Announcements

(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.

After the Snow

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

CSANA MEETING MINUTES

February 4, 2015

 

Recorder: Rudy Mitchell                                             TimeKeeper: Joshua Fieldler

Items:

  1. Minutes Acceptance

The minutes were reviewed and Sara move to accept them and Bud seconded t he motion. The minutes were accepted without amendments.

  1. Treasurer’s Report

Sara presented the Treasurer’s Report. At this time, the account balance is $4018.09. The expenditure for 2014 was $1004.17. Mark requested to be reimbursed for $15 for printing costs and the wreaths for the Holidays.

  1. CSANA Proposed Operational Norms                              

 

Bud suggested that we discuss whether or not we needed norms to help guide our conversations. The discussions clarified that norms are not rules. A question was raised as to how people would know what the norms were. It was suggested that they be placed at the top of the agenda and review them at the beginning of the meetings. They are considered values and attitudes, not rules. Also said is that some people are not used to using Robert’s Rules of Order. The next meeting will do a follow up discussion to the norms and their usage.

 

  1. Tenant Development Corporation Presentation

 

Tracy Litthicut, representing TDC, explained his involvement and background. The objective is for TDC to build their own office space and develop a community center. Presently, they are considering the lot next to Estelle’s on Tremont Street. The BRA ‘s RFP is not designed to accept a Community Center proposal for development.   They are considering a larger parcel but are ready to break ground this spring. They are requesting a letter of support from the CSANA.

 

The discussion that followed is that while we support the concept of a community center, the site may not be large enough to accommodate their needs and plans. It was decided to draft a statement of support with comments that affirm a community center idea and to keep us informed as to their progress and include input from the appropriate neighborhood groups.

 

  1. South End Community Forum and CSANA

Mark explained the origin and function of the South End Forum. The SEF has been meeting for 12 years. It is composed of 15 neighborhood associations and a few business associations as well. The CSANA needs to be represented in the SEF in order to assure that what is produced by them in facts represents our community and that of the South End. We reviewed a listing of the upcoming initiatives and issues that the SEF will be addressing.

A motion was made to make the SEF a permanent item on the agenda so that we could get updates their the issues/concerns so as to give us an opportunity to discuss them and then instruct our representative on how best to represent our views. Also, to request that their agenda be posted in advance so that we can discuss and vote on the upcoming issues before the Forum meets. The motion was approved and passed.

A second motion was made to designate Mark as our official representative to the Forum. The motion was passed.

A third motion was made to send a formal letter requesting that an agenda be sent to us directly from the Forum so we can officially review the items in advance. The motion was passed

 

  1. Parking “Storm Parking Space Savers “ Issue

This was briefly discussed but without decision or action.

 

  1. Alexandra Hotel Sale Update

Bud said that no new news on the upcoming sale but that he was in touch with Marc Lacasse about it and the lack of snow clearing in the front and side of the Hotel.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm