Vote Tuesday, Sept 8 – Let elected officials know you care! (ward 9, pct 3)

Call 311 or download Bos:311 App to report problems for City to fix.

Hampton House – BHA says “insurance issues” prevent our meeting in the community room where many of us vote. Knowing that seniors have time, attention, and experience, and seniors benefit from inclusion, we’re seeking help to sort this out, so our meetings can be handicap accessible and convenient for our seniors.

Neighborhood Watch – Report your observations to CSANAwatch@gmail.com, as well as 911 or 311. We’re gathering information to get a stronger and more constructive response to the recent influx of people with addictions, people who sell drugs, and people without homes.

Chester Park – Thanks to Parks Commissioner Chris Cook, bench slats have been replaced, trees trimmed, and dead trees removed. We voted $200 for fall planting (bulbs & ornamentals). Email info@chestersquareassociation.org if you’d like to help plant.

Sept 19 Fall Fest – games & kiddie pool, Zumba & Tai Chi, food & music, crafts & face-painting – all in Chester Park. Want to help? email info@chestersquareassociation.org.

Construction is underway at 521 Shawmut Ave. We voted to support a request to change occupancy from four units to two, and to express concern to the Landmarks Commission concerning a proposal to replace two historic dormers with a single long dormer.

South End Forum will meet Tuesday, Sept 8 at 6 pm (566 Columbus Ave). See agenda at http://www.mysouthend.com/opinion/editorial///184233/news_fromthe_south_end_forum
We voted to oppose extension of Urban Renewal for the South End for now, given the lack of a plan. We also voted to advise the South End Forum against formal membership in the Association of Downtown Civic Organizations.

Thanks to Councilor Tito Jackson and to staff for Mayor Walsh and Rep. Byron Rushing for participating.

For meeting location, email info@chestersquareassociation.org

Hampton House – BHA policy frustrating full engagement for seniors

Neighborhood Watch – On the street, from your window, and online

Chester Park – benches, fences, and more

Sept 19 Fun in Chester Park

Development
∙ Extend Urban Renewal authority? – See BRA Goals & Planning Objectives for South End at http://www.bostonredevelopmentauthority.org/getattachment/1cb06e51-d079-4fba-abae-2ad4c3690e4c (comment period ends 9/15
∙ 521 Shawmut Ave (front dormer, 4 decks, groundwater, occupancy)

If you cannot attend, please comment on this post.

• A STREET WATCH Group will be formed under the leadership of Brian Poe. If you regularly watch from your window or stoop, or walk your dog, a take a stroll to do errands, please check in with Brian, to coordinate with others who are keeping an eye on the street, (find Brian at Cluckit, corner Mass Ave and Tremont.
  You are encouraged to report problems to 911 (if urgent), or 311 (needles, graffiti, other problems needing maintenance) and also to write/call/email your elected officials concerning the need to allocate extra support to care for a recent influx of homeless people and methadone clients and respond to related problems.
• Mark Carrig organized a Chester Park walk-through with Commissioner Cook. We’ll work with the Parks Department to get dead trees replaced, fountains painted, hedges trimmed, benches refinished, and improved trash containers.
• SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2015 starting at 10:00 am we’ll meet in Chester Park for music, food, and games including YMCA staff leading activities. $400.00 is authorized for expenses. We’ll use the occasion to raise funds for beautification of the park ($1500 target). Volunteers please contact Sara Mitchell.
• Brian Poe, chef and partner in the restaurant formerly known as Estelle’s, apologized for the abrupt changes and lack of communication. He reported they are working with the Landmarks Commission to select an appropriate paint color. We asked him to be attentive to other matters that affect neighbors, as well, including late hour noise (trash, customers) and parking.
• Hamilton Property Group proposes to build a five-story building (44 apartments) on Frederick Douglas Green, destroying open space and fifteen or twenty mature trees. The new building, at 150 Camden St, facing the Piano Factory, would sit fairly tight to the existing sidewalk (much like The Modern, which faces the other side of the Piano Factory on Northampton St). To do this, they need BRA to change the zoning from 9 townhouses allowed by Planned Development Area #27. Our letter to BRA will oppose the project, citing concerns with density, parking, and open space, and asking BRA to turn their attention to the Alexandra Hotel and the overgrown lots at the corner of Shawmut and Camden. [Note: Since our Aug 5 meeting, BRA has scheduled a final meeting on this project for Tuesday, August 25 @ 6:30 in the lobby of 650 Columbus Avenue.]