South End Street Sweeping Clarity
Street sweeping is still on in the South End, and the City encourages residents to move their cars to allow for Public Works to properly clean the streets. However, the City said it understand that given the current situation with COVID-19 in Boston, moving a car might be difficult at this time. As a result, the City is suspending ticketing and towing for the time being. That said, the City does highly encourage those who are able to move on street cleaning day, to do so. Street sweeping in the South End began on March 1.
McKinley South End Case Tests Negative
The McKinley South End Academy on Warren Avenue was shut down on Monday ahead of other Boston Public Schools due to a potential positive case of COVID-19 in the school community.
That person was tested over the weekend, and it was reported Monday night that the person tested negative for the virus. Those worries, in fact, were abated in the South End.
BPDA Meetings Canceled
Following guidance issued by Mayor Walsh recommending the postponement or cancellation of public meetings, the Boston Planning and Development Agency is postponing all BPDA-hosted public meetings regarding Article 80 development projects and planning studies until further notice.
Councilor Ed Flynn Working Remotely
Please note on Mon March 16, Councilor Ed Flynn and his team began working remotely from home. In addition, the Boston City Council facilities will be closed indefinitely following the regular meeting on Wednesday, March 18. However, they will continue to work on City Hall matters, constituent services, and quality-of-life issues in District 2. At this time, the aim is to help mitigate the threat of community spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) to employees, family and friends, and neighbors, as it may pose serious risks to those with underlying health issues, including our seniors. For all constituent service requests, continue to contact Councilor Flynn’s office at [email protected] or 617-635-3203, and his staff will continue to provide updates on social media. For health concerns, contact a health provider, or Healthy Boston at (617) 534-5050 and 9-1-1.
“During this time, it’s critical that we continue to be good neighbors, treat all with respect and dignity, including seniors, persons with disabilities, immigrant communities, and Asian American neighbors,” Councilor Flynn said. “We’ll get through this period of disruption staying united, and relying on public health officials.”
The Following Public Meetings Are/Were Cancelled:
•Housing Expo March 14;
•Tremont Design Open House March 16;
•BU Medical Campus Task Force March 19;
•Tremont Design Open House March 21;
•Blackstone Family Gym March 21;
•BCYF Blackstone Spelling Bee March 21;
•Mayor’s Youth and Jobs Resource Fair March 28
•Bay Village Neighborhood Association meetings
Boston Ward 4 Dems Caucus: Postponed
The Ward 4 Democratic Committee Caucus that was to be held on March 21 has been postponed until further notice.
Friends of the Public Garden Cancels All Events
The Friends of the Public Garden announced on March 13 that they will be canceling all events and programming in the Public Garden and Boston Common through April 30. They remind the public, though, for the sake of fresh air and sanity, that the Common, the Public Gardens and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall are outdoor spaces and open to all during this time.
Connect Downtown Open Houses
Connect Downtown creates
a network of comfortable, on-street walking and bicycling routes from Columbus
Avenue in the South End to key locations in Bay Village,
Downtown, Beacon Hill and beyond. Boston Transportation Department (BTD) plans
to design the project in a way that allows for faster construction. Below are
upcoming open houses in the South End.
Open Houses at the BPL South End Branch Library – 685 Tremont
St.
•Tuesday, March 17, Noon-8 p.m. **POSTPONED**
•Tuesday, April 14, Noon-8 p.m.
•Tuesday, May 12, Noon-8 p.m.
•Tuesday, June 9, Noon-8 p.m.
South End Dates
•The March 23 Ellis South End Progressive Dinner has been postponed until further notice. They are working to re-schedule for later this year with restaurant partners. There are several choices for receiving a refund. One can just treat it as a tax deduction, with a statement sent to you. The payment can be refunded with the check sent back or shredded, or a credit card refund. Or, the Committee can hold the payment and reservation until a determination is made to re-schedule. Email [email protected] with instructions.
•The Blackstone/Franklin Neighborhood Association canceled its March 11 meeting due to concerns over the Coronavirus. The busy agenda will likely be rescheduled, but there is no new date as of yet.
•There Board meeting of the Ellis South End Neighborhood Association for March 24 has been postponed.
•The Worcester Square Area Neighborhood Association (WSANA) has postponed its March 24 meeting in the Boston Medical Center’s Menino Pavilion.
•The East Berkeley Neighborhood Association (EBNA) has cancelled the next meeting on Tuesday, April 7, but hopes to schedule a meeting in May.
•The next Alexandra Ball Neighborhood Association meeting is on April 14, 7 p.m., in the Grant AME Church on Washington Street in the basement. Potential agenda items include Ramsey Park and a stoplight on Washington Street.
•The BPDA cancelled the South End Urban Renewal meeting that was to be on Wednesday, March 18, 6 p.m., in the AC Hotel. The meeting is expected to be re-scheduled for a later date.
Fenway Times
•Effective immediately, all Fenway Park tours and events are suspended until further notice.
• The Fenway Community Center is closed as of March 16, and the FCC Board of Directors will reevaluate the current health situation and provide an update to the Fenway community by April 1.
•Love, Fenway
Love, Fenway, scheduled for March 19, has been postponed to an undetermined date. For those who have already purchased tickets, all tickets will be transferred to the rescheduled date and will be honored.
•Construction Update: MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Debris removal and materials delivery are ongoing at the Ipswich and Lansdowne streets, while over at the 189 Ipswich lot, contractors expect to begin paving in the next week.