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.
Super Sites for BPS Meals
Beginning October 26, BPS Super Sites open for Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. BPS families can pick up free breakfasts and lunches. Some locations also provide free toiletries and free groceries on select days.
•Fenway
Boston Latin School – 78 Avenue Louis Pasteur
•South End
Boston Chinese Evangelical Church, 120 Shawmut Ave. Wednesdays 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The Chinatown location at the Josiah Quincy Elementary School near the South End is open on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
From the Nov. 12 Back Bay Architectural Commission, 4:30 p.m., online via Zoom (HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/81570423097):
Violations – 4:30 p.m.
•305 Beacon Street: Unapproved installation of deck at rear elevation.
•329 Commonwealth Avenue: Unapproved installation of HVAC units at rear deck and on top of penthouse roof.
Design Review – 5 p.m.
•48 Gloucester Street: Re-design storefront and add window signage.
•353 Beacon Street: Construct roof deck and relocate access hatch.
•126 Marlborough Street: Construct roof deck and penthouse.
•53 Marlborough Street & 300 Berkeley Street: At courtyard: remove two existing condensers, replace two windows in-kind, masonry infill at one window and one door; reverse swing of existing door, and install new make-up air hvac unit, with duct penetration through new masonry infill; at roof of 300 Berkeley Street: remove three existing rooftop condensers and install thirteen new condensers on spring isolation dampers; and at entrance to 53 Marlborough Street: replace handrail at entrance.
Advisory Review
•252 Newbury Street: At front façade add bump out and redesign dig-out area at lower level.
From the Nov. 12 Cannabis Board meeting, 1 p.m., online (HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/82188521115?PWD=R1RXCNBRNTMXM0LBEKXBZXVVSHE5UT09):
•Cypress Tree Management Inc.
Proposed Licensed Premise: 1114 Boylston Street, Back Bay.
License Type: Retail Recreational Cannabis Dispensary License
Proposed Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday: 10:00am – 9:00pm; Sunday: 10:00am – 6:00pm. Equity Status: Non-Equity Applicant
Date of Initial Application: July 25, 2018
Date of Filing with Inspectional Services Department: February 28, 2019
Date of Community Meeting: April 29, 2019
Presentation Team:
Victor Chiang, Co-Founder, President, CEO and Treasurer
Carlos Castillo Co-Founder, Director Community Outreach, Diversity, and Inclusion
Todd Finard, Co-Founder
Eric Liebman, Co-Founder
Lisa Burke, Director of Retail
Rick Nagle, Director of Security
Josh Zakim, Esq., Attorney
Jay Youmans, Regulatory & Policy Advisor
From the Nov. 12 Boston Groundwater Trust meeting, 4 p.m., online:
Agenda
•NABB Amicus Brief review & discussion: 15 VOTE REQUIRED
•Update on review regarding relationship with the City: 15
•Insurance coverage update: 10
•BPDA GCOD revision review:15
•Update on operating manual: 10
•Executive Director’s report: 10
Committee (Nov. 13, 10 A.M.) On Planning, Development, and Transportation Hearing: Message and orders for the confirmation of Appointments and Reappointments. Appointment of Justine Orlando, as a member of the Boston Landmarks Commission for a term expiring June 30, 2022. Reappointment of Diana Parcon as an alternate member of the Boston Landmarks Commission for a term expiring on June 30, 2023. Reappointment of David Berarducci as a member of the Boston Landmarks Commission for a term expiring on June 30, 2023. Reappointment of John Amodeo as an alternate member of the Boston Landmarks Commission for a term expiring on June 30, 2021. Reappointment of Felicia Jacques as a member of the Boston Landmarks Commission for a term expiring on June 30, 2023. Reappointment of Nelson Arroyo, as a member of the Zoning Commission for a term ending May 1, 2022. Reappointment of Jane Cooper Brayton, as a member of the Zoning Commission for a term ending May 1, 2022. Reappointment of Drew Leff, as a member of the Zoning Commission for a term ending May 1, 2021.
City Council Nov. 16, 2 P.M., Committee on Ways and Means Hearing: Order for a hearing to discuss the City of Boston and Boston Police Department’s oversight protocols for BPD overtime and to discuss ensuring effective oversight measures.
Docket #0839 was sponsored by Councilors Kenzie Bok, Andrea Campbell, and Matt O’Malley, and was referred to the Committee on July 8, 2020. Docket #1039 was sponsored by Councilor Ricardo Arroyo, and was referred to the Committee on October 7, 2020.
City Council Nov. 17, 2 P.M., Committee on Ways and Means Hearing: Message and order approving an appropriation of One Hundred Eighty Two Million Eight Hundred Forty One Thousand Four Hundred Sixty Seven Dollars ($182,841,467.00) for the purpose of paying costs of designing, constructing, equipping, and furnishing a new six story Josiah Quincy Upper School building at 900 Washington Street in the City of Boston, including the payment of cost incidental or related thereto.
City Council Nov. 17, 5:30 P.M., Committee on Public Health Hearing: Order for a hearing reviewing the City’s Melnea Cass/Mass Ave 2.0 Plan in light of COVID-19. This matter was sponsored by Councilors Kim Janey and Ricardo Arroyo, and was referred to the Committee on August 19, 2020.
From the Nov. 18 St. Botolph Area Architectural District hearing, 5:15 p.m., online via Zoom(HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/85427720095):
Design Review
•116 St. Botolph Street
Proposed Work: At rear el, remove existing roof deck and privacy fence to repair roof, then replace roof deck and privacy screen.
City Council Nov. 19, 10 A.M., Committee on Government Operations Working Session: Ordinance restricting the use of chemical crowd control agents and kinetic impact projectiles. This matter was sponsored by Councilors Ricardo Arroyo and Andrea Campbell. It was referred to the Committee on June 17, 2020.
Outdoor Dining Extension
The Mayor announced an extension of the Outdoor Dining Program beyond its original end date of October 31. Restaurants using private outdoor space can continue to do so for the duration of the public health emergency. And restaurants using public space on streets and sidewalks can continue until December 1. The City will also waive application fees for the use of outdoor propane heaters in dining areas. Restaurants will still need a permit from the Fire Department, and safety regulations around their use will remain in place. Restaurants can use electric heaters without a permit, as long as no cords are crossing sidewalks.
First Thursdays at the Gardner Museum
First Thursdays are back at the Gardner Museum! Entry is free on the first Thursday of each month from 3-9 p.m., however, timed ticket reservations are required and guests must adhere to all safety protocols once inside. Visit the museum’s ticket website to reserve now.
Free BPS Breakfast in South End/Fenway
Students who wish to get a free breakfast Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 11:30 am.,
have three sites to choose from in the South End and Fenway. This is the BPS initiative, but other organizations are also serving meals in the area as well.
•Blackstone Elementary School – 380 Shawmut Ave. (South End).
•Boston Chinese Evangelical Church, 120 Shawmut Ave. (Monday, Weds., and Friday
only – South End).
•Boston Latin School – 78 Avenue Louis Pasteur (Fenway).
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.