ODNA Community Meeting
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Meeting Minutes
Location – Project Place, 1145 Washington St, Community Room
Board Members –Bob Wells (presiding), Aimee Coolidge, Suzanne Bacon, Liz Cahill, John Connelly and Sarah Hutt
Additional attendees – 7 signed in
El Triunfo
None of the abutters nor anyone representing El Triunfo were present.
In April meeting, El Triunfo presented a plan to expand their hours of operation for their take out business from a closing time of 2:00 AM for customers to walk in and take out and to 3:00 AM for filling and delivering phone orders. Since that meeting, the Board has approached nearby businesses and did not hear of any concerns with this proposal.
Unanimously approval of their plan with the following caveats:
- There would be no change to current closing hour for the sit down business which has not been implemented as yet.
- That ultimately the Neighborhood Association always supports the abutters first.
Bob Wells will compose the letter.
Safety & Security Update
Suzanne, Liz, Sarah
The last meeting was held on May 8th. Notes from this meeting are on the website. The MBTA rep could not attend as scheduled but the list of concerns include: No Trepassing sign at the power station building next to Dom’s (owned by the MBTA) so the police can deal with loitering and selling of alcohol and drugs there, monitoring of the Silverline bus stop, improvements to the stop (potentially unwanted because it encourages loitering—heat lamps, more shelter, better benches (any?), security cameras, increase vigilance by business owners.
At the last D4 meeting, it was reported that they enlisted the DPW to power wash the bus stop, talked to abutting business owners about increased vigilance, were able to arrest an individual who has been selling illegal substances, and arranged to have the emergency button repaired.
The latest police stats were presented. The police also reported on knowledge of a regional prostitution ring. They have made one arrest so far.
An emerging area of concern is under the expressway. We need contacts at the State Police and Mass Highway to start a dialogue. We will approach Aaron Michelwitz, Sonia Chang-Diaz (our state reps) and Bill Linehan for assistance. BPD will also assist. It is complicated by the number of agencies that have used this area for storage. PSI has been pressing for some time now to use this area for parking which requires proper fencing, and lighting.
It was also noted that the police have been present each morning at 5:30 AM when Dunkin’ Donuts opens because the staff there is uncomfortable with the people who are often present at that hour. No more Dunkin’ Donuts and police jokes, please!
A Community Alert on a sexual assault in Back Bay was shared. This is an example of what the CitizensObserver service distributes. People are encourage to sign up on the BPD website for this service. Crime, in general, is down in Boston and D4. Not so for drugs and prostitution but we feel these stats reflect more than increased crime. They represent increased vigilance and success by the police.
LandWave Update
Bob
The sculpture is not complete. It requires LED lighting among other finishing touches. It was noted that children have been seen sitting on top to watch the baseball games and also sliding down the sculpture. The concerns are both safety and damage to the plantings. It was suggested that we approach SEYB to do some education. We will do this through Friends of Peters Park because there is also a concern about dogs in the planted areas.
The official opening date and dedication has not been set as yet.
Harrison Ave/Albany St. Study Group
Michael Guran has been appointed by the Board to replace Sandi Silk as our ODNA rep on this study group. Michael is an architect and is highly qualified to take on this task. Sandi Silk and Bob Wells (who has attended all the meetings) will help Michael get up to speed.
Miscellaneous
Liz will be organizing the upcoming Laconia Roofdeck BBQ. She need volunteers.
The manager of the Red Fez expressed frustration with park users violating parking laws and abusing his kindness when allowing people to use the bathrooms and when not. He was advised to speak to Sgt Provenzano about this.
Two residents expressed concern about older children abusing Peters Park usage in the DRS and Tot Lot. We will pass this on to Friends of Peters Park.
Announcements
Jun 4th First Friday
Jun 8th Safety & Security Mtg
Jun 12th Gay Pride Parade
Jun 15th Old Dover BBQ at Laconia (rain date 16th)
Jun 22nd Next Old Dover Mtg
Jun 28th BPD D4 Monthly Mtg
July 16-18 Festival Betances at Villa Victoria
Meeting Adjourned at 8:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Suzanne Bacon