Credit: Tom Godfrey
Caption: Business owners are concerned that commercial trucks block their businesses.

Three Charles Street merchants want to see the light. They claim that trucks parked in a commercial loading zone in front of 131 and 133 Charles Street cast shadows over these storefronts and discourage pedestrian traffic.

“If there are three or four trucks lined up, you’ll miss the store completely,” said Suzy O’Brien, owner of Pixie Stix at 131 Charles Street. “It’s a visibility issue,” she added.

A street sign in front of O’Brien’s store designates parking for commercial vehicles between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, with each car limited to 30 minutes. However, the parking is not metered and the time limit is not enforced, according to the merchants.

“The parking time limit is being abused,” said Jari Ford, whose store, Jari A Boutique, occupies the basement below Pixie Stix and is almost entirely concealed from the street on most weekdays.

Ford said there may be an “unspoken understanding” between vehicles with commercial license plates and parking officials that allows drivers to ignore the time limit. Even if they receive a parking ticket, “it may be worth it for a van to park there all day for $25,” Ford said.

Ford said she has brought the violations to the attention of parking officials, who usually ignore the infractions without issuing tickets. “It’s unfair and not conducive to business in the area,” she said.

The problem has been compounded by a major renovation project at 129 Charles Street. Trucks for maintenance and carpentry businesses have been stationed on the street for most of the day since the project began last July, Ford said, adding that the impact on her business is evident when the trucks leave at 3 or 4 each afternoon. Foot traffic increases in front of the store, which closes at 7 p.m. on weekdays.

Thomas Townsend, who owns the building that houses Pixie Stix and Jari A Boutique, said he also thinks his tenants are losing business as a result of these trucks.

O’Brien and Ford, along with Judith Dowling, owner of Judith Dowling Asian Art at 133 Charles Street, hope to petition the Boston Transportation Department to move the commercial loading zone across the street, in front of the Charles Street Garage, where there is currently short-term metered parking.

The proposal would provide more convenient parking for customers and “would free up three or four more spaces, which is huge,” O’Brien said.

A quicker parking space turnover would allow more opportunity for storefront exposure, Ford said.

None of the merchants has been in contact with the Boston Transportation Department about changing the zoning.

After being alerted to the merchants’ complaints by The Beacon Hill Times, Tracey Ganiatsos, a Boston Transportation Department representative, said her department will review the alleged parking violations.

“They’re supposed to be actively loading and unloading,” Ganiatsos said. “Charles Street is a balance between short-term parking and loading zones.”

Enforcement officials will verify that the loading zone is being used improperly, and the department’s engineering staff will determine whether the loading zone can be relocated.

The Beacon Hill Civic Association would likely support a proposal to move the commercial loading zone across the street, according to Steve Young, chair of the association’s traffic and parking committee.

“Our basic policy is to oppose any reduction in the parking spaces available for residential use. So long as a proposal is not changing the amount of spaces, we would be in favor of it,” he said last week.

“We would be happy to work with anyone—either in favor or opposed to a proposal— to work out the best arrangement,” he added.

CAPTION: It was standing room only at 74 Joy Street last Monday when Beacon Hill residents met to voice their opinion about the new dormitory and student center proposed by Suffolk University at 20 Somerset Street.
CREDIT: Suzanne Besser

The Beacon Hill Civic Association leaders got their marching orders when they called a meeting last Monday to hear what Hillers think about the 31-story dormitory and student center Suffolk University wants to build on the edge of the neighborhood.

And those orders kept them on a route they had already started earlier in April when the board of directors voted to oppose the construction of the Suffolk University Government Center Residence Hall and Student Center. They had acted quickly, they said, because they wanted to respond to the accelerating groundswell of opposition within the neighborhood to university plans to house 800 students at the 20 Somerset Street site.

David Thomas of Pinckney Street and Molly Sherden of Walnut Street, two civic association board members who have been charged with leading the effort, set some ground rules at the meeting’s start. This was the time, they said, for the approximately 125 residents present to voice their opinions about the project.

And, that they did.

It was not an opportunity, they said, for others present in the room to speak, such as the sole Suffolk University spokeman there or any of the collection of candidates vying for retiring Paul Scapicchio’s seat on the Boston City Council.

And so, they did not speak.

After many voices had spoken and the meeting came to an end, a straw vote told the story. It was unanimous: Residents don’t want that dorm.

But the reasons differed: Some were outright opposed. Others were willing to compromise. Some wanted Suffolk to be more forthcoming with its intent. Others worried that the very fabric of the historic neighborhood is threatened. And there are those who oppose the demolition of the former Metropolitan District Commission headquarters, which they believe is historically significant. Should the Landmark Commission agree at hearing next week, the whole question of building a 31-story will be a moot one.

The most negative reactions came from residents of Joy, Temple, Hancock, South Russell and other streets now most impacted by what they say is a significant increase in rowdy behavior by college students either living in or attracted to off- campus housing there. They believe the addition of a second dormitory will only exacerbate the problem because the total Suffolk student population on the Hill would grow to more than 1,000, or 10 percent of the neighborhood’s current population.

One such resident, Steve Turner, said he had lived on Temple Street for 12 years during which time the situation has worsened. “It’s getting to the point that it is totally out of control,” he said.

Joseph Mari of South Russell Street agreed. “There is barely a weekend that I am not wakened by young college students. Our quality of life is severely impacted.”

But other neighbors want more data. “It seems many young people are creating problems at night, but they are not all college students and not all Suffolk kids,” said Michael Novak of Pinckney Street. “Can you correlate the data? Do more college students cause a decline in the quality of life?”

Sherden, who believes the “no drinking, no drugs, 24-hour security policy” at Suffolk’s 10 Somerset Street dormitory forces students to party with their friends in off-campus housing on Joy Street, urged people to report loud parties to the police. “Part of the problem is that [what we have now] is anecdotal,” she said. “We must get real data from the police.”

There were several in the room who were not outright opposed to the plan but sought, instead, a compromise position.

Mount Vernon Street resident Bill Marshall urged Suffolk to find a more appropriate location, such as Tremont Street near its law school. A West Cedar Street resident urged them to build a 10-story building for graduate students at the proposed site and a 20-story building for undergrads elsewhere.

“Students are a part of our community, and they are being forced out as apartments turn into condos,” said Hancock Street resident David Watson, who said he owns several apartment buildings on the Hill. “Is there a compromise? With more policing and a dorm for perhaps 400—would the community feel different?”

Several residents who have lived on the Hill for many years urged Suffolk University officials to be more straightforward about their intent. “There is much good to be said about Suffolk,” said Sue Bridge, who has lived for 21 years on Temple Street and has had more than her fair share of tangles with the university. “But Suffolk’s business plan is changing. We don’t know much about it. Are they going from serving older students, such as police officers getting law degrees, to attracting more wealthy students who will live here 24 hours a day? That is a huge shift.”

A 27-year resident, M. L. Cocci of Hancock Street, said, “Suffolk told us they wouldn’t expand anymore at the time of building the Ridgeway Lane building. They have reneged.”

Hancock Street resident Tad Stahl, who has lived on the Hill for 42 years, said, “There have been repeated efforts by Suffolk University to end-run and to not recognize the historic district and follow all the pledges they have made. Now is the long run. They are taking a right-angle turn on a road that will lead to more.”

James Seagle, Jr., president of Rogerson Communities, which successfully developed and manages three subsidized housing residences on Beacon Hill, urged Suffolk to be more open with the community. “This is not a ‘NIMBY’ community. You need to be more forthcoming with this community with what your plans are. You have a bad public relations problem here.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, Rollins Place resident Bernard Borman, a former civic association president himself, said, “This has been a very exciting meeting. I hear the blood rising in this room. There is enough talent and intellect in this room to defeat this project. It has been done before and you must do it again.”


SIDEBAR

More times to talk

Two public meetings about Suffolk University’s proposal to build a new dormitory will be held within the next week. Residents are encouraged to attend.


1. As part of the Article 80 process, the Boston Redevelopment Authority will host a public meeting to discuss the proposed Suffolk University Government Center Residence Hall and Student Center
20 Somerset Street

Wednesday, May 3 6:30 p.m.
Donahue Building Cafeteria, 41 Temple Street
Suffolk University


2. Boston Landmark Commission
Tuesday, May 9 5:30 p.m.
Room 900, Boston City Hall

Presentation of the proposed replacement of the former Metropolitan District Commission headquarters at 20 Somerset Street with a new facility to be known as the Suffolk University Government Center Residence Hall and Student Center. The presentation will include exploring alternatives to demoliton

CREDIT: Tom Godfrey




Beacon Hill’s budding athletes came to the plate last week as Hill House kicked off its spring baseball season with a traditional march down Charles Street to the Boston Common ball fields.

Hill House offers four spring baseball leagues for boys and girls, including AA, AAA, softball and major league baseball levels. Practice started last week and the season will run through June.

The emphasis of AA league for kids age 5 through 7 is on fun and introduction of the basic concepts of baseball to new players while improving the skills of returning players,” said Bob Cutler, athletic director at Hill House. “One of the great things the players get to do at this level is to learn to play and socialize with other players and a coach. Some are experiencing organized sports for the first time.”

The AAA baseball league, ages 7 through 9, is a coach-pitched league, teaching proper technique in all aspects of the game. “Sportsmanship and team play are instilled throughout the season,” said Cutler. “as well as an understanding of hitting, throwing, fielding and what it means to be a good teammate.”

In the major league baseball level for players ages 9 through 12, children are offered a stage to showcase their talents. The league is player-pitched, and skills are worked on to help the players transition to a normal sized baseball diamond.

The softball league, ages 7-12, is the fastest growing league in the spring. It introduces the fundamentals of softball, including the basics of hitting, throwing, catching, fielding and positioning. “We encourage team spirit, sportsmanship and participation in all aspects of the game,” said Cutler.

Also beginning this week is Hill House Jamboree, a program that offers the youngest boys and girls the opportunity to play different games, activities and sports each week. Cutler said the program is geared toward the preschool age level and could use more volunteers to lend a hand. “We are always looking for more help,” said Cutler.

There is a housing problem to solve, and it is hard to reconcile the competing goals.

Suffolk wants to build a dorm for 800 students on the site of the old MDC building on Somerset Street, believing that students, parents and the university itself are better off if the kids are in dorms.

In theory, most of us would agree that the 18- to 22-year-old set are better in dorms.

The Mayor approves. He wants Boston’s colleges and universities to house their students so that 18- to 20-somethings aren’t packed into the city’s housing and taking space away from the elderly, the long-time renters and the employed

When Mayor Menino first proposed this plan, we’ll bet you thought it was a good idea.



Neighbors are pushing back. “Hold on,” they say. “This dorm is in our neighborhood. We don’t want the kids in this dorm to exacerbate the problems we are already having with neighborhood young people inviting dorm friends over and throwing

“Moreover, no matter how they behave, we’re not sure we like the idea of adding 800 permanent residents between the ages of 18 and 22. That’s almost a tenth of our current population. Add that number to the 900 undergraduates who already live in our neighborhood. That brings the percentage of students in the neighborhood to about 17. Is it healthy for any neighborhood for 17 percent of its residents to be within a four-year age span?”

All sides in the matter have good points. Here are some suggestions as to how all parties can proceed through the Article 80 process.

For residents:
• Recognize that Suffolk needs dorms and make it possible for them to achieve at least some of their goals in this location. It should benefit the wider community and Beacon Hill in the long run if the kids are corralled.

• Recognize too that Suffolk has fulfilled its promise to move away from the residential sections of Beacon Hill. Suffolk officials may not always act appropriately, but they are a lot better than they used to be.

• Hold the university to its promise of patrolling the streets on nights when parties are likely to be obnoxious.

For Suffolk:
• Consider re-using the old MDC building. That would take several issues off the table immediately and would presumably reduce the number of students able to be housed.

• Create a plan for turning the Donahue building into condominiums for non-students and moving the functions of the Donahue elsewhere.

• Identify sites on Tremont, Province, School, Bromfield and Washington streets and in the ladder district that could be adapted for dormitory and other university use, giving those who fear a student takeover the confidence that student life will take place within commercial areas, which would benefit from increased business.

• Get those patrols going on the North Slope and at the top of the Hill, supervising the kids who cause the loud parties and letting your Beacon Hill neighbors know that you’ll police your student body and keep them within the bounds of appropriate behavior.

For the Boston Redevelopment Authority:

•Give preference to Suffolk in the above-mentioned area on agreed-upon sites for dormitory use.

CLEANING SERVICES
CLEANING BY PATRICIA COSTA. Good job, good references. Call 781-244-9998.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Boxhead
THE RED WAGON. A children’s boutique on Charles Street is looking for a salesperson 30 to 40 hours a week. Please stop by for an application at 69 Charles Street or fax your resume to 617-523-9112.

FOR SALE
INDOOR PARKING SPACE. Charles River Park,781-662-1107.

PERSONAL ORGANIZER
TOO MUCH CLUTTER? Home, offices, mail/filing, closets, basements, kitchens, toys, moves, charity deliveries and spring clean outs. Call Katrina 617-723-8877.

VACATION RENTAL
Boxhead
DOWNEAST MAINE COASTAL RETREAT. www.leightonneck.com.
NANTUCKET-CHARMING ‘Sconset Center cottage for 2. Air conditioned. Very nice!! Spring, summer or fall. $900-$1,700/week. Call 617-523-2223.
Boxhead
NANTUCKET. 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, fully equipped, ½ mile to Surfside Beach, No Pets, non-smokers only. August-September $1800/wk with 2 week minimum. Off season $1500 per week. 617-742-2240 or RobKerwin@massed.net.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREER COLLABORATIVE. Practice interviewers needed Fridays 9 a.m.-12 noon to run practice interview sessions for low income people seeking permanent jobs. Individuals with extensive interviewing experience please call 617-424-6202 or email Valerie@careercollaborative.org.
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS. The Arlington Boys and Girls Club is coordinating a campaign to support local programs. They are asking people with unwanted cars to donate them for auction with the proceeds going to local clubs. Call 1-800-246-0493.
MADD. Are you or is someone you know the victim of a drunk driving accident? We offer many free services including court-accompaniment, referrals for counseling and literature to help. Call 1-800-633-MADD.
HORIZONS FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN. Volunteers needed to play with children living in homeless shelters in your neighborhood and in Greater Boston. A two hour weekly commitment for 6 months is required. Call 617-287-1900 ext 314 or visit www.horizonsforhomelesschildren.org.
BECOME A BIG BROTHER OR BIG SISTER. Being a “Big” means simply sharing a little time with one great kid just like someone once did for you. Become a “Big” today. Call 800-412-BIGS or logon to www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.
PARENTS HELPING PARENTS. Needs volunteers with good interpersonal skills and a commitment to strengthening families to facilitate support groups aimed at assisting individuals who are anxious, overwhelmed, frustrated or feeling isolated in their role as a parent or guardian. A commitment of several hours a week for one year is required. Call 1-800-882-1250 or e-mail www.parentshelpingparents.org.
COMMUNITY SERVINGS. Volunteers needed one Saturday per month to deliver meals to homebound individuals with life threatening illnesses. Shifts are from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Call Jennifer at 617-445-7777 or e-mail JPOCKOSKI@servings.org.
BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY. Seeks literacy volunteers to tutor adults with limited English writing and reading skills. Two hours a week, compatible with your schedule. One year commitment required, must be 21 years old with a minimum of a GED or high school diploma. Contact Nora 617-859-2446 or VolunteerBPL@yahoo.com.
BOSTON MINSTREL COMPANY. Needs singers, musicians, and songleaders to facilitate sing-along songfests at Boston-Cambridge homeless shelters. Amateurs welcome. Call 617-787-2122 or e-mail Bostonminstrel@aol.com.
MATCH-UP. Interfaith Volunteers needs people to commit to making a weekly visit to an elder in need of companionship. Call 617-482-1510 or visit www.matchelder.org.
THE GREATER BOSTON FOOD BANK. Needs volunteers to inspect and sort donated food at the Food Bank's headquarters at 99 Atkinson Street in Boston. Call 617-427-5200, ext. 5030 or visit www.gbfb.org.
AFC MENTORING. Needs volunteers over 18 experienced with adoption/foster care to mentor adopted children. One year commitment desired. Karlee, 617-695-2441 or karlee@afcmentoring.org.
BLIND AND DYSLEXIC in East Cambridge. Needs volunteers with liberal arts, scientific and/or technical backgrounds to record textbooks. Call Peggy at 617-577-1111, ext 17 for more info. www.rfbd.org/bostonhome.htm.
GENERATIONS INCORPORATED. Needs older adults to volunteer as reading coaches and mentors to children in Dorchester, S. Boston and Roxbury. Training provided. Call 617-423-0408 or see www.generationsinc.org.
WGBH. Needs volunteers to assist with computer projects and office support during weekday business hours, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call Liz Hagyard at 617-300-5715.
LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF MASSACHUSETTS. Help an adult learn English. Call 617-367-1313 for information.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS. The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program. Work from home or in our Weston office. For further information call 1800-ACS-2345.
SPAULDING REHABILITATION HOSPITAL. Boston. Opportunities for volunteers. We match volunteers' skills and talents with the needs of the hospital's patients and staff. Training provided. For more information contact volunteer services at 617-573-2740 or jburke11@partners.org.
BOSTON PARTNERS IN EDUCATION. Volunteers needed to tutor 4th grade students in math. Training and placement will be provided. Join this proven program and be a vital part of a student’s success story. Contact Barbara Harris at 617-451-6145 x 620, or apply online at www.bostonpartners.org.
WALKBOSTON. Volunteers needed for walks, legislation and newsletter/e-news committees. Also occasional office work including membership mailings. Call 617-367-9255,www.walkboston.org.
MASS SUBSTANCE ABUSE HELPLINE. Volunteers needed for phone service to help people affected by alcoholism and substance abuse. Must have computer experience. Call 617-536-0501 ext. 201 or see www.helpline-online.com.
BEACON HOSPICE. Volunteers needed to provide support and companionship to patients and their families. Call Laraine Kohler at 617-242-4872.
COMPUTER TUTORS. Volunteers needed for coaching senior and disabled citizens at the Blackstone Apartments. Daytime and evening hours needed. Call Al at 617-557-9121 or email xAlbert3259@aol.com.
BEACON HOUSE. Housing for elderly needs volunteers for front reception desk, a few flexible hours per week. Training provided. Please apply in person at 19 Myrtle St. to fill out an application.
ANIMAL SHELTER. Donations needed: dog and cat toys and treats, blankets and towels for the cages, paper towels, clay cat litter, postage stamps, animal nail clippers, dog and cat collars and leashes. 617-522-5055.
DR. SOLOMON CARTER FULLER. Mental Health Center in the South End needs volunteers for several committees. Call C. Curtiss Carter at 617-626-8726.
MAB COMMUNITY SERVICES. Volunteers needed to read or shop with a blind neighbor. 2-3 hours per week, flexible hours. Training provided. Call Donna Bailey 800-852-3029 or see www.mabcommunity.org.
SAMARITANS OF BOSTON. Volunteers needed to provide telephone counseling on our 24 hour listening line. Help prevent suicide and alleviate the pain of isolation. Training provided. 617-536-2460.
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION. Cambridge chapter needs volunteers for its telephone Helpline service to answer caregiver calls. Training provided. Call 617-868-6718.
ADBAR ETHIOPIAN WOMEN'S ALLIANCE.Volunteers needed to help with its newsletter, website, grant writing, special events and fund raising. Near Harvard Square. 617-234-8981.
THE BOSTON HOME. Dorchester seeks volunteers of all kinds in this long term care facility for adults with physical disabilities. Pet visits welcome. Call Sally Gorman 617-825-3905 ext. 299 or gormansally@aol.com.