Coronavirus Update: Due to public health concerns, the hearings that normally would be held on a week have been postponed or canceled due to the guidance of Mayor Martin Walsh and the order of Gov. Charlie Baker. Some meetings, however, have been moved to an online or teleconference format under the emergency order on the Open Meeting Law issued by Gov. Baker.
From the July 30, 10 a.m., (Online), The Committee on Education Hearing: Order for a hearing identifying restorative justice practices and the role of the police in our schools. The Chair of the Committee is Councilor Essaibi-George and the sponsors are Councilors Mejia and Janey.
From the July 30 South End Landmarks Commission, 5 p.m., Online via Zoom (HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/86755512013):
Design Review Hearing
•566 Columbus Avenue. Construct a new building
•566 Columbus Avenue/ 450 Massachusetts Avenue. Proposed Work: Modifications to sidewalk including utilities, light poles, sidewalk material and blue bike stations; installation of bike racks and street trees; removal of bus stop on Massachusetts Avenue.
Boston Police Task Force Listening Sessions
The City is also providing opportunities for robust public input and community leadership in our work to advance racial justice in Boston. Starting next week, the Boston Police Task Force will be holding online listening sessions on key issues, where residents will have the opportunity to share their experiences and beliefs.
•Reviewing the use of force policies: Thursday, July 30, 3 – 5 p.m.
Anyone can join the WebEx meeting on the date and time as an attendee to view and listen to the listening session. Testimony will be accepted in any language (written or spoken via WebEx listening sessions). It will be translated and shared with the Task Force after the sessions. Written testimony will be accepted until August 7. This testimony will be compiled and shared with the Task Force, and will be translated as needed. All attendees who wish to provide spoken testimony during one or more of the listening sessions must indicate this using the same Google Form, no later than 24-hours in advance of a session. Their name will be added to a list of those wishing to speak, and they will be called on, in turn, during the session.
Community Outreach Meeting for Recreational Cannabis Delivery Service: A virtual Community Outreach Meeting for a Recreational Cannabis Delivery Service, named “Zip Run”, is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, at 6 p.m. (virtual registration from 5:30 p.m.). The Proposed Delivery Service business address is identified as: 160 Orlando St., Mattapan.
From the Aug. 4 South End Landmarks meeting, 5:30 p.m., Online via Zoom (HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/87527179884):
Design Review Hearing
•85 West Newton St. Continued from 11/05/2020, 12/03/2020, and 12/17/2020 Public Hearings. Proposed Work: Obtain a Certificate of Exemption to demolish the existing former church and parish house (Villa Victoria Center for the Arts).
•54-102 West Newton St. Proposed Work: Replace aluminum storefront systems at 25 rowhouses with wood doors, transoms, and sidelights; and replace handrails (modify Certificate of Design Approval).
•62-64 Rutland St. Proposed Work: Replace entry doors with new wood doors, sidelights, and transoms; and replace handrails (modify Certificate of Design Approval).
•456 Shawmut Ave. Proposed Work: Replace slate shingles at the mansard level with architectural asphalt shingles.
•56 Clarendon St. Proposed work: At the Chandler Street facade mansard level, replace French door and sidelight system.
•52 Dwight St. Proposed Work: At the front yard and garden level, install a fence and replace entry door under the stoop; at the roof, construct a roof deck.
•48 Union Park. Proposed Work: Replace stoop pipe railing with decorative metal handrail.
•49 East Concord St. Proposed Work: Rebuild a roof deck.
•11 East Newton St. Proposed Work: Install solar collectors (solar panels) at the roof; at the side elevation install associated piping.
•116 Chandler St. Proposed Work: Construct new entry hood.
•145 Worcester St. Proposed Work: Construct a roof deck with hatch access.
Advisory Review
•Crite Park. Proposed Work: Installation of hardscaping, fence, and trellis in redesigned park space.
City Council Committee on Government Operations Hearing:
The Committee will hold a 10 a.m. online hearing on Aug. 6 for an amendment to the Boston City Charter. The Chair of the Committee and sponsor of the docket is Councilor Lydia Edwards.
From a Tree Removal Hearing in Fenway, noon, on Aug. 6 (online): The hearing will be held at 11:30 a.m. on a request to remove one little leaf linden tree measuring 3 inches dbh (diameter at breast height) at 465 Huntington Ave.
From a Tree Removal Hearing in Bay Village, 1 p.m., Aug. 6 (online): The request is for the removal of one little leaf linden tree measuring 18 inches dbh (diameter at breast height).
Boston Fire Department Update on Permits
Due to the harsh economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses, the Boston Fire Department is extending the expiration date on all existing Place of Assembly and Annual Permits from June 30, 2020 to September 30, 2020. Any issued Place of Assembly Permit or Annual Permit stating an expiration date of June 30, 2020 will now automatically be valid in the City of Boston until September 30, 2020. The invoices for renewal will be mailed out in mid-August, and the permitting cycle for both Place of Assembly and Annual Permits will become October 1 to September 30 of the following year from this point forward.
Reporting Workplace Safety Concerns
•Workers in any size organization have options if they feel they are being pressured into an unsafe situation. Attorney General Maura Healey has created resources for workers to report safety concerns during reopening. They include an online form at the Attorney General’s website and a dedicated Fair Labor hotline at 617-727-3465. People can also find those resources by calling 311.
How to Report a Problem Property
Since taking office in 2014, Mayor Walsh has made fixing quality of life issues a priority in his administration. From investing in Public Works to making sure community policing is a staple in every neighborhood, we are making sure every neighborhood is clean, safe and a great place to live and work in. Unfortunately some properties in Boston need more help than others, and that’s why we are here. If you know of a property that fits one of the following criteria: multiple calls to 911, one that’s blighted or just a general concern, we encourage you to reach out to your neighborhood liaison.