Sarah Mitchell presided; 13 others attended.

1. South End Apartments Renovations –
Michael Lozano (TCB Development Project Manager) made brief comments about TCB’s plans to renovate 29 buildings – 146 units – most in our immediate neighborhood. He introduced his team, related the contractor’s (CWC Builders’) extensive experience in the South End, and indicated October 1 as the current start date (Contract not yet signed; date not “fixed in stone”.) The plans, about 60% complete, include 100% replacement of windows with aluminum-clad wood, some doors, all roofs, heating systems, some kitchens & baths; eight units are to be made fully accessible. Eight buildings on West Springfield St, formerly known as “Ebenezer Homes”, will be joined with “South End Apartments” as the new “Historic South End Apartments” (office at 792 Tremont St).

Tim Dowd (TCB Reg’l Dir of Operations) and Cliff Boehmer (Davis Sq Architects) joined with Mr. Lozano in responding to questions. Mr Boehmer showed plans for one of the buildings with a handicap accessible unit, describing improvements and repairs, materials and design. Many questions concerning the remaining buildings were addressed and particular treatments were described and explored, but drawings and specifics were not available for the buildings in question. Groundwater was discussed; TCB indicated all properties within the Groundwater Conservation Overlay District would have groundwater recharge systems.

The following items were noted as needing further follow-up: historic doors, gutters & downspouts, fences, mortar pointing and masonry repairs, dust/dirt/runoff, rodent control, landscaping/grading, meetings with individual abutters, timely coordination of roofing repairs with abutters, a 24/7 contact for residents and neighbors, and schedule and updates concerning TCB design team’s inspections of areas of concern during construction to verify compliance with design documents. Michelle Laboy, Lloyd Fillion, & Carol Blair agreed to work together as a committee to follow-up with TCB to review plans and investigate outstanding questions between association meetings.

2. Illegal activity at Dunkin Donuts (Mass Ave nr Washington St) –
Hilani Morales (Mayors Office) reported police have this location under surveillance. We can help by calling 911, with a description, when we see something suspicious – even if we don’t see an illegal act. Mark Carrig will ask Dunkin Donuts to come to our August meeting to talk about what they can do to address the situation.

3. Tree Mulch –
Lloyd Fillion and Mark Carrig have mulched 20-25 trees in the neighborhood. Additional funds up to $125 were voted to complete mulching of new trees, with many thanks to Lloyd and Mark.

4. Summer Social –
Sara Mitchell, Solomon Baxter, Barbara Armandt, Mark Carrig, and Sandra Alvarado have explored possibilities for a block party and a garden party. Sara will call a meeting and form a committee to plan for an event that draws on the best of both. Please email info@chestersquareassociation.org if you’d like to help.

5. Our next meeting will be Wednesday, Aug 7.

7 pm at Harriet Tubman House — 566 Columbus Ave
1. Renovation of “South End Apartments” & “Ebenezer Homes” – TCB will present plans for 18 addresses on Springfield, Northampton & Tremont Streets & Mass. Ave. The proposed work includes roofing & gutters, masonry, windows & doors, handicap access, fencing, landscaping, & rehabbing interiors. We’re pleased to see so much invested in our neighborhood. Please come to share your experience/perspective as we review these plans. TCB hopes to begin construction in October, so don’t miss this meeting!
2. Notes from June Meeting
3. Mulch for street trees
4. Summer Social
5. Other business
6. Next Meeting Date

Sarah Mitchell presided; 14 others attended.
1. Trees – Our new trees will need watering when the soil is dry. Can you help? Email info@chestersquareassociation.org. Lloyd and Mark Carrig volunteered to mulch the trees. $100 of the budget was allocated to buy mulch. Lloyd Fillion and Bud Larievy have worked with the City’s criteria to identify 7 locations for new trees on Mass Ave between Shawmut & Washington. These need to be submitted to the City?s Tree Warden, along with two locations in Chester Park.

2. South End Apartments Renovations – Although our May meeting provided a letter supporting TCB?s intention to renovate, with the understanding that TCB would return to a June meeting with construction plans, the Community Builders (TCB) had indicated they would not have plans available for this meeting. Those present reviewed and added to the list of concerns already provided to TCB. Hilani Morales, representing the mayors office, expressed concern that TCB was not present with plans.

3. Looking ahead – Many ideas were proposed to enhance our neighborhood environment and to build community among neighbors. Joshua Fiedler, Michelle Laboy, and Alma Dell Smith volunteered to work on Chester Square gardens/plantings. Tasha Smith and Sara Mitchell volunteered to work on a block party. Sandra Alvarado and Mark Carrig volunteered to work on a neighborhood social. Would you like to work on any of these? Email info@chestersquareassociation.org.

4. Shawmut to Washington block of Mass Ave – Bud Larievy asked that attention be brought to drug trade at Dunkin Donuts. James Sutherland, representing City Councilor Ayanna Pressley, offered to check on this and get back to us. Mark Carrig is in contact with Tito Jackson?s office and indicated he would also check on it.

5. Our next meeting will be Wednesday, July 10.

Notes from May Meeting

Treasurer’s Report

Old Business

1. Trees – new trees, next steps (care, missing trees)

2. South End Apts Renovation – Detailing specific concerns for The Community Builders

New Business

1. Report on receipt of papers from Sheila Cheimets’ work on the park renovations

2. Calendar/Events – What next for our neighborhood? Reflect on our first 6 months and look ahead

Next Meeting Date