EBNA needs a better solution
Dear Editor,
In the July 19 issue of The Boston Sun there is an article about East Berkeley Street and the mess that is created by allowing parking on both sides of the street in the stretch between Albany and Washington streets. I was alarmed to see that the East Berkeley Neighborhood Association (EBNA) is suggesting that a “solution” to this problem would be to relocate the parking further up the street to the area beside the gardens because the road is wider there. Bad idea! Yes the street is wider there – for a reason: there are lanes for vehicles turning left or right and one lane for traffic continuing up Berkeley Street. Removing either of the turning lanes to create parking spaces would simply be trading one problem for another perennial Boston problem: being stuck behind turning vehicles that are forced to wait for pedestrians crossing the street. This problem happens all over Boston and it is because of the insanity of having the pedestrian “walk” light come on when vehicles are trying to turn! Our more enlightened friends to the North (Canada) have a very simple way of dealing with this – when their “walk” lights are on all vehicular traffic stops in every direction. When vehicles have a green light all pedestrian traffic stops and woe unto any pedestrian that tries to jaywalk. Brilliant!
The parking problem is due to that part of the South End being a victim of its own success. Too many cars, never enough parking. I agree with John Ramos and Ken Smith –putting lives in danger is never a good business practice. As a driver, pedestrian and bicyclist I would hope that the BTD takes a firmer stand and gets rid of the parking on at least one side of the street between Harrison and Washington streets.
Susan Mills
Boston, MA 02116
Boston Foundation salutes retiring Police Comm. Evans, congratulates incoming Comm. Gross
Dear Editor,
We at the Boston Foundation applaud Commissioner Evans for his hard work not just as commissioner, but in a career spanning nearly four decades as a member of the Boston Police Department. His hard work, dedication, and leadership skills have made him a respected, admired presence in Boston, at a time after the city’s resolve was challenged by the Boston Marathon bombings.
We are also pleased to welcome superintendent-in-chief William Gross to the commissioner’s role. Not only is his appointment historic, as he becomes the first African-American police commissioner in Boston history, it is well-deserved. Superintendent Gross, too, is no stranger to the people of Boston’s neighborhoods. Both he and the man he is replacing have spent countless hours not just patrolling the streets, but connecting with the community at fairs, community events, children’s gatherings, and dozens of other events across the city. They have both placed a strong emphasis on building community, and under Commissioner Gross, we look forward to continuing our work with BPD and the city.
Boston Foundation President and CEO Paul S. Grogan
ON THE ROLE OF COMMISSIONER
The Boston Police commissioner’s job is a massive and multi-faceted management responsibility, but Bill Evans approached it with a deeply personal touch. His love for the city and its residents is matched only by his pride in the department he’s served for almost 40 years. As superintendent-in-chief, Willie Gross has shown that very same commitment to serving the city’s residents with the finest police force in the country. I have every confidence in his leadership and I commend Mayor Walsh for this decision.
We’ve all seen Commissioner Evans on television or at a crime scene after something terrible happens. But we’ve also seen him in every neighborhood of the city for park openings, church services, and flashlight walks, night and day, when there wasn’t a camera in sight. He’s deeply connected with the schools, churches, businesses, and people who make Boston what it is. Those connections have strengthened the relationship between residents and law enforcement and he should take great pride in that accomplishment.
Superintendent Gross has shown that very same devotion to the city’s residents and has decades of his own experience to guide him. Having worked with Willie for many years, I know he brings the highest traditions of law enforcement to the job along with a modern view of policing and community engagement. He will be an outstanding leader in his own right and has my full support moving forward.
Commissioner Evans wanted the very best for people of Boston, and he gave them a police force that really leads the nation at a critical time in our city’s history. His unassuming demeanor masks a leader who was fiercely committed to leading a department that would embody the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and innovation and it made him one of the very best partners we as prosecutors could ask for. It has been my privilege and blessing to work with Bill Evans. I’m sorry to see him go, but he leaves the Boston Police Department in very good hands with Commissioner Gross. Both men have my best and warmest wishes as they take on their new responsibilities.
District Attorney Dan Conley
Suffolk County