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

 

Sarah Mitchell chaired the meeting. 21 others attended.
1. Arbor Day Wrap-up
Mark Carrig, Jim O’Donnell, Tom Sheely, Carol Blair, Sandra Alvarado, Lloyd Fillion, Anthony Liburdi, and Sara & Rudy Mitchell each reported on particulars and many contributions. A team of 10 organizers recruited businesses & other institutions as well as residents to make and distribute fliers, plant and mulch trees, donate money, purchase & plant flowers, produce a banner & posters, clean up our sidewalks, gutters, and park, feed the crowd, energize the time with singing, honor the late Sheila Cheimets (the force behind Chester Park as you see it today), and provide a scavenger hunt and acorn-plating for the kids. In addition to those shown on the banner, we are grateful for the energy and commitment of Mt Calvary Baptist Church, Sergeant House, Victory Programs and individual residents. Thank you all!
Yet to come: Our park benches will be refinished under the leadership of Lloyd Fillion, who has been authorized to work with volunteers to clean and oil the benches and to spend up to $600 for materials and equipment. If you can help, email info@chestersquareassociation.org

2. South End Apartments Renovations
Tim Dowd, Regional Manager for The Community Builders (TCB) briefed the meeting on the history of TCB and their intention to renovate 21 buildings in our area beginning in September. Michael Lozano, TCB’s Regional Development Project Manager, responded to questions. These buildings have provided affordable housing for many of our residents for decades. TCB described proposed improvements as including exterior brick wall repointing, drainage and gutters, new kitchens and baths, door and window replacement, and improvements to energy efficiency, fire safety and handicap accessibility. The meeting voted to provide a letter supporting TCB’s intention, for their use in grant applications. TCB will provide a written description of the project ASAP and return to a June meeting with construction plans. If you want to receive updates on this project, please let us know at info@chestersquareassociation.org

3. Our next meeting will be Wednesday, June 5.

Two years ago, Chester Sq. neighbors were fighting to save two trees that stood in the way of a sidewalk café plan. Last Saturday, we joined forces to celebrate 19 new trees for our neighborhood! What a change!
Over 40 adults, plus many young adults and children turned out for Chester Square’s Arbor Day celebration. We planted acorns, enjoyed live music, cleaned up the neighborhood, planted flowers in the park, and reconnected with neighbors as we celebrated spring with our trees.
We put up a poster from http://www.earthgauge.net/2013/national-arbor-day-april-26-2013 showing how one tree, in one year, cools like ten air conditioners; absorbs 750 gallons of storm water; and filters out 60 pounds of air pollution. We hope the 19 trees planted in the Chester neighborhood will grow to cool like 190 air conditioners, absorb over 14,000 gallons of rain, and remove over 1100 lbs of pollutants from the air, year after year.
We’re very grateful the City of Boston’s tree planting program! And to the wonderful neighborhood team that made all this happen!
And, to all of you who enjoy, and care for, and watch out for our urban trees, thank you! May we see our young trees grow to be strong and provide shade and comfort for many, many seasons.