Agenda for Feb 3, 2016 – 7 pm at Hampton House, 155 Northampton St.

  1. Alexandra Hotel – Invited guest: Matt Ottinger, South End Historical Society
  2. Proposed 1-way for Comet Place – Which way will traffic flow?
  3. Vision Zero would eliminate traffic fatalities in the area of Massachusetts Ave.
    Invited guest: Charlotte Fleetwood, Boston Transportation Dept.
  4. New restaurant where “Cluckit” closed. Meet owner/chef Douglass Williams.
  5. Updates

Some Notes from Jan 6, 2016 Meeting

 

Finances: 2015 income (monetary donations) totaled $400 and expenses totaled $1052.47, mostly for events and plantings in the park. Treasurer requested help for future decisions regarding petty cash expenditures (up to $150). Several volunteered for a task force to explore possibilities for fundraising.
Crime: BPD’s crime report noted many of the incidents were likely preventable. Remember to lock home and car doors, have packages delivered to safe location, and never leave valuables in car. Learn more at safety meeting – last Monday of the month, 6 pm, District 4.
Comet Place: BPW has added Comet Place to the street sweeping list. Also, BTD has indicated a willingness to install one-way signs.
Truck Traffic: BTD indicates Northampton St is a designated truck route. We’ve asked “where is it written” so that we can consider rerouting truck traffic from Northampton St. We’ll also look at deterrents for engine-braking by trucks on Mass Ave.
Election: Officers for 2016 are President, Carol Blair; Vice-president, Bud Larievy; Secretary, Miren Urrutia; Treasurer, Sara Mitchell; Michael Rodriguez, asst secretary.
Nearby Development: Hamilton Company has increased the number of “affordable units” in their proposal to build 45 units on Frederick Douglas Green (150 Camden, currently zoned for 9 units). NU has proposed a 20-story dorm between Tremont & Columbus (10 Burke St, where 2013 master plan shows 6-8 stories).
Proposed garage: on Northampton St, behind 561 Mass Ave – discussion included concerns included about height of wall, size and color of garage door, and whether recent construction leading to existing conditions was approved by Landmarks Commission.
Alexandra Hotel: We’ll work with interested parties to assemble a vision for restoration/renovation and reuse and invite buyer to collaborate for planning and approvals. A boutique hotel or condos? A roof-top restaurant?
Next Meeting: February 3
Click on “minutes”, above, for full report on meeting

Jan 6, 2016 Agenda

 7 pm, 155 Northampton St

Updates
BPD District crime report
South End Forum
Chester Park winter lighting
Dec 5 event w/ seniors at Fortes House
Comet Place – street sweeping, one-way signs
Northampton St -National Grid work
Election – Proposed slate of Officers for 2016:
President, Carol Blair
Vice-president, Bud Larievy
Secretary, Miren Urrutia
Treasurer, Sara Mitchell
Development
Proposed 45 units on Frederick Douglas Green (150 Camden)
Proposed 20-story dorm between Tremont & Columbus
Proposed garage behind 561 Mass Ave (Northampton St)
Alexandra – Creating a vision for historic hotel at Washington and Mass Ave
Next event?
Next Monthly Meeting February 3?

What happened at Dec 2 Meeting?

Clean-ups – 2 Saturdays, Mark led 30 volunteers – 55 bags of leaves – 200 daffodil bulbs in the raised beds of Chester Park and the median of Mass Ave. Looking forward to a colorful Spring! Email info@chestersquareassociation.org if you can help light fountains for the holidays (Dec 12).
Sgt Taxter offered BPD’s Safe Alley team to come to your alley for a security assessment. We’ll flier your block. Neighbors gather at the announced time for a walk around to observe problems and opportunities for neighbors and City to work together.
Northampton St – National Grid continues gas line upgrades. Mayors’ liaison Sam Chambers will inquire about excluding large truck through traffic.
Bud & Josh agreed to put together ideas for developing the Alexandra Hotel (corner Washington & Mass Ave). Email your thoughts to info@chestersquareassociation.org Brokers are expected to attend our January meeting.

Voted: Chester Square Area Neighborhood Association supports the participation of representatives from the South End Forum in the Alliance of Downtown Civic Organizations provided the diversity of positions in the South End is honored.

Comet Place – Sam Chambers will check on the process to get one-way designation and signs. He’ll also request street sweeping.
We’re looking into MailChimp to help communications to members. Are you getting the info you want, the way you want it? Email your comments to info@chestersquareassociation.org
January elections for 2016 officers: Candidates are Carol Blair – Pres, Bud Larievy – VP, Miren Urrutia – Secretary, Sara Mitchell – Treasurer.

Join us Dec 5 at 5 pm – Christmas caroling w/ seniors at Fortes House, 141 Shawmut Ave.
Next meeting January 6, 2016, 7 pm @ Hampton House