boston bulletin€¦ · finer ears than mine with the boston symphony orches-tra—became more...

Walking through the park/Parkman Playground Dedication

Saturday saw the grand re-opening of the long-awaited Parkman Playground renovation in JamaicaPlain.

PHOTO BY MATT MACDONALD

Matt MacDonaldMatt MacDonaldMatt MacDonaldMatt MacDonaldMatt MacDonaldStaff Reporter

On Aug. 24, Mayor MartyWalsh – standing at a City ofBoston podium set up be-tween two large, colorful,state-of-the-art play struc-tures – officially dedicatedthe newly renovated ParkmanPlayground at 58 WachusettSt. in Jamaica Plain).

The playground had unof-ficially opened over the July4th weekend, but the brief

ceremony, which included aribbon cutting, drew a full,clustered crowd of local par-ents and children – most ofwhom, on this sunny Saturdaymorning, were eager to expe-rience what the overhauledplayground had to offer.

The Mayor’s dedicationmarked the official conclusionof the renovation project,which entered the communityinvolvement phase with a se-ries of three meetings – heldby the Parks & Recreation

Dept. (BPR) – that took placein March, April, and June of2017.

During this stage of theproject, local residentsbrought forward their sugges-tions to the designers (Crosby,Schlessinger, Smallridge,LLC) handling the renovationand fell into two broad cat-egories: a fun, challenging,safe playground involving avariety of apparatus that also

WRNC Zoning approvesseveral projects

The West Roxbury Neighborhood Council Zoning Committee approvedseveral homeowner zoning relief requests last week.

PHOTO BY ARIANE KOMYATI

Ariane KAriane KAriane KAriane KAriane KomomomomomyyyyyatiatiatiatiatiStaff Reporter

The West Roxbury Neigh-borhood Council (WRNC)Zoning Committee met onTuesday, Aug. 20 at the Area EPolice Station in West Roxbury.The committee reviewedprojects at 34 Linnet St., 111Maple St., 57 Dent St., 1587Centre St., and 1531 Centre St.

The hot topic of the ZoningCommittee meeting was 1587Centre St. Many in attendancewere there as neighbors and/orabutters of the property. Theowners of the property wereseeking to extend their livingarea into the basement. Thehomeowners explained theyplan to refurbish their basementby adding a playroom and

workout area. Violations in-cluded reconstruction/exten-sion of a non-conforming build-ing and excessive floor area ra-tio. The zoning committee didnot have any questions, but oneabutting neighbor present at themeeting raised a few concerns.

“The contractor was notpresent to answer questionsabout the space at the abuttersmeeting,” stated the concernedabutter. “No structural stampwas present on the architecturaldrawing.”

The owners of 111 MapleSt. were seeking to build a ver-tical addition on top of theirexisting garage. “We are look-ing to create some dedicatedoffice space, since my husband

WRNC MeeWRNC MeeWRNC MeeWRNC MeeWRNC MeetingtingtingtingtingContinued on page 11

PPPPParararararkman Plakman Plakman Plakman Plakman PlayyyyygrgrgrgrgroundoundoundoundoundContinued on page 13

Fr. Ron Coyne says goodbye toBlue Hills Collaborative

New affordable housingin Forest Hills only 25%

Throughout his decades ofservice in the priesthood, Fr. RonCoyne, 72, has never been afraidof change. He also takes pride inbeing a man of the people, pre-ferring street clothes to tradi-tional vestments.

After five years of being thepastor of the Blue Hills Collabo-rative, Coyne decided it was timefor him to pursue an opportunityto travel where he would be mostneeded – any parish in search ofan emergency priest.

“I want to make it clear thatit was my decision to leave,” Father Ron Coyne announced recently he is moving on from Hyde Park,

and more than 400 parishioners celebrated with him last week.COURTESY PHOTO

MarMarMarMarMary Ellen Gambony Ellen Gambony Ellen Gambony Ellen Gambony Ellen GambonStaff Reporter

FFFFFrrrrr. Co. Co. Co. Co. CoyneyneyneyneyneContinued on page 6

RicharRicharRicharRicharRichard Heathd Heathd Heathd Heathd HeathStaff Reporter

On August 19, the 26-mem-ber Boston Inclusionary ZoningCoalition dropped off 1000 post-cards, largely gathered in Ja-maica Plain, urging MayorWalsh, the BPDA and the CityCouncil to–among other re-quests- set aside one third of allnew housing units as affordable.

Carolyn Chou is executivedirector of the Asian AmericanResearch Workshop.

“The IDP is an importanttool,” she told the media outsideCity Hall. “But it needs a signifi-cant increase. Most residentsearn under $50,000 [the IDP in-come cap] and the IDP doesn’tmeet the needs of residents.”

Kathy Brown of JamaicaPlain is the long-time director of

the Boston Tenant Coalition andone of the leaders of the postcarddrive.

“All tenants are vulnerable,”she said. “Anyone who doesn’tlive in public housing or non-profit housing.”

Inclusionary DevelopmentPolicy (IDP) was created in 2000under the Menino administra-tion; it requires private, for-profitdevelopers to set aside 13 percentof all units in a building of ten ormore as affordable and/or con-tribute to the city’s Housing TrustFund. The city’s definition of af-fordable is 70 percent or about$55,000 a year in income.

The Walsh administration isstudying an increase in that per-centage, has tinkered with it, butis reluctant to do more for fear of

AfAfAfAfAffffffororororordable Housingdable Housingdable Housingdable Housingdable HousingContinued on page 12

VOLUME 13 NUMBER 35 AUGUST 29, 2019

BBBBBostonostonostonostonoston BBBBBulletinulletinulletinulletinulletincitywide news citywide news citywide news citywide news citywide news • street by street street by street street by street street by street street by street

FREEFREEFREEFREEFREE

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WR resident running Marine Corps. Marathon for Fisher HouseJefJefJefJefJeff Sullivf Sullivf Sullivf Sullivf SullivanananananStaff Reporter

West Roxbury residentTim West has run for theFisher house in multiplemarathons since it came toWest Roxbury in 2010.

The Fisher House is a non-profit that is dedicated to pro-viding hotel services to thefamilies of veterans who arereceiving medical care at theVA. Since veterans and theirfamilies often have to go faraway from their hometownsfor services, the Fisher Housegives them a free place to stay,either at the house itself (ifthere is one at that particularVA Hospital) or at a local ho-tel.

“This is my ninth MarineCorps Marathon with theFisher House. We also ran theBoston Marathon in 2015,2016 and 2019,” West said.

West said he wanted to getinvolved because of his fam-ily history.

“My father Paul is a ma-rine, we’re a military family,”he said. “He’s retired now butI was looking for somethingto do that was a bit more thansaying ‘hey, thank the troops’kind of thing and when theFisher House opened in WestRoxbury, we wanted to get in-volved.”

West said he’s seen first-hand the amazing work theFisher House does for mili-tary families like his, and he

feels it is definitely a causeworth supporting, even if thesupport comes from puttinghis body through sometimesmultiple marathons everyyear.

“The organization is awe-some and we’re going to con-tinue to raise money as longas we can,” he said. “We’vebeen up to the house quite afew times. (West RoxburyFisher House Executive Di-rector Jen DeLuca) has reallybeen like part of the extendedfamily. She’s just been awe-some and she does so muchfor the vets and their fami-lies.”

West said he and his fam-ily help out whenever theycan. For instance, his brother-in-law runs with him when hecan and he and his familyhelps the house directly whenthey have time.

“We’ve cooked dinnersfor the people staying at theFisher House; my son anddaughter go up there and theybring baked goods around theholiday time too,” he said.“We just try to do the thingsthat will help the house bekind of more of a home forthe people who are stayingthere, especially those therefor an extended period oftime.”

West said he supportsboth the West RoxburyFisher House and the orga-nization as a whole. Thereare current ly 70 housesthroughout the world, fromAlaska to the United King-dom. He said when he runsfor the Boston Marathon thefunds stay to help the localFisher House, but the MarineCorps. Marathon supportsthe organization as a whole.

“The funds raised at theMarine Marathon go to buildmore Fisher Houses, whichis really cool,” he said. “So

for the longest t ime, theWest Roxbury house was theonly one in New England,but they’re in the process ofbuilding one at or right out-side Portland Maine rightnow.”

To donate to West’scause, go to https://bit.ly/2KZW2Go. For more infor-mation on the Fisher House,go to fisherhouse.org. Formore information on the up-coming 44th Marine CorpsMarathon at Arlington Vir-ginia , go tomarinemarathon.com.

West Roxbury resident Tim West has been raising money for the FisherHouse for almost 10 years.

COURTESY PHOTO

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Council talks ambulancesand gas leaks

Letters to the Editor

Landmark comes to an end, for this year

My Kindof Town/Joe Galeota

Growing up with no recordplayer (later known as a ste-reo) in the home, I was notexposed to classical music. (Inlater years I’d learn that the ap-pealing Lone Ranger themesong was adapted fromRossini’s William Tell Over-ture). And no one on ForestHills Street ever listened toTexaco’s operas on radio.

Classical music became ap-preciated in junior college aspart of a fine arts course. Noaficionado of it, I now merelyrelax by it, rather than relishit. So, when decades ago theWednesday night free summerofferings on the Esplanade bythe Landmark Orchestra—notto be confused by those withfiner ears than mine with theBoston Symphony Orches-tra—became more publicized,we made numerous trips to theBack Bay, horrible traffic not-withstanding.

It was a time to dine out-doors, gaze at the stars, and atthe same time listen to anorchestra’s outstanding perfor-mances, when the sirens ofambulances rushing towardMass General did not inter-rupt.

In those days the MDC(now the DCR) allowed park-ing on the westbound side ofStorrow Drive. Two workers,one driving a pick-up and oneon the back of it depositingcones to isolate a lane forcurbside parking, would begintheir rounds at 6:30, half anhour before the concerts be-gan. Parking was free, thoughnot devoid of a little danger,as cars from south and west ofBoston entering westbound

Storrow at Berkley would haveto cross over to the far-rightoutbound lane to avail them-selves of free parking. At theend of the concert cars wouldhave to enter the flow of traf-fic from a dead stop, again notwithout some danger. Butthere were state trooperspresent.

A number of years ago thisparking policy was discontin-ued, necessitating many mo-torists to park in the somewhatdistant Boston Common ga-rage because of the scarcity ofnon-resident parking spaces inthe Back Bay. The cost wasusual $14, unless attendeesstayed for the encore or walkedslowly back to the Common,in which case the charge was$18.

Until 2009 the personableCharles Ansbacher was theconductor. His repertoire in-cluded many classical andsemi-classical pieces, as listen-ers dined on the grass on blan-kets or on sand chairs andgazed at the stars. (Regularsized sitting chairs block vi-sion of the performers, espe-cially dancers and ballerinas,for those sitting on blankets orrelaxing in sand chairs.)

Regrettably the maestropassed away, leaving a largevoid, but was replaced by asimilarly talented leader, whocontinued the tradition of in-viting the magnificentLongwood Symphony Orches-tra, composed of Boston’s tal-ented medical professionals, toplay for an evening.

A few years ago, followingthe TSA’s draconian searchpolicies, no one was admitted

with any alcohol, and plastic/bottle containers, without athorough search and uni-formed state troopers standingnearby to solve argumentsabout contraband. This policylasted only a few years. Thanks probably to many at-tendees from the Back Baywho enjoy their sauvignonblanc, the invasive rummagingof purses, handbags, and pic-nic baskets was discontinued.

This marks the first yearthat my wife and I have not at-tended any concerts. Theweather, other engagements,and musical themes under-mined our ability to attend. Hopefully, next year will bedifferent if the weather holdsup and more traditional piecesof Beethoven, Brahms,Tchaikovsky, Scott Joplin, andLeonard Bernstein ——aswell as some lesser knowncomposers——are on themenu.

ANOTHER YEAR WITHOUTA UNITED HIGH SCHOOL

To the Editor:As a Roslindale home-

owner, and Roxbury Prep Spe-cial Education Coordinator, Iam beyond eager for RoxburyPrep’s 361 Belgrade project tomove forward. We have justcelebrated our twentieth year ofsuccess at Roxbury Prep, andthis past May, we had our firstgraduating class! To continueour students’ path of success, it

is crucial that we begin unitingour high school into one build-ing.

We are a team in every as-pect, and our scholars and edu-cators deserve to have as manyopportunities to learn as pos-sible. Being in one building al-lows our students to brain-storm, to seek advice, to findsolutions; these are the reasonsthat joining our two highschools into one is so key to thefuture of our scholars. Our stu-dents, who predominantlycome from low income back-grounds, are achieving at thehighest levels in our schoolsand are on their path to college.We owe it to them, and to ourcommunity to support these in-dividuals in their efforts.

I am hopeful that as a neigh-borhood, which currently in-cludes many of the RoxburyPrep scholars, we will make thechoice to support high qualityeducation. In our current politi-cal climate, it is imperative thatwe collaborate and place our ef-forts on creating positivechange and welcoming a highlysuccessful high school into ourcommunity.

Meg HackettRoslindale

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Biloxi Mississippi andNew Orleans - Oct. 12 -20 .Cost $860. All included ho-tel and motor coach. CallJoanne 617-323-0071

Conserve our resources.Recycle this newspaper.

JefJefJefJefJeff Sullivf Sullivf Sullivf Sullivf SullivanananananStaff Reporter

District 5 City CouncilorTim McCarthy and District 6City Councilor Matt O’Malleycalled for a hearing at the Aug.21 City Council regular meetingto discuss how to improve am-bulance response times by relo-cating the garages and bays theyoperate out of.

O’Malley said while that thecity has a better response timethan most cities of comparablesize and with larger fleets, thereis definite improvement to bemade by making the trips to thegarages and bays at the end andbeginning of each shift closer.

“Nine out of 22 ambulancesdon’t have a station or bay fortheir response area,” he said.“That’s a significant number, it’snot quite 50 percent but it’s closeto it. And so what happens is thatAmbulance A12 is respondingto Dorchester, Roxbury and Ja-maica Plain, but it needs totravel to Mattapan before andafter every shift. There’s beensome talk to relocate to FranklinPark; it’s really about being thegeographical center of the city.”

He added that AmbulanceA17 in Roslindale and Ambu-lance A21 in Roxbury Crossingboth face similar problems.

O’Malley said that 26 per-cent of the 355 average dailyambulance calls are consideredPriority 1, which are life-threat-ening situations and require asix-minute response time.O’Malley pointed out that am-bulances need more fuel thanusual vehicles, as the enginemust be kept idling to maintainthe temperatures of medicationsand equipment.

“The benefits of havingmore stations and bays, this isn’tsomething that is going to costa tremendous amount of money,but the benefits are myriad,” hesaid. “Not only will it reduce re-sponse times for emergencies, itwill also reduce emissions – anidling ambulance is exemptfrom the idling law because youneed to keep the equipment andmedicine a certain temperature– it would also save mechanicexpenses.”

Also during the meeting,

District 2 City Councilor Ed-ward Flynn re-introduced a hear-ing order, originally filed byO’Malley, to look at ways to re-duce gas leaks. He said he andO’Malley originally broughtforth the issue last year after theexplosions in the MerrimackValley.

“I am calling for this hear-ing again, as I view gas leaks inour city as a public safety issue,and it’s a public health issue aswell,” Flynn said. “Recentevents and reports have under-scored how important it is thatwe revisit this conversation. Acouple of weeks ago we had agas leak on Temple Street inBeacon Hill. Thankfully, theBoston Fire Department quicklyarrived on scene and evacuatedthe area. I contacted NationalGrid on this issue. A contractorcaused the damage, but it’s areminder of the risk involvedwith this infrastructure.”

Flynn said the gas leaks, es-timated somewhere between1,500 and 4,000 leaks for thecity alone, cause health issuesfor people, kill trees and are alarge factor in contributinggreenhouse gases to worseningclimate change.

“They pollute the air ourchildren breathe, and big enoughleaks can produce a fire or anexplosion, like we saw inMerrimack Valley,” he said.

O’Malley discussed his nowdefunct Gas Leaks Ordinance,passed in 2016, which wouldhave required gas utilities to re-pair any known gas leak when-ever the city, utility or construc-tion project was digging up thatportion of the street. NationalGrid challenged the ordinance incourt, and the city lost as statelaw requires that the state havejurisdiction on gas utility con-struction and repair.

“There are thousands ofthese leaks throughout the Cityof Boston. As rate-payers, weare paying for that unaccountedfor gas,” he said. “The healthrisks, the public safety risks andthe environmental risks thatthese pose every single day aretoo numerous to count. It’s beenvery hopeful that so many coa-lition partners have come to-gether to work with us.”


Coyne said. “I am ready to leave,so I initiated this.”

Coyne was honored with apicnic hosted by the Collabora-tive at 20 Como Rd. on Sunday,Aug. 25. beginning at 1 p.m.More than 400 people attendedand shared their memories ofCoyne during his tenure. Al-though the event was scheduledfor two hours, Coyne’s receivingline ran from 12:30 until nearly4 p.m.

“He wears jeans, boots andplaid shirts,” Anna Cote, the Di-rector of Ministries at the BlueHills Collaborative said as she in-troduced him. “His favorite mu-sic groups are Queen and Abba,and his favorite artist is LadyGaga.”

Coyne stressed that he was“not unhappy at all” in his cur-rent role, but sought a change.

“Some people were worriedthat I was sick, but I’m veryhealthy,” Coyne said in an inter-view with The Bulletin on Aug.23. “Some people thought I wasbeing transferred. But it was mychoice, so don’t write to the Arch-diocese.”

Coyne took an opportunity toserve on the Emergency Re-sponse Team, on which he hadworked earlier in his career. Be-cause of the current shortage ofpriests, Coyne saw this as achance to meet new people andserve a void.

“Most priests live alonenow,” Coyne said. “They can dieor have an accident, and some-body has to go in immediately.”

Ironically, the only otherpriest on the Emergency Re-sponse Team, Fr. Michael BovaConti, will be replacing Coyneuntil a permanent replacement isnamed. Coyne’s last day will beSept. 15, and Bova Conti willstart the next day.

“That’s why they were sohappy that I would go on theteam,” Coyne said. Coyne can be

placed anywhere in the Archdio-cese for an unknown period oftime. “I’ve filled in before inChelmsford, Billerica andBurlington.”

Coyne grew up in Roslindaleand West Roxbury, attending theMozart School, Holy Name andthen graduating from CatholicMemorial. His early life centeredaround Holy Name Parish, wherehe was inspired by his priest anddecided at age 18 to follow in hisfootsteps.

One experience duringCoyne’s eight years in the semi-nary changed his life profoundly.He spent two years working inNew Orleans, Louisiana.

“For the first time in my life,I was working with people whodidn’t look like me, who weren’tmy color, and who didn’t neces-sarily believe as I did,” he said.“They spoke differently than Idid.

“I was just flabbergasted bythe experience,” Coyne contin-ued, “I liked them, and they likedme. It kind of opened up myworld to be much broader, andI’ve carried that with me all mylife.”

Coyne was ordained a priestin 1973, two years before theCatholic Church went through adramatic shift in philosophy. TheSecond Vatican Council had beenconvened by Pope John XXIII in1959. The Council produced the16 documents that reformed themodern Catholic church and pro-vided a greater role for laypeople.Latin was replaced with English.

“I lived in two differentworlds,” Coyne said. “It’schanged the Catholic church forthe better, I believe. And it’schanged my life for the better.”

Coyne’s New Orleans expe-rience, combined with theVatican II philosophy, shaped hismore inclusive, progressive phi-losophy toward Catholicism, hesaid. This approach helped himduring his early assignment inMattapan during the busing cri-sis. He also was instrumental inorganizing the Charlestown Af-ter Murder Program (CHAMP),working with the families deter-mined to seek justice for theirslain loved ones.

“I’m very open to other cul-tures, other religions, other gen-ders, other sexualities,” Coynesaid. “I know it drives somepeople nuts. I tell people I respectthe past, but I don’t live there.”

Coyne said he realizes that hismodern approach is not the waythat many Catholics were raised,and that some may be turned offby his preaching.

“You cannot pretend you’renot who you are,” Coyne ex-plained. “If I got up there andpreached about a lot of things Iwas taught about growing up,people would say that’s not sin-cere. People may disagree withmy outlook my life, but they can’tquestion my passion.”

One of the biggest challengesCoyne said he faced in 2014 wasuniting Most Precious Blood, St.Anne’s and St. Pius X in Miltoninto a collaborative philosophy.

“We didn’t say you have togive up your parish identity,” hesaid. “But you have to grow be-yond it. In other words, the

church is much larger than yourgeographical mindset.”

One of the benefits that hap-pened was that people from thethree parishes began to interactand attend services at eachother’s churches.

The three greatest reasonsCoyne said a person returns to achurch are “the hospitality, themusic and the preaching.”

“I think one of the greatestgifts I can give to a parish is tohave people look forward tocoming to church,” Coyne said.“They look forward to celebrat-ing their faith, and they look for-ward to receiving the Eucharist.”

People who attended thecookout embraced Coyne andhis philosophy.

“Fr. Coyne is not just apriest,” administrative assistantKathi Ryan Flynn said. “He’sone of the funniest, kindest menin Hyde Park. He loves every-one, and he treats everyone thesame. He’s the new type ofpriest.”

“Fr. Coyne is one of the great-est priests we have had in a longtime, and I have lived in thisneighborhood for 45 years,”Annette O’Shea said. “I’m sorryto see him go, but he deservesthe best of everything.”

“I have been in the parish foralmost 25 years,” added MagalieBrunache as she stood in frontof a poster of Coyne. “If youdidn’t go to church one week, hewould ask you what happened.He knew everyone’s names andtheir families, too.”

“Fr. Coyne was one of thebiggest influences on my life,”Daniel Farnkoff said, adding thathe has known him since hisRoslindale days. “He is the rea-son I decided to stay with theCatholic church. I am sure hewill bring the same level of en-thusiasm to his new endeavors.”

His son, Desmond, 7, is fondof Coyne as well.

“I like Fr. Coyne because heis a good person,” Desmond said.“He’s always kind, and he al-ways shows that he cares. I lovehim.”

Marietta Phinney, thefounder of Riverside TheatreWorks, noted how involvedCoyne has been in supporting thetheater and building a partner-ship.

“He was a blessing to St.Anne’s and the Collaborative,and we are so sorry to see himgo,” she said. “He has been a bigpart of the arts community, andwe are grateful for his contribu-tions.”

Riverside Theatre Works willbe holding a special performanceof “Godspell” on September 28as a fundraiser for the Collabo-rative, Phinney added.

Coyne said he was proud ofthe number of events held whilehe was there, including theEdwards Twins, Always Abbaand the church bazaars. The pro-ceeds always are dividedevenly among the three par-ishes.

Coyne has been thrilled toserve the people of Hyde Park,Readville, Milton, Dedhamand beyond, he said.

“I’ve never lost my enthu-siasm, my passion or my fo-

Fr. Coyne continued from page 1


Around the Neighborhood

Junior Damato, the “Auto Doctor,” has agreed to field auto repair questions from Bulletin and Record readers.Please send your questions to [email protected] and we will do our best to get them answered.

Junior Damato began servicing vehicles in 1969. He owns an 8-bay centerin Middleboro, MA. Junior is an ASE-certified Master Technician,

ASE-certified L-1 and ASE-certified Natural Gas.

Ask The DoctorTo the Doctor: I purchased a 2018 Lincoln MKX last May. It is a great car with many bells andwhistles – but lousy gas mileage. I’m averaging 15 MPG city and 18 MPG highway. The car computesthe MPG as you drive, under the trip odometer. When I fill up, I divide the number of miles driven fromthe last fill up by the number of gallons I pumped into the gas tank and the answer is consistently about1.5 MPG less than what the car computes. Looks like Lincoln is overstating the actual gas mileage.Have you heard of such a discrepancy?

From the Doctor: Gas mile figures are calculated under precise testing conditions. Some on roadsand others on dynomonitors. The actual mileage the car owner will get depends on many factorsincluding temperature, altitude, terrain and more. The use of full synthetic oil and correct air pressurein your tires is a must when trying to get the most MPG possible. The computer gas mileage registeringis only approximate and should be used as a guide only.

To the Doctor: I have a 2012 Lexus RX 350 that has a punishing ride. The vehicle is otherwise perfectwith Lexus reliability, fit, quietness, etc. However, the ride is absolutely punishing (a design featureLexus incorporated to improve the vehicle handling). I see that there are many strut/spring kits/assemblies available for the front end and installation is not an issue. My question is, which kit should Ipurchase, as none of the kits gives any indication of improving the punishing ride? I am at a loss. I havethe correct tires on the vehicle and have the Lexus stated air pressure in them.

From the Doctor: We install complete strut assemblies called quick struts. Quick struts are availablefor the front and rear and will make a difference on the ride. There are no real specs on spring rate onreplacement struts. Whatever brand you buy will make an improvement. There are many companiesthat market strut assemblies and sell online or you can buy them at the local auto parts store.

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CITY

LEARN TO SKATE CLASSESOFFERED AT 11 GREATERBOSTON RINKS

The 2019-2020 skating seasonis about to begin. Bay State Skat-ing School is one of GreaterBoston’s most established andpopular skating programs. We arecelebrating over 50 YEARS ofteaching children in the GreaterBoston area!

Professional Instructors teachRecreational, Figure and HockeySkating Skills to the beginner, in-termediate and advanced skaters. Students can wear either figure,recreational or hockey skates. New FALL lessons begin in Sep-tember. Lessons are held at 11Greater Boston Rink locations in-cluding; Brookline-ClevelandCircle, Larz Anderson/Brookline,Cambridge, Medford, Newton-Brighton, Quincy, Somerville,Waltham, West Roxbury, andWeymouth.

Our emphasis is on having funwhile learning to skate. Enjoy a funfilled series of lessons, where chil-dren learn the basic skills of iceskating. We have taught over90,000 students to ice skate. Come skate and feel great!

For more information and toregistration, visitwww.BayStateSkatingSchool.orgor call Bay State Skating School(781) 890-8480.

REGISTRATION IS OPENFOR FALL SWIM LESSONSAT THE Y

Summer may be coming to anend, but learning to swim safely isan important life skill to developyear-round. Registration is nowopen for the YMCA of GreaterBoston’s Early Fall Aquatics ses-sion. Lessons during the eight-week program, which runs Sept.3 through Oct. 27, are available forswimmers of all ages and are tai-lored for individual experiencelevels.

Y lessons focus on preparingswimmers for all aspects of thewater experience and life by teach-ing skills in these five focus areas:personal safety, personal growth,stroke development, water sportsand games and rescue. Participantsare placed in a level based on ageand ability to help meet the devel-opmental needs of each swimmer.

Beginner swimmers are requiredto wear instructional flotation de-vices to help them swim in thecorrect body position and improvetheir arm and leg motions whileremaining afloat.

Registration for non-membersruns through Sept. 3. Fees vary byclass. Participants who registerprior to the program’s start datewill save $10. To learn more aboutthe Early Fall Aquatics program,go to your local Y or visit: https://ymcaboston.org/swimming

ALLSTON / BRIGHTON

MAYOR WALSH TODEDICATE GENERALCASEY AMPHITHEATER

Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Bos-ton Parks and Recreation Commis-sioner Ryan Woods, and BostonPlanning & Development AgencyDirector Brian Golden will join theCasey family at 4 p.m. on Wednes-day, August 28, for the dedicationof the Major General George W.Casey Amphitheater located atSmith Playground at 235 WesternAvenue in Allston.

Built with a capital budget thatincluded funding from the BostonCollege Neighborhood Improve-ment Fund, this flexible amphithe-ater can accommodate both smalland large events alongside thenewly renovated Smith Field. Asnoted on a plaque at the site, Ma-jor General George W. Casey wasborn on March 9, 1922, in Allstonto Dr. John F. Casey and ElizabethMcDermott Casey, the fourth ofseven children. The family livedat 94 Franklin Street, approxi-mately 400 yards from the loca-tion of the amphitheater. Caseyattended Boston Latin School andHarvard University before trans-ferring to the U.S. Military Acad-emy where he was commissionedin 1945.

General Casey served in occu-pation duty in Japan followingWWII and in combat during theKorean War, where he received aSilver Star for his actions on Heart-break Ridge. He was command-ing the 1st Cavalry Division on histhird tour in Vietnam when he waskilled in a helicopter crash with six

others en route to Cam Ranh Bayto visit wounded soldiers from theDivision’s operations in Cambo-dia. His awards include the Dis-tinguished Service Medal, SilverStar (3), Distinguished FlyingCross, Bronze Star with Valor de-vice, Purple Heart (2) and AirMedal (8).

A FREE FAMILYCELEBRATION OF THEAUTUMNAL EQUINOX

Celebrate the Equinox withNoel Paul Stookey (of Peter, Pauland Mary fame) at the 16h annualRevels RiverSing, Saturday, Sep-tember 21, at the Herter Park Am-phitheater in Allston! Lift yourvoice in song as Revels wavesgoodbye to summer and welcomesin the fall at the 16th annual Rev-els RiverSing at the Herter ParkAmphitheater in Allston! Saturday,September 21, from 5:00 - 7:30pmat the Herter Park Amphitheater,Allston, MA. Learn More:www.revels.org/riversing

JAMAICA PLAIN

CENSUS 2020 CAMPAIGNJPNDC is launching a Census

2020 campaign because much ofour community—especially immi-grants, people of color, and low-income households—is at highrisk of being undercounted.

If we’re not counted, we loseresources and representation ingovernment! Learn more and vol-unteer.

26TH ANNUALJAMAICA PLAIN ARTISTSOPEN STUDIOS!

The premiere annual arts eventin one of Boston’s most eclecticneighborhoods, Jamaica PlainOpen Studios (JPOS), is returningin 2019 for its 26th year! OpenStudios is an opportunity to take arare public peek at some privatespaces. The free event showcasesthe artwork of up to 200 artists at40 sites including artists’ studios,the historic Eliot School and more.It runs from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. overthe weekend of September 28 - 29,2019.

JPOS is celebrating its

26th year as the premiere annualarts event in Jamaica Plain. JPOSshowcases 200 artists in approxi-mately 40 sites. The event is opento the public and will take placeSeptember 28 and 29 from 11 a.m.to 6 p.m. For more informationand to preview artists’ work,visit www.jpopenstudios.com.

FALLS PREVENTIONCLASSES FOR SENIORS

Many older adults experiencea fear of falling. People who de-velop this fear often limit theiractivities, which can result inphysical weakness, making therisk of falling even greater. A Mat-ter of Balance: Managing Con-cerns About Falls is a program de-signed to reduce the fear of fallingand increase activity levels amongolder adults. Classes run for 8weeks and include fun videos,group discussion, a safe surround-ings survey, and mild exercise toincrease strength and flexibility. Itis offered at no charge. Those us-ing a cane or walker will also ben-efit from this program – it is a greatclass to help improve your balanceand self-confidence.

Location: Woodbourne Apart-ments, 6 Southbourne Road in Ja-maica Plain, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00p.m. on September 5th. For moreinformation or to register for thisworkshop contact Ann Glora at617-477-6616 [email protected]

HYDE PARK

MEET THE CANDIDATESFOR DISTRICT 5

The following candidates, forthe District 5 Boston City Councilseat, have said YES to participat-ing in the forum on September9,2019, sponsored by the Friendsof the Hyde Park Library.

Ricardo Arroyo, Maria EsdaleFarrell, Cecily Graham, JustinMurad, Alkia Powell, Jean-ClaudeSanon and Mimi Turchinetz

Moderator: Gretchen Van NessTime: 6:30-8:00 PM Place: BlueHills Catholic Collaborative audi-torium on 20 Como Road in theReadville section of Hyde Park.Parking and ramp entrance in therear of the building.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL ATBETH SHALOM-BLUEHILLS

Ice Cream Social for currentand prospective Religious Schoolstudents on Thursday, Aug. 29th,from 6:30-7:30 p.m. This event isfree and open to any families in-terested in a Jewish education fortheir children.

NEIGHBORHOODCONVERSATION WITHDISTRICT 5 CITY COUNCILCANDIDATES

Sponsored by the Friends ofthe Hyde Park Library ON Sep-tember 9, from 6:30-8:00 P.M. atthe Blue Hills Catholic Collabo-rative Auditorium – 20 Como Rd,Readville. Meet the candidates,learn about their ideas and propos-als for improving our district, andask questions! Moderated byGretchen Van Ness.

WEST ROXBURY /ROSLINDALE

WEST ROXBURY BUSINESSASSOCIATION MEETING

September, 11, 2019 at 7:45am at the Corrib Pub and Restau-rant, 2030 Centre Street, WestRoxbury.

Guest speaker will be Char-lotte Fleetwood, Senior Plannerfrom the City of Boston Transpor-tation Department. Charlotte willbe discussing & taking questionsabout changes to Centre Street thathave been proposed.

PROGRAM FORBECOMING CATHOLIC

St. John Chrysostom, 4750Washington St. West Roxbury, awelcoming, inclusive communityof Catholics following Christ, in-vites adults who are consideringbecoming Catholic to register forour preparation program whichbegins in the Fall. Contact MaryCampion, pastoral associate [email protected] call 617-323-4410.

MEET THE CANDIDATESFOR DISTRICT 5

The following candidates, forthe District 5 Boston City Councilseat, have said YES to participat-ing in the forum on September9,2019, sponsored by the Friendsof the Hyde Park Library.

Ricardo Arroyo, Maria EsdaleFarrell, Cecily Graham, JustinMurad, Alkia Powell, Jean-ClaudeSanon and Mimi Turchinetz

Moderator: Gretchen Van NessTime: 6:30-8:00 PM Place: BlueHills Catholic Collaborative audi-torium on 20 Como Road in theReadville section of Hyde Park.Parking and ramp entrance in therear of the building.

KIWANIS TRIVIA NIGHTOn Sept. 12 the West Roxbury

Roslindale Kiwanis is hostingTrivia Night at JJ Brannelly’s inRoslindale at 4432 Washington St.from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. to raisefunds for local programs. Ticketsfor the Trivia are $10 and registra-tion starts at 6:30 p.m.

MAYOR OF ROSLINDALECONTEST FORROSLINDALE DAY PARADE

The 44th Annual RoslindaleDay Parade will take placeon Sunday, October 6th, 2019,stepping off at 1:00 p.m. fromWashington Street in RoslindaleVillage. The parade will proceedup South Street, to Belgrade Av-enue, taking a right at WestRoxbury Parkway, throughGottwald Rotary, to Centre Street,to South Street, and ending atFallon Field. This year the Paradewill honor as Grand MarshalsStephen Judge and the DelfinoRestaurant Family.

In addition to parade partici-pants, the Committeeis seeking candidates to join in our21st annual ”Mayorof Roslindale” Contest which willrun through the end of September. The winner of the contest will behonored in the Parade on Sunday,October 6th. The deadline for reg-istration for the Mayor ofRoslindale contest is August 31st.

For information about thecontest, as well as Parade partici-pation opportunities for your or-ganization or business, please visitwww.roslindaleparade.com, e-m a i lto [email protected],or call 617-327-4886.

Conserve our resources.

Recycle this newspaper.


Council looking to increase affordabilitywith leverage on developers

JefJefJefJefJeff Sullivf Sullivf Sullivf Sullivf SullivanananananStaff Reporter

The Boston City Councilmet last week and voted tosend a home-rule petition tothe State Legislature to allowthe city to leverage more af-fordable housing from devel-opers in the city.

The law would amend the1956 Zoning Code Law, Sec-tion 8 of Chapter 665 and, ac-cording to At-Large CityCouncilor and Governmentoperations Chair MichaelFlaherty, would give the citygovernment the ability tomake adjustments to the link-age fee formula as it sees fit.It would also connect the link-age formula to the BostonPlanning and DevelopmentAgency’s (BPDA) Article 80Project Review Process andcodify the city’s InclusionaryDevelopment Policy (IDP)into the Zoning Code.

Flaherty said the last itemwould allow the city to pur-sue IDP requirements regard-less of whether or not theproject was already approvedby the Zoning Board of Ap-peals (ZBA).

“Linkage was first intro-duced back in 1983 by formerMayor Ray Flynn, and wasnot updated by the Boston Re-development Authority until

2000, when I joined the coun-cil and put an ordinance for-ward to increase those pay-ments,” Flaherty said. “Thislegislation gives the City ofBoston updated exaction rateson an annual basis as we con-tinue to go through this era ofrapid development.”

Flaherty also said that theexaction rates for the LinkageFee program would be in-creased from $5 per squarefoot for housing and $1 persquare foot for employmentopportunities for low-incomeresidents to current $9.03 and$1.78 respectively. The actwould also give the city theauthority to make adjustmentsto this on a yearly basis ac-cording to the Consumer PriceIndex (CPI).

Former Housing Directorand District 1 City CouncilorLydia Edwards said she feltthe most important part of thislegislation is that the Councilwould have a vote on approv-ing a set of linkage fees. Shealso said that as projects comeforward in the form ofPlanned Development Areas(PDAs) like Suffolk Downs,the city will have more op-tions to get the most from itsprojects.

“Suffolk Downs is a 20-year process, and as it comesback to look for zoning relief,

now we can apply and look atdifferent ways in which wecan make sure that we’remaximizing the profits that weneed for the city,” she said.

The act also requires thatthe Zoning Commission willadopt new regulations to miti-gate adverse impacts of newreal estate development on af-fordable housing or employ-ment opportunities for lowand moderate income resi-dents. Basically, any condi-tional use permit, zoning re-lief or variance or even Article80 Review Approval would beconditional based on thedeveloper’s promised mitiga-tion for affordable housing inthe IDP. The act would alsorequire the Commission toadopt new regulations to miti-gate other impacts, includingbut not limited to impacts onthe transportation network,public infrastructure, environ-ment, urban design compo-nents or historic resources.All earlier permits and vari-ances granted to a developerwould be contingent on saidregulations the Zoning Com-mission is compelled to cre-ate if and when the Home-Rule Petition is approved bythe state legislature.

For the full petition for anew law, go to https://bit.ly/2Zjt0dI.

To advertise, call the Bulletinat (617) 361-8400


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DeathsCOLLERAN

Myles Michael Age 88, ofReadville, died Monday Au-gust 26, 2019 from complica-tions related to cancer treat-ment. Devoted husband of thelate Patricia (Fahey) Colleranfor nearly 60 years, he leavesbehind daughters MichelleColleran Cook and her hus-band Edward of Franklin;Patricia Colleran Hoey ofReadville; Charleen ColleranLombardi and her husbandJohn of Dedham; his sonKevin Colleran and hisfiancée Carmen Castellanos ofCumberland, RI; and hisformer daughter-in-law DollyColleran, of East Bridgewater.A devoted Poppop to sevengrandchildren he also leavesbehind, Audrey, Meredith, andPatrick Cook; MichaelaColleran; Madison Hoey; andJonathan and MatthewLombardi, as well as manynieces and nephews. He waspredeceased by his brothersJames, John, Thomas, andDavid Colleran, to whom hegave the gift of presence astheir health declined. Son ofMichael and Mary (Heffernan)Colleran Myles was a gradu-ate of Hyde Park High Schooland married his childhoodsweetheart, Pat. Together theymade a stunning couple. If youwant an example of what mar-riage vows mean you need notlook any further than Myles.As Pat’s health declined, heselflessly cared for her foryears her until her death. Inaddition to being owner ofK.C. Cleaners for over 20years, Myles formally retiredfrom Gen-Rad yet continued towork in his business and as thecaretaker of St. Anne’s Parrishin Readville. Myles was a natu-ral athlete and excelled at what-ever sport he played but wasmost known for his prowess inbaseball. While serving in theU.S Army during the KoreanConflict he was recruited andplayed for the Brooklyn Dodg-ers before an injury cut short hisprofessional career. He contin-ued to play for various clubsoftball teams for many years.Physically fit his entire life,Myles walked three miles dailyuntil his health prevented himfrom doing so. He refused tosuccumb to illness and despitethe protests of his children, hecontinued to mow the lawn,shovel snow, and do battle withthe multitude of squirrels whoattempted to make their homein his trees. His greatest legacyto his family were the lessonsof devotion, commitment, anda work ethic he imparted tothem by example, every day. Atrue gentleman, his passing isa profound loss for all whoknew and loved him. Funeralfrom the George F. Doherty &

Sons Wilson-Cannon FuneralHome, 456 High St.,DEDHAM, on Thursday, Au-gust 29, at 9am followed by aFuneral Mass in St. AnneChurch, Readville, at 10am.Relatives and friends kindlyinvited. Visiting Hours onWednesday, August 28, from4-8pm. Interment in BrookdaleCemetery, Dedham. Expres-sions of sympathy may bemade in Myles’ memory to theALS Association, P.O. Box37022, Boone, IA 50037. Fordirections and guestbook,gfdoherty.com George F.Doherty & Sons Dedham 781326 0500

CONROYDoreen Patricia Of West

Roxbury, formerly Ireland,passed away August 21, 2019after a brief illness. Lovingwife of Kevin, beloved motherof Sharon, David and his wifeJosie, Lynda and her husbandTJ, Larry and his late wife Jill.Adored grandmother to Markand his fiancée Mariely,Kieran, Liam, Sean, Ryan,Braeden and Cody and great-grandmother to Gabriela.Cherished sister of EileenMallon (Co. Fermanagh),Larry and Maura Feighan (Co.Armagh) and sister-in-law ofBridget Feighan (Co.Armagh). Also survived bymany loving nieces and neph-ews. A Funeral Mass was heldon Monday, August 26th in St.Theresa Church. Interment St.Joseph Cemetery. Forg u e s t b o o kwww.gormleyfuneral.comWilliam J. Gormley FuneralService 617-323-8600

CROPPERLeonard L. “Lenny” Of

West Roxbury, Aug. 17. Dearbrother of Ann Cropper ofDedham and Charles Cropperof Franklin. Also survived bynephews Craig Cropper ofNorwood, William Cropper ofFranklin and niece JudithFitzgerald of Sandwich, andwill also be missed by hisgreat-nieces and nephews. AFuneral Service was held onAugust 22nd the Folsom Fu-neral Home, DEDHAM. Inter-ment in Gardens ofGethsemane Cemetery, Bos-ton. In lieu of flowers, dona-tions in Lenny’s memory toAllin Congregational Church,683 High St., Dedham wouldbe appreciated. For obituaryand to sign guestbook, visitwebsite. Folsom FuneralH o m ewww.folsomfuneral.com

GEARYWalter J. Age 83, of West

Roxbury, passed away on Au-gust 16, 2019. Beloved hus-band of the late Mary (Foley),

and loving father of KevinGeary of West Roxbury andStephen Geary and his wifeElizabeth of Riverview,Florida. Devoted “Grampy” ofBrendan and Lillie Geary.Brother of David Geary ofMarshfield, Frank Geary ofStoneham, and the late PaulineButterfield of Badger, Iowa.Also survived by many niecesand nephews. A Funeral Masswas held on Thursday, August22nd in St. Theresa Church.Interment St. Joseph Cemetery.For guestbookwww.gormleyfuneral.comWilliam J. Gormley FuneralService 617-323-8600

HALLPatricia A. Formerly of

West Roxbury, passed away onAugust 18, 2019. Beloved wifeof the late William D. Hall.Loving daughter of the lateEleanor and ThomasMcNamara. Sister of BarbaraBudra of Nashua, NH.,Kathleen Littlefield ofDedham, and the late EleanorLabier. Also survived by manynieces and nephews and 13godchildren. A private burialwas held at Canton CornerCemetery, Canton. Arrange-ments by P.E. Murray - F.J.Higgins, George F. Doherty &Sons, West Roxbury.

KOCISanije of Roslindale, for-

merly of Elbasan, Albaniapassed away on August 19,2019. Beloved wife of the lateDine Koci. Devoted mother ofLavdie of Albania, Agim ofRoslindale, Sabire of Albania,Drita of Greece, Jashar ofRoslindale, Batjar of Greece,and Arben of Greece. Lovinggrandmother of 13 and greatgrandmother of 3. Burial willoccur in the Koci family plotin Qafe Dardhe, Albania. Ar-rangements by P.E. Murray -F.J. Higgins, George F.Doherty & Sons FuneralHome, West Roxbury.

KOURTISFotios N. of West Roxbury,

MA, 93 years old, passed awayon August 22, 2019. Belovedhusband of Anastasia(Georgaklis) Kourtis. Devotedfather of Nicholas Kourtis andhis wife Jane, and WilliamKourtis. Loving grandfather ofFotios Kourtis and his wifeRachel, Anastasia Kurkuvelosand her husband Alexander,Dimitri Kourtis, and SusanAthanasia Kourtis. Brother-in-law of Konstantoula Kourtis,Voula Maheras, ChristinaKopellas, and Nitsa Georgaklis.A founder of St. NectariosGreek Orthodox Church, andthe Evrytanian Society

DeathsDeathsDeathsDeathsDeathsContinued on page 11


(Roumelis) of Boston. The2006 Metropolis of Boston La-ity Award recipient from hisbeloved St. Nectarios GreekOrthodox Church. Funeral Ser-vice on Tuesday, August 27,2019 at St. Nectarios GreekOrthodox Church, 39 BelgradeAve., Roslindale, MA at11:30AM. Visiting Hours onMonday, August 26, 2019 at thechurch from 5PM to 8PM. Inlieu of flowers, donations in hismemory may be made to theabove named church. Burial inThe Gardens Cemetery. Foronline guestbook please visitwww.Faggas.com FAGGASFUNERAL HOME 800-222-2586

McDONOUGHPatricia F. (Fournier) Of

Hyde Park, formerly ofDorchester, Aug 23, 2019. Be-loved wife of Thomas V.McDonough, Sr. Lovingmother of Thomas V.McDonough, Jr. (BPD) and hiswife Valerie of Rockland, andTricia (McDonough) Rudniskyand her husband Michael ofWest Roxbury. Devoted nana ofMolly, Sean, and MeaghanMcDonough and Thomas,Patrick and MaryKateRudnisky. Sister of Duval F.Fournier, Stanley Ornell, RalphOrnell, and the late Jackie Ma-son, Arthur “Butchie” Fournierand Carol McLeod. Also sur-vived by many nieces and neph-ews. A Funeral Service washeld at the William J. GormleyFuneral Home, 2055 Centre St.,WEST ROXBURY, onWednesday, Aug. 28th. Patriciawas a former employee of theBoston Police Dept. In lieu offlowers, donations may bemade in Patricia’s memory toCops for Kids with Cancer Inc.,PO Box 850956, Braintree, MA02185. For guestbookwww.gormleyfuneral.com Wil-liam J. Gormley Funeral Ser-vice (617) 323-8600

MUNSTISEllen (Lydon) In Derry, NH,

age 74, formerly of Co.Galway, Ireland, August 9,2019. Funeral Mass andburial in Carraroe, Co.Galway, Ireland, Thursday,August 22nd. For guestbookgormleyfuneral.com WilliamJ. Gormley Funeral Service617-323-8600

STANEWICKSandra E. (Dabrowski) Of

Roslindale, formerly ofEasthampton, August 18, 2019,surrounded by her loving fam-ily, following a courageousbattle with Alzheimer’s Dis-ease. She was 75 years old.Dear and devoted wife of Jo-seph Stanewick. Loving motherof Marisa Stanewick and herhusband Daryl F. Veale of WestRoxbury. Cherished grand-mother, “Nana” of Daryl A.Veale. Dear daughter-in-law ofEthel Stanewick of WestRoxbury. A Funeral Servicewas held on Saturday, August24th at the Kfoury Keefe Fu-neral Home, 8 Spring St.,WEST ROXBURY. In lieu offlowers, contributions inSandra’s memory may be madeto Jog Your Memory 5K, 56Nichols Rd., Needham, MA0 2 4 9 2 ,(www.jogyourmemory5k.org),or to Good Shepherd Commu-nity Care, 90 Welles Ave., New-ton, MA 02459(www.gscommunitycare.org).Interment will be private.Guestbook & obituary atwww.KfouryFuneral .comKfoury Keefe Funeral HomeWest Roxbury 617-325-3600

Deaths continued from page 10

The Bulletin Newspapers andThe Boston People’s Voicepublishes obituaries from in-formation supplied by funeralhomes. Relatives and friendsalso may supplement infor-mation by e-mailing [email protected] Monday at 1 p.m. Photosalso will be accepted.

Obituary Policy

WRNC Meetingcontinued from page 1and I work from home,” thehomeowner explained. A mo-tion was made to accept, andthe motion was approved bythe zoning committee.

At 57 Dent St., thehomeowners planned to re-move the rear porch and add amudroom addition. The oneminor violation was an insuf-ficient side yard. The zoningcommittee had few commentsand concerns, and multipleneighbors attended the meet-ing in support of the project.A motion was made to approvethe project, and the motionwas accepted.

The property owners of 34Linnet St. were seeking to adda driveway for off street park-ing. Violations included an offstreet parking requirement.There were no questions bythe committee or the meetingattendees, so the project wasapproved.

The owners of 1531 Cen-tre St. sought to extend thefirst floor unit of a two familyresidential home area into thebasement. They also plannedto add four rooms, whichwould be used as an entertain-ment room, an office, a bath-

room, and a wet bar area. Thisproposal included multiple vio-lations, such as extension of anon-conforming two family ina single-family subdistrict, andexcessive floor area ratio. Theowners of the property were notpresent at the meeting.

“We would like to hear moreabout the project from thehomeowners,” stated TonySaroufim. The project was de-

ferred until next month, sincethe zoning committee wouldlike to speak with the propertyowners and have them presentat the meeting.

The next WRNC ZoningCommittee Meeting will takeplace on Tuesday, Sept. 17.For questions, comments, andconcerns, email WRNC Zon-ing Chair Tony Saroufim [email protected].



drying up housing starts. In 2018the Walsh administration proudlypointed out that 25 percent of allnew units being built that yearwere affordable.

Forest Hills is keeping withinthat percentage range. In the pastfive years there have been 825units of new housing either com-pleted or under construction-bothrental and ownership. Two hun-dred-25 percent-are affordablelargely between 60 percent and70 percent area median income

(AMI) (roughly $50,000 to$55,000 a year.)

But the lion’s share of that-78 units-is in A+O Flats at 95Hyde Park Avenue being built bythe social housing developer thecommunity Builders; almost 10percent. In a report issued in Feb-ruary 2018 by DND, JamaicaPlain had 19,348 units of hous-ing of which 4873 –or 25 percent-were marketed as affordable.(Jamaica Plain has three publichousing developments).

IDP units come out of thedeveloper’s income; rents orcondo prices subsidize the afford-able units, which, as the IDPCoalition maintains, is not veryhigh and in an unrealistic incomerange.

The largest rental housingdevelopment at Forest Hills isMetro Mark -283 units- that wasapproved by the BPDA on Dec.17, 2013. Only 40 units are avail-able at 50 percent to70 percentAMI when the lottery opened inthe spring of 2017 as lease-up gotunderway. Only five at 50 per-cent. It is unknown if these 40affordable units have been allbeen leased.

Opposite MetroMark on theCasey Arborway is The Resi-dences at Forest Hills, begun in2016 and rapidly nearingcompletion.

This 250-unit development inthree tall buildings have the high-est affordability of any develop-ment on the Washington Streetcorridor -50 units – or 20 percentin the 50 percent to 70 percentAMI range.

Jack Englert is CEO of Cri-terion development which isbuilding The Residences. He isproud of achieving 20 percent butadmits he doesn’t build afford-able housing.

“We can’t do this project if wehave to go above 20 percent,”Englert told the Jamaica PlainNeighborhood Council on May17, 2017.

The Council has its own IDPnumber of 25 percent that it auto-matically requires of every privatedeveloper who, just as automati-cally, say is unfeasible.

A+O Flats (for ArboretumOrange Line) is being built by TheCommunity Builders at 95 Hydepark Ave.

The 78-unit A+O Flats is theonly development in Forest Hillsdeveloped with pubic subsidiesand illustrates Brown’s point thatonly public subsidies can keeprents low enough for wage earn-ing Bostonians.

The $28 million dollar devel-opment has an array of publicfunding sources, including a new2016 state fund called the WorkForce Program that donated $3.8million to subsidize 38 units at 60percent AMI. Forty units arefunded through low income hous-ing tax credits; the AffordableHousing Trust contributed $3 mil-

lion. Eight units are reserved forthe formerly homeless.

The Vita and 45 On Burnett –a total of132 units- built on an Lshaped former industrial parcelbegan as one development parcelby two partners, SSG Develop-ment and New Boston Ventures.

The two buildings, one a fivestory monolith with a glass cap at3529 Washington St. at McBrideSt., and the other, a four-story rowhouse block on narrow BurnettStreet behind the railroad tracksand hard against Metro Mark be-gan in April 2011. By the timeconstruction started in March2017, it was two distinct housingdevelopments with new architectsand marketed by two separate de-velopment teams.

However, the BPDA boardtreated it as a single developmentof 132 units and granted approvalof 15 percent affordable units –19 –at 70 percent AMI on Nov.11, 2014. Twelve units are in 3529Washington St.

Both buildings are nearingcompletion; exterior materials arebeing added this summer.

Now called “The Vita (LiveLike You Mean It)”, 3329 Wash-ington Street has been aggres-sively marketed since January2019 with units priced from $735thousand to $1.75 million. TheVita is opposite a car wash.

45 On Burnett has seven af-fordable town house units. It hasnot been slow to advertise either.Units start at $500,000.

Both developments are re-quired to file their AffordableMarketing Plan with the BPDAbut they are under no deadline todo it.

Mayor Walsh is an advocateof tenant protection, but not anadvocate of subsidies. Speakingto the July 20, 2017 meeting ofJP Progressives, he said subsidieswill not solve the housing prob-lem. Walsh believes that increasedhousing starts will lower housingcosts.

“Subsidy is no answer,” hesaid. “The problem will still bethere.”

The mayor might be mellow-ing. In2018 Chief of HousingSheila Dillon took a wider view.

“Affordable housing justdoesn’t happen,” she said in Feb-ruary 2018. “You have to be in-tentional about it.”

Still, increasing the IDP maynot succeed in Jamaica Plain,which is always awash with goodintentions.

In recent months, a quartet ofobjectors have emerged whoseek to delay affordable housingfor those earning low wages soas to shape it to fit their views;those who want to increase thenumber of affordable units far be-yond available subsidies; the‘too-dense’ neighborhoodgroups, and lately two new par-tisans, zero-net-carbon advocatesand historic preservationists.

Affordable Housing continued from page 1

Public Meeting

@BostonPlansBostonPlans.org

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

107 Beverly Street

Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station, Floor 4

Boston, MA 02114

Monday, September 9

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Central Artery Parcel 2 Park Design

Project Description:

The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) in partnership with the Massachusetts

Department of Transportation and the Greenway Conservancy, invites you to the second public

meeting for the Parcel 2 Park Design process. The project team will provide a recap of the August

meeting along with a brief project overview. Community members are invited to participate in

an open house intended to narrow down the programming options for the site. Community

input provided at this event will be used by the design team to create three park schemes for

presentation at the third public meeting. Stop by anytime between 6–8 pm to share your ideas.

throughout the event so that attendees can hear a short project overview.

mail to: Kennan Rhyne

Boston Planning & Development Agency

One City Hall Square, 9th Floor

Boston, MA 02201

phone: 617.918.4421

email: [email protected]


To advertise, call the Bulletinat (617) 361-8400brings its users into closer con-

tact with the natural world.The designers – in the final

renovation plan presented atthe June, 2017 meeting –sought to incorporate these el-ements into it by creating asetting of natural openness andconnectedness amidst an as-sortment of equipment andother recreational options.

The completed playgroundis much as it was described inthe design stage of the projectand consists of – in addition tothe two play structures – amini-basketball half-court/bi-cycle riding area, a small wa-ter spray area, a slide/rockclimbing hill, interactivechimes, log benches, newlyplanted trees, and a path con-necting it all.

There is also an exerciseapparatus area – next to theregulation basketball court andball fields – available for oldervisitors.

Commenting shortly afterthe ribbon cutting, MayorWalsh spoke of the City’s planto invest $300 million in thepark and playground systemover the next five years whilealso speaking specifically ofParkman, which came in onbudget at $1.74 million.

“This is exactly what wewant to do. We want to haveinclusive parks for kids withany ability, all ability, to beable to come in here and enjoythemselves.” Walsh added, “Ithink what we want to try todo is this in every neighbor-hood we possibly can.”

BPR Design and Construc-tion Project Manager NathanFrazee – who oversaw therenovation – spoke of thelengthy construction, whichbegan last summer:

“For this size project andthe amount of topographychange that we were doing, itwas going to be a longer pro-cess than a typical play-ground.” He went on to saythat “in a lot of ways, it lookslike we put pieces into an ex-isting topography, but we cre-ated all of it.”

Frazee also noted that theentire playground is acces-sible. Using the natural con-tours of the land, each of thetwo play structures (one ofwhich is an approximately 20foot high tower) and the rockslide can be accessed withouthaving to climb ladders or

stairs. “The really little kids can

enter this first sphere, playwith the chimes, play with therocker then, as they progress –as they get more courageous,as their abilities develop – theycan then get into the largerstructure.”

BPD Commissioner RyanWoods commented that someof the playground’s equipmentwas the type that might befound in an amusement park orin a children’s museum, andcredited the community’s in-volvement as the impetus forthem, as well as nature play.

As an example of natureplay, Woods used the spraypark’s drainage system, whichutilizes the slope of the land toform a small stream “so kidscan engage with the water, havewater play. Whether you wantto put a rubber ducky in orclimb through with your feet,you can engage with the water.”

Over at the spray area,Sherry Eskin applied sunscreento her 8 year old daughter Ivy’snose as her 6 year old son Jamesheaded toward a slide.

An attendee at the commu-nity meetings, Eskin gave herimpressions of the finishedproduct. “I think it’s just as wepictured it… There’s a lot forlittle kids to do and it’s great.”She also shared a commentfrom Ivy: “‘No monkey bars.’That made her sad.”

Mairead Nolan watched her7 year old daughter Arianna rollaround the empty mini-basket-ball court, up and over smallmounds installed at its perim-eter for that very purpose.

Behind her, a little girl in a

Parkman Playground continued from page 1

pink dress fell off a high flyingswing full of kids – twice – ontothe foam rubberized surface be-neath it without so much as rub-bing her knee.

Arianna rolled up, asking,“It’s not that busy, so can I ridearound now?”

Nolan looked around. Thecrowd had thinned a little in thehour since the dedication.

“Yes. I think it’s safe to dothat now,” she consented.“Thanks for waiting.”

Nolan explained that theyhave been regular visitors sincethe playground re-opened inearly July, as they were beforethe renovation, when they wereoften the only ones there.

“Now that it’s so open andwelcoming and new, there areso many more families that useit, and I think that brings fami-lies together,” she said of theeffect of the new layout.

“You know, I’ve met a lotof people in the neighborhoodI’ve never met before becausethey come with their kids now,and they didn’t used to come.”

The first few users of the playground definitely gave it their respectiveseals of approval.

PHOTO BY MATT MACDONALD

27-29 Callender St $385,000

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE: HOMECENTER.BOSTON.GOV

10-14 Tucker St $385,000

1 person 2 persons

$72,550

3 persons

$81,600

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To qualify, your annual income

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Homes are sold by lottery. Only qualified applicants may enter. The property is deed-restricted; owner-occupancy & rental requirements apply. Qualified applicants must be first-time homebuyers & complete an approved homebuyer education course prior to closing. Minimum household size requirement is number of bedrooms minus one, but a preference for three or more persons applies at 10-14 Tucker Street. Any income-eligible household may apply for 27-29 Callender Street, but there is preference for a two-person household. A preference for households of four or more persons applies to 21-25 Callender. Income limits for qualified buyers are based on 80% & 100% Area Median Income Limits as defined by HUD. This information is subject to change. Preference given to Boston residents. Please note: Persons with disabilities & those with limited English language proficiency are entitled to request a reasonable accommodation.

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LegalsPARKARTS WATERCOLORWORKSHOPS RETURN

Budding artists ages nine andup are invited to join the BostonParks and Recreation Depart-ment for its popular fall series ofParkARTS Watercolor PaintingWorkshops during the month ofSeptember at six Boston loca-tions. The series of free work-shops is just one of the many of-ferings of the 23rd annualParkARTS program sponsoredby Holly Bruce.

The workshops welcome art-ists of all skill levels to createtheir own greenspace-inspiredmasterpieces with instructionand materials provided.

All classes are held from 10a.m. to 12 noon weather permit-ting. Dates and locations for theworkshops are as follows:

Blackstone Square, 1535Washington Street, South End,Saturday, September 7. - Medalof Honor Park, 775 East FirstStreet, South Boston (meet atplayground), Sunday, September8. - Horatio Harris Park, 85 Har-ris Street, Roxbury (meet at Wal-nut Avenue and Townsend Streetentrance), Saturday, September14. - East Boston Greenway, 144Marginal Street, East Boston(meet at the blue caboose at the

intersection of South BremenStreet and Marginal Way), Sun-day, September 15. - Public Gar-den, 4 Charles Street, Back Bay(meet by Swan Boat dock), Sat-urday, September 21. - Sym-phony Park, 39 Edgerly Road,Fenway, Sunday, September 22.

For further information onthe workshops and otherParkARTS programs, please call(617) 635-4505 or visit the ParksDepartment online atw w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m /bostonparksdepartment orwww.boston.gov/parks.

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