Beginning tomorrow, April 1, our tax dollars will begin sweeping streets. Though the winter may have encouraged a habit of leaving your car in one place, you’ll do well to check signs near your favorite spots to know when your car might be ticketed, and possibly towed.

7 pm at Harriet Tubman House, 566 Columbus Ave
∙ May 2 neighborhood clean-up and spring celebration
∙ Truck traffic on Northampton St
∙ Chalk art w/ kids at school bus stop
∙ Street signs for Public Alley 804 (and others?)
∙ Tools to communicate with our neighbors

(email info@chestersquareassociation.org with any questions)
1. Parking task force – The South End Forum is convening a task force to address parking issues in the South End, with the goal of making recommendations to the City. Please email info@chestersquareassociation.org if you’re interested.
2. Urban renewal – informational meetings concerning the extension of Urban Renewal (South End area extends to Melnea Cass Blvd):
∙ Tues Mar 31 @ 6pm –BRA Boardroom, City Hall
∙ Thur Apr 2 @ 6:30pm – Blackstone Community Ctr, 50 West Brookline St
∙ Mon Apr 13 @ 6pm – Cardinal Hall, Madison Park High, 75 Malcolm X Blvd
3. Concerning downspouts that empty roof water onto public sidewalk, causing an icing hazard for pedestrians, Mr Adam Horst (Boston Water & Sewer, 989-7433) is available to consult with building owners on alternatives.

As our first bulbs sprout, I’m told street cleaning (and tag & tow) will begin when melting reveals the curbs. Much as we have longed for the snow to be gone, we must now face an aftermath of trash and damage.

Thankfully, the South End Forum is collecting notes for repairs and clean-up to be submitted to the Mayors Office. If you are aware of a pothole, a clogged drain, a missing sign, a broken streetlight, graffiti, park fence damage, a particularly trashy corner, or any other clean-up/fix-up item, please comment on this post or email info@chestersquareassociation.org.

Also, on May 2, the city will provide equipment for, and collect refuse from, our neighborhood clean-up. If you’d like to help, (as above) please comment or email. In the meantime, if you can spare a few minutes to pick up along your sidewalk, perhaps when you take your trash out, THANK YOU!

– Carol Blair, President