signed into law on April 11, 1968, outlawed discrimination in sale, rental, and financing of housing. The Act does more, however, than just ban discrimination: it calls for processes that actively promote equity. The zoning change will require the city to engage in a thorough analysis of displacement and access to housing for protected classes, such as people of color, families with children, persons with disabilities, the elderly and other protected classes when reviewing new large-scale development projects.

Under the zoning change, large-scale developments would be subject to a fair housing analysis, ensuring that city plans include protected classes of residents, such as people of color, the elderly or persons with disabilities. The amendment focuses particularly on multi-acre “planned development areas” (PDAs). In reviewing PDAs, the city would be required to use data on barriers to housing, and local demographic information, in its decision about whether or not to approve the development, and just as importantly, in how it negotiates public benefits. 

Fair housing is already a commitment of the City of Boston and there are several laudable efforts underway. The Office of Fair Housing and Equity conducts fair housing trainings and, with the Fair Housing Commission, supports residents in addressing discrimination complaints. The Department of Neighborhood Development runs an Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Program to promote equal access to government-assisted housing.The Boston Housing Authority operates a Fair Housing and Employment Unit to enforce fair housing standards. However, there are not currently procedures in planning and zoning, which fundamentally shape community development, to affirmatively further fair housing or monitor how zoning and planning impact fair housing. The proposed zoning amendment would address that gap.

Summary of key changes:

• Adds definition of "affirmatively furthering fair housing" and "analysis of impediments" to zoning code 
• Adds definition of “exclusionary displacement” to zoning code
• Changes "Article 80" (the zoning procedure for reviewing large development) to address fair housing and displacement concerns
• Changes standards for approvals for future review, amendment or updates to massive “planned development areas” like Suffolk Downs or Seaport Square, to incorporate fair housing and displacement concerns
• Raises the standards for public benefits in planned development areas affecting East Boston specifically. 

Source: Councilor Edwards office 4/10/2019

Councilor Edwards to Call Hearing on City Regulation of Bars, Liquor Stores, Cannabis Establishments Near Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities

Regulation intended to explore distance-based buffer while leveling playing field between alcohol and cannabis establishments

WHAT:  This week, Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards will call a hearing to discuss potential policy changes affecting the siting of enterprises serving alcohol and cannabis in the immediate vicinity of substance abuse treatment facilities.

Currently, the City of Boston regulates the distance between cannabis establishments at one-half mile and creates a 500-foot buffer between such businesses and K-12 schools. The City also regulates businesses that serve or sell alcohol through licensing and zoning, but has not enacted a similar distance-based buffer.

Zoning changes typically do not impact existing enterprises but would apply to new development and could potentially apply to substantially renovated buildings. The hearing will explore whether such a buffer should be created, potential impacts and how to create parity between industries.

WHERE: Curley Room, 5th Floor, Boston City Hall
WHEN:  12:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 17th, 2018

**Please note the councilor will file on 10/17 for a hearing to take place a later time. 

Mayor Walsh announces planning initiatives for East Boston

BOSTON - Wednesday, June 6, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), with stakeholders from across the City, will launch planning initiatives this year in Downtown, East Boston, Mattapan, Newmarket, and a mobility-focused planning initiative in Allston-Brighton. Guided by Imagine Boston 2030, Mayor Walsh looks to continue working in partnership with communities across the City to ensure Boston preserves wisely, enhances equitably, and grows inclusively.  Through these three principles of "preserve, enhance, and grow," the planning initiatives will work with the community to create a comprehensive vision for each of the planning areas and guide future growth and investment.

"Over the last four years, we have set strong foundations in our planning efforts that will guide our growth as a city in a way that is responsible and inclusive, for many years into the future," said Mayor Walsh. "These five new planning processes represent a continuation of our commitment to fulfill the individual needs of each neighborhood that both preserve the distinct historic character, and allow for us as a community to plan together for our bright future ahead."

The planning initiatives build on the strategies outlined in Imagine Boston 2030, Boston's first citywide plan in 50 years aimed at guiding growth and those of Housing A Changing City: Boston 2030, Mayor Walsh's plan to create housing at a variety of income levels across the City. The goals outlined in the Mayor's housing plan are currently being reviewed to ensure that they continue to reflect current conditions. 

Imagine Boston 2030 prioritizes inclusionary growth and puts forth a comprehensive vision to boost quality of life, equity and resilience in every neighborhood across the City.  To achieve this vision, Imagine Boston identifies places for growth and enhancement that will help the city achieve its goals of becoming more equitable, improving quality of life, and preparing for climate change. This includes:

Enhance Neighborhoods: In some residential neighborhoods - such as East Boston and Mattapan - comprehensive planning will include a focus on balancing contextually-sensitive development alongside preservation; supporting existing residents and businesses through increased access to opportunity, affordability strategies, and anti-displacement policies; improving the public realm and access to open space and neighborhood-serving amenities; addressing mobility challenges; and supporting neighborhood resiliency and preparing for climate change. In other neighborhoods - such as Allston-Brighton, mobility planning will help to address the challenges presented by the increased pace of development projects.

"I applaud the Mayor for following through on his commitment to East Boston regarding development planning," said Ernani Jose DeAraujo, Vice President of the Eagle Hill Civic Association.  "While residents have benefited from the strong economy and many jobs created in the past few years and as home prices have increased, we need a comprehensive plan for development to make sure all families can stay in East Boston and continue to thrive, regardless of their income."

"As a resident of East Boston and a Board Member with the Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association, I've seen many changes in the neighborhood," said Renee Scalfani. "Thank you to Mayor Walsh and the BPDA for listening to residents and business-owners and establishing this PLAN: East Boston initiative. This is something that will help the neighborhood tremendously and working with the City on this issue will be beneficial for all the residents of East Boston." 

PLAN: East Boston

PLAN: East Boston will work with the community in the existing neighborhoods in East Boston that are facing increased development pressures to determine a shared vision for the future of the neighborhood. Community discussion will focus on preservation of the existing residential fabric, enhancement of the vitality of existing residential communities and businesses, anti-displacement strategies for residents and businesses, connectivity along the waterfront, mobility, and flood protection and climate resiliency. 

The BPDA is exploring moving forward with an East Boston Interim Planning Overlay District (IPOD) for East Boston's existing residential neighborhoods, an interim zoning tool that is used to maintain increased public review and community voice in the evaluation of proposed new development during a planning process.

Boston Landmarks Commission to solicit comments on 151 Liverpool Street demolition

Boston Landmarks Commission (BLC) received a complete application from Anthony Gilardi with Citypoint Liverpool, LLC, to demolish the commercial structure at 151 Liverpool Street in East Boston, MA 02128. Read more here. 

Statement from City Councilor Lydia Edwards on the mayor's ordinance regulating short-term rentals

"The Mayor's decision to regulate short-term rentals in Boston is a welcomed start to a necessary discussion about protecting our housing stock. The devastating impact of short-term rentals can be seen city-wide and is exasperated by absentee landlords and multi-unit owners.

I hope we get a balanced approach that returns the short-term rental market back to its original intent of providing supplemental income to residents living at the property and provides a way to hold hosts accountable to their neighbors.

I'm excited to work with all stakeholders, including short-term rental companies, to review the necessary data and explore innovative solutions to protect our city's housing stock and prevent displacement in Boston."

Boston City Councilor Edwards currently represents district one including the neighborhoods of Charlestown, East Boston, and the North End. 

She was recently appointed by City Council president Andrea Campbell to serve as Chair of the Housing and Community Development committee for FY 2018-2019.

Councilor Edwards was also appointed by Councilor Campbell serve on Boston's Neighborhood Housing Trust which was established in 1983 to prioritize funding for affordable and workforce units throughout the City by working with developers on large scale projects.

Source: Office of District 1 City Councilor Lydia Edwards

Gove Street Citizens Association to meet on 1/22

The Gove Street Citizens Association monthly meeting agenda:

• GSCA Executive Board Election - Any GSCA voting member may nominate themselves, or any other eligible voting member, or members, for election to any of the following Offices for a two-year term:  Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, and Director-At-Large. 
• Update on status of GSCA area projects.
• 23 Everett Street - A proposal to change the occupancy from a one-family dwelling to a two-family dwelling. Also, renovate the building by adding a 3rd story addition.  Attorney Jeffrey Drago (2nd presentation / Vote to be taken) 
• 18 Everett Street – A proposal to demolish the existing structure and erect a 9-unit residential building with 9 parking spaces. Attorney Richard Lynds (2nd presentation / Vote to be taken) 
• 173-177 Maverick Street (Former DeAngelis Bakery) –  A complete rehabilitation of the existing three buildings into a proposed occupancy of a single retail space (bakery) and 9 dwelling units. Attorney Richard Lynds (1st presentation No vote at this time.)
• 128 Gove Street / Mt. Carmel –  A proposal to demolish the existing structures on the former Mt. Carmel Church property, with the exception of the church structure, and erect 4 multi-level buildings with 121 Units. The project will consist of fifty percent condos to 50 percent rentals. The project will also include an underground parking facility. Subject to a BPDA Project Review Process. Attorney Jeffrey Drago (2nd presentation / No vote at this time.)

MEETING DATE: Monday, January 22, 2018  

TIME: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

LOCATION - The Noddle Island Community Room located on the first floor of the Logan Airport Rental Car Center situated at the end of Porter Street. Free event parking in front of the building and in the Porter Street parking lot adjacent to the building. 

Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association P&Z Agenda: Jan. 17

Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association P&Z Agenda 
Wednesday January 17, 2018, @  7pm 
Jeffries Point Yacht Club
565 Sumner Street 

Agenda:

30 Orleans Street - Construct new 4 family. 
Owner Ricardo Andres Robiglio Giannitrapani, Joy Street Design

238 Webster Street.  Demolish existing residence to erect 15 units with 10 parking spaces.   
Atty Drago.

228 Webster Street.   To propose to rehab construct additional 3 units to residential and occupancy to 5 unit residential dwelling.    
Atty R. Lynds

177-173 Maverick St - Proposal to rehab existing building, upgrade and change occupancy from 6 dwelling units to 3 retail and 9 residential units.
Atty. Lynds 

Update and further discussion on the 4 Narrow Gauge Parcels.
Atty R. Lynds.

Gove Street Citizens Association to meet on Monday, November 27

Here's the agenda:

GSCA Executive Board Election - Any GSCA voting member may nominate themselves, or any other eligible voting member, or members, for election to any of the following Offices for a two-year term: 

Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, and Director At-Large. Nomination signup sheets will be available at this meeting for a January 22nd monthly meeting election.

There will be no monthly meeting on December 25th, Christmas Day.

Update on status of GSCA area projects.

• Suffolk Downs Project – Comprehensive planning, design & scheduling presentation. Tom O’Brien of HYM Associates.  
• 158 Cottage Street – A proposal for a325-square foot pressure treated roof deck off the back bedroom of the house. Owner Frank Murray (2nd presentation / Vote to be taken.)
• 18 Everett Street – A proposal to demolish the existing structure and erect a 9-unit residential building with 9 parking spaces. Attorney Richard Lynds (1st presentation / No vote at this time.) 
• 23 Everett Street - A proposal to change the occupancy from a one-family dwelling to a two-family dwelling. Also, renovate the building by adding a 3rd story addition.  Attorney Jeffrey Drago (1st presentation / No vote at this time.) 
• 128 Gove Street / Mt. Carmel –  A proposal to demolish the existing structures on the former Mt. Carmel Church property, with the exception of the church structure, and erect 4 multi-level buildings with 121 Units. The project will consist of fifty percent condos to 50 percent rentals. The project will also include an underground parking facility. Subject to a BPDA Project Review Process. Attorney Jeffrey Drago (1st presentation / No vote at this time.)

MEETING DATE: Monday, November 27, 2017 

TIME: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

LOCATION - The Noddle Island Community Room located on the first floor of the Logan Airport Rental Car Center situated at the end of Porter Street. Free event parking in front of the building and in the Porter Street parking lot adjacent to the building.

August 28: Gove Street Citizens Association meets

The Gove Street Citizens Association monthly meeting agenda for August 28, 2017:
Update on current status of GSCA area projects.

• 287 -293 Maverick St. (Pickle Factory)- A proposal to demolish an existing vacant industrial building and erect a 5 story (with set-back) mixed-use development of 37 multifamily residential units and café/restaurant at ground level with 31 on-site parking spaces. This project is subject to a BPDA Article 80E-2 small project review. - Attorney Richard Lynds (3rd presentation / Vote to be taken.)
•  67 Lubec Street – A revised proposal to erect a 4-floor, 6 residential condo unit building with 6 parking spaces in the rear of the building. - Attorney Jeffrey Drago, Developer Thomas Falcucci. (2nd presentation / Vote to be taken.) 
•  90-94 Cottage Street – A proposal to erect a 4-floor, 7-unit condo ownership building with one handicapped unit and 6 on-site parking spaces. Owner Marc Savatsky (2nd presentation / Vote to be taken) 

MEETING DATE: Monday, August 28, 2017
  
TIME: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

LOCATION - The Noddle Island Community Room located on the first floor of the Logan Airport Rental Car Center situated at the end of Porter Street. Free event parking in front of the building and in the Porter Street parking lot adjacent to the building.

August 17: East Boston's Jeffries Point Neighborhood Planning and Zoning Meeting

The August Planning & Zoning Subcommittee Meeting will take place on 8/17 starting at 7 p.m.  The meeting will be held at EB Neighborhood Health Center, 250 Sumner Street, Room 108

Agenda will be as follows:

•     7-13 Haynes Street – Erect multifamily dwelling – 2nd P&Z meeting
•     10-16 Everett Street – (Ani’s Auto Body) – Proposal to erect a five-story, residential building, with 20 market-rate condominium and parking – 1st P&Z Meeting (also presented to Gove Street Civic Association in late July)
•     214 Marginal – New construction on vacant lot – 2nd P&Z meeting

Source: JNPA

May 31: Gove St. Citizens Association meets; Agenda

GOVE STREET CITIZENS ASSOCIATION
The Gove Street Citizens Association monthly meeting agenda:

EDUCATION / PRESENTATION
* Update on current status of GSCA area projects.
* 175 Gove St. - Proposal for a 9 Condo Unit Residential Dwelling with 7 interior parking spaces. (3rd Appearance / Vote to be taken) – Attorney Jeffrey Drago
* Presentation by opponents of a proposed Eversource Electric substation on Eagle Street in East Boston. – Attorney Donato Berardi
* Presentation by City of Boston sponsored Renew Boston program designed to help tenants and homeowners save money by saving energy.  – Kit Carroll

MEETING DATE: Tuesday, May 31, 2016

TIME: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

LOCATION - The Noddle Island Community Room located on the first floor of the Logan Rental Car Center at 15 Transportation Way.                                                                                        
DRIVING – Free event parking available in front of the building and in the Porter Street parking lot adjacent to the building.                                                                                                            

WALKING - Situated at the end of Porter Street, just a 4-minute walk from the Embassy Suites Hotel.

Meetings are held on the last Monday of each month except for Holidays.

Oct. 13: Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association Meeting

Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association Meeting
Tuesday October 13th 7pm 

at the Jeffries Point Yacht Club 565 Sumner Street

Agenda -

• Police JPNA Updates
• Downeast Cider House
• Annissa Essaibi George, City Council Candidate, At-Large
• 294 Sumner street - Long term use. Reviewing and voting on proposals for the site. 
• Senator Anthony Petrucelli, State Rep Adrian Madaro, City Councilor Sal Lamattina  (Giving legislative updates and taking questions.)

Sept. 28: Gove Street Citizens Association Meets

The Gove Street Citizens Association monthly meeting agenda:

EDUCATION / PRESENTATION

• Update on current status of GSCA area projects.
• Boston Water & Sewer Commission – Presentation on conditions that contributed to the two Cottage Street sinkholes. 
• 80 Everett Street – Proposal to erect a 3 story residential dwelling on a vacant lot. (1st appearance / Non-Vote) Atty. Richard Lynds

MEETING DATE: Monday, September 28, 2015
 
TIME: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
 
LOCATION: 

DRIVING - The Noddle Island Community Room is located on the first floor of the Logan Rental Car Center at 15 Transportation Way. Parking available in the Porter Street lot adjacent to the building.

WALKING - Situated at the end of Porter Street, just a 4 minute walk from the Embassy Suites Hotel. 
 
All meetings are held on the last Monday of each month at the above location except for Holidays that are on Monday when the meeting will be held on the following Tuesday.

JPNA Planning & Zoning Meeting Agenda For July 22

 
JPNA Planning & Zoning Meeting Agenda For July 22 7 p.m


Where: Jeffries Point Yacht Club 565 Sumner st.

Time: 7 p.m. 

AGENDA

• 202 Maverick st. - Demo & construction, New multi unit residential building.
• 80 Everett st
• 14-16 Geneva St. New construction, residential on empty lot. Atty: Richard Lynds

Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association Meeting Set for Jan.12

The next meeting for the JPNA is scheduled for Monday January 12th at 7pm at the Jeffries Point Yacht Club, located at 565 Sumner Street.  

The agenda is as follows:

• Police update
• Corinne Petraglia from the Mayor's office
• 101 Cottage Street, Extension of current living space, Richard Lynds. VOTING 
• 10-18, 20-22 Haynes St.  10-18 Haynes is new construction of 6 units with parking on the bottom, 20-22 is renovation of an existing building and would be 4 units. Richard Lynds is representative. VOTING*
• 64-66 Gove Street New construction of 6 condo units. Richard Lynds is representative, VOTING 
• Future Automotive Site, 31 Orleans St.  New construction of 15 units with parking on the bottom floor. Rodney Sinclair is representative, VOTING 
• City Councilor Sal LaMattina is speaking

*corrected

Friends of Meridian Street outraged at Canton Eatery's request for extended hours

The following is from Paul Howes:

 

It has just come to our attention that there is a meeting at 7pm, Dec.9, 2014 at the Canton Eatery, 339 Meridian Street, East Boston. It says "Abutter Meeting".

This is outrageous that even a consideration of extended hours at this business is considered. Since this business has opened we have lost count of the violations cited by the Boston Licensing Board, Boston Police Department, MBTA Transit Police and the Boston Board of Health Inspectional Services. The owner of the Canton Eatery has been closed down by the Licensing Commission for multiple violations. He has been cited multiple times by the EBPD for noise, parking and problems with late night fights of patrons coming to this establishment after the bars close at 2am. At a hearing at the Licensing Board to cut back the hours of the Canton because of the multiple violations, his representing lawyer stated that he has installed registers that would not accept orders after 1:30am (which is on record) and this never happened. Again there are no women's or men's toilets in the Canton Eatery and there are reports to the EBPD and Licensing Board of patrons using the alleyway next to the Canton to urinate. This will obviously become even a bigger health and safety problem for our families living next to this business in a residential area. The hundreds of complaints and citations written to the Canton Eatery for dangerous double parking, blocking the bike lane used by our children, causing the MBTA buses to pull around into oncoming traffic and causing constant vehicle horn honking and people screaming. The owner has completely ignored the citations and warnings from the EBPD and MBTA Transit Police and Boston Licensing Board. Extending hours is only going to make these problems worse! Review the EBPD reports, the Boston Licensing Board citations and complaints, Boston Parking violations and complaints, MBTA Transit Police violations and complaints and the multiple health code violations. The owner of the Canton Eatery has been a chronic violator of the licensing, parking, trash and health laws since opening. Not to mention that on a daily, nightly basis the front of the Canton Eatery, on the public sidewalk if full of bagged trash bags, empty boxes and pails. Up to 30 bags at a time. Polite letters were sent to the owner of the Canton Eatery requesting the trash be put out after 2am closing so our families, children (a school bus stop right next to the trash) do not have to live in these conditions of large amounts of trash on our public sidewalk. He did not respond and ignored these requests showing again he has no respect of the families and residents of Meridian Street in East Boston. 

THE RESIDENTS OF MERIDIAN STREET, EAST BOSTON STRONGLY OPPOSE ANY EXTENTION OF HOURS FOR THE CANTON EATERY AND AFTER YOUR CLOSE EXAMINATION OF ALL THE VIOLATIONS YOU WILL NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN. Leave the politics out of this and do the correct judgment for our families safety and quality of living here in East Boston.

Friends of Meridian Street

July 16: Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association Meeting; BRA to present

July 16th 7pm at the Jeffries Point Yacht Club.
 
This is a very full meeting, and all residents are welcome to attend and participate.
 
Agenda:

BRA Article 80 presentation, BRA staff- this is an opportunity for residents to learn more about the BRA Article 80 process and for the JPNA to learn more about being involved.
 
254 Sumner Street, formerly Dollar Rent a Car- rehabilitation to school and office facilities for East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
 
320 Maverick Street, currently an empty lot, development of an article 80 residential facility
 
135 Bremen Street, formerly Paul's Low Cost Airport Parking, a mixed use development including commercial space and 94 proposed residential units. (informational)

Main Streets to host 3/12 meeting on Bremen Street Development

East Boston Main Streets Invites the East Boston community to a Community Meeting on Wednesday, March 12th, from 6:00-7:00pm at The Market Place, 154 Maverick Street to hear about proposed mixed-use development at

70 Bremen Street

BOSTON, MA  (February 3, 2014) – The community is invited to join East Boston Main Streets to learn about, ask questions, and discuss the proposed mixed-use development at 70 Bremen Street.  Interested community members will meet at 6:00pm at the Market Place at 154 Maverick Street.

For more details or questions please call Max Gruner, Executive Director of East Boston Main Streets at 617-561-1044.

East Boston Main Streets is a public/private partnership initiative of Boston Main Streets, which was established by Mayor Thomas M. Menino. The program has been operating in East Boston since 1995 to create a vibrant business district by initiating private and public improvements, promoting commerce, and supporting efforts to improve the quality of life for all who live, work and do business in East Boston.  East Boston Gateway, Inc. is a Non-Profit Organization Recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code

Opposition mounting to entertainment license for Taco-Mex

This email arrived today from Susan Van Tuyl, a resident of Maverick Square.

As a resident of Maverick Square I am sending you this notice as to the change in use of Taco-Mex.  Taco-Mex located at 65-67 Maverick Square, is applying for an entertainment license.  Given the history of the owner's previous venue with an entertainment license in Orient Heights (involving police and numerous arrests), this is not, in my opinion, the best thing for Maverick Square, especially neighboring residences.  Those of us that front on the Square already have to deal with the noise generated by Eddie C's.  Having entertainment on this side of the Square - directly below our windows - can only add to the disturbance.  The Owner of Taco-Mex has stated that the entertainment will only be one classical guitar. But that detail has been omitted from the petition to the Board of Appeal.

The hearing is scheduled at City Hall on September 20th, at 10:30 a.m.  If you have an opinion on this matter; if you have a concern, either for or against - just showing up at the hearing will have little or no affect - by then approval will be a done deal.  Opinions must be voiced to the Commission in advance.  The telephone number is 617-635-4775.  I will try to find an e-mail address.