credit: Peter Sterling
caption:
The deck at 41 Phillips faces the roof at 51 Phillips. Because there are no railings, trash frequently falls from 51 Phillips to the deck surfaces below.





Ongoing instances of excessive noise, trash and vandalism, particularly on an illegal roofdeck at 51 Phillips Street have generated a great deal of concern from neighbors, including those living at the adjacent 41 Phillips Street building.
For resident Jeff Johnson, these disturbances are nothing new and have become an issue of safety for his family.

“The last two years things have gotten pretty bad,” he said. “I have a back deck that looks across to 51 Phillips. It’s a great space to have in the city, but one that’s hard to enjoy when you have cans and bottles falling off the roof above without warning. At a family party recently, a beer bottle fell in the middle of the table.”

Since last fall Boston Police have been called on at least three separate occasions for noise disturbances at 51 Phillips, although no incident reports were filed. Robert Weintraub, senior property manager of the building at 51 Phillips, said he is well aware of the complaints and has taken steps to solve the problems.

“I can’t be there every minute, but I am there once a week to take a look around,” Weintraub said. “We’re very proactive and when there’s an incident we take care of it.”

According to Weintraub, one main problem involved tenants forcing the roof door open and gaining access to the roof deck. Although he said use of that area is prohibited, tenants socialized on the roof and tossed trash over the side of the building on several occasions. “I’m not sure whoever was partying on the roof meant to dump stuff over the side,” said Johnson.

“They may just be leaving trash up there that blows off when everyone has left, but they aren’t supposed to be on the roof in the first place. Although their actions are certainly disruptive, this has become an issue of safety for everyone involved.”
In addition, residents of 41 Phillips Street sometimes found that their roof deck furniture had mysteriously been moved. On one occasion, a resident returned from a weekend away to find his deck chair sitting on another roof.
After residents persisted in gaining access to the deck Weintraub has been forced to replace the damaged door to the roof three times over the past year. Following the last incident, he decided to fix the problem once and for all. Because the door is not a secondary egress from the building, he received permission from the Boston Fire Department to replace the old door with one reinforced with steel. He expected it to be installed last week.

“I can’t control what people do, but I can control access to the roof and now we’re taking control,” he said.

Besides installing the new door, Weintraub has also initiated several meetings with tenants and hired a special cleaning service to pick up the extra trash every day. He said three of the problem tenants, college students from area schools, were identified and subsequently evicted. He also noted that out of the 12 units in the building, 10 are turning over on September 1.

“Hopefully in September we’ll get better tenants,” added Weintraub. “We’re appeasing our neighbors by getting rid of the problems.”

Other property management companies on Beacon Hill, such as the Mount Vernon Company, mail letters that warn tenants about the serious consequences—including eviction—for using prohibited roofdecks. The Mount Vernon Company also provides its tenants with a resident handbook, which includes codes of conduct for living in a communal apartment building.

credit: Jaclyn Trop
caption: Neighbors are concerned about the new Subway signs.




Temple Street neighbors are irked over the construction of a Subway franchise that received neighborhood approval last May. The installation of an ATM next to the restaurant’s main entrance on Cambridge Street may interfere with handicapped accessibility, they say, and the signage is unsightly.

“It’s ugly. It should go,” said Sue Bridge, who lives on Temple Street.

The restaurant’s owners may be guilty of several transgressions, according to Tom Clemens, chair of the Beacon Hill Civic Association’s Zoning and Licensing Committee.

“[The franchise owners] have done a number of things they’ve specifically agreed not to do,” said Clemens. “I definitely have some concerns.”

Nathaniel Van Camp and Manuk Ozcan, who leased the former premises of The Sausage Guy at 138 Cambridge Street to operate the Subway franchise, never requested the association’s approval to install an ATM, said Clemens.

“I think it has the potential to be a real problem for the neighborhood with respect to litter,” Clemens said, referring to the large pile of receipts found on the ground near most ATMs. “We feel in any event they should have mentioned it to the community before going ahead with it.”

The ATM will attract pedestrian traffic and be a “tempting target” for criminal behavior, Clemens said.

Adam Lowenstein, attorney for Van Camp and Ozcan, said that he could not comment on the ATM because his clients do not own it. “It’s something altogether different,” he said, declining to elaborate on the ATM’s ownership. The ATM does not have any signage that indicates the machine is affiliated with a bank.

There are no city zoning codes regulating ATMs, but permits for the machines are granted on a case by case basis, according to Lisa Timberlake, spokesperson for the Inspectional Services Department.

As for neighbors’ claims that the ATM interferes with handicapped accessibility, Lowenstein said, “The property is, and always will be, handicapped accessible.”

Neighbors are also concerned that the restaurant’s signage — one large sign above the window, one neon sign in the window, and two large decals below the window — is not in compliance with the conditions the association approved.

The large sign is most likely close to the agreed upon parameters, according to Clemens. The window sign appeared to be lit with gooseneck lights, instead of backlights, a condition Van Camp and Ozcan agreed to last May. Clemens said that he was not sure if the decals were in compliance.

“Technically, it’s more signage,” Clemens said. “Neighbors are extremely sensitive to anything that makes Temple Street look commercial rather than residential.”

Lowenstein said that all signage on the restaurant is in compliance. Clemens said that he plans to contact Van Camp and Ozcan, who own several Subway franchises in Boston, to discuss how to bring the restaurant into zoning compliance.

credit: Clint Hamblin




On July 28 families beat the heat and enjoyed the annual Margarita Party at the Longfellow Pool. Guests enjoyed chicken and beef fajitas, salsa music and lime green margaritas.

caption #1:
Jim, Jude, James, Jean and Joshua Rudd, all of Longfellow Place.

caption #2:
Nicole Bonanni, Regional Manager of Equity Residential Properties Rich Lucas, Michaelena Spallino, and Kelly Wollinger. Bonanni, Spallino and Wollinger are leasing consultants at Charles River Park.

Good job, General Court

Downtown Boston citizens should thank the 184th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts—or the state legislature, as it is more commonly known. Last week our legislators over-rode Governor Romney’s veto of $31 million in funds directed toward the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

That Greenway will be wonderful for those of us who live downtown. The money primarily will assist cultural and community organizations in constructing their facilities over the ramps. Those of us who live within walking distance of this new park hope to enjoy two new museums and the facilities of a YMCA due to this funding. It’s a boon to adults and children alike.

Too many times what looks like a benefit for those who live closest to an improvement is said to be a boondoggle for them and a cost to everyone else. But downtown Boston residents aren’t the only ones to gain from a good Greenway.

The cultural facilities made possible by the legislature’s funding will also serve the rest of Massachusetts, and all of New England. Families from Haverhill, Whitsinville and South Egremont will enjoy the new museums as much as families from Beacon Hill and the West End. More than that, the whole state benefits when Boston thrives and spins off economic well-being throughout—a kind of trickle-out theory that ought to appeal to trickle-down enthusiasts.

It is important that the legislature took this step because public funding keeps the public’s interest up front. If private funding were to take over such a task, private interests might trump those of the public.

With funding for parks and the cultural facilities’ foundations, the Greenway will get a start. But perhaps the most exciting aspects of the Greenway are the unknowns.

Over the next thirty years or so, developers, artists, business owners, institutions, and just plain people will look at the views to the harbor that have now opened up. They’ll see how the North End is once again part of the city. They will realize that with more everyday services, they can live downtown too. They’ll look at the harbor and have a hard time remembering when Boston’s shoreline was closed to the public.

And they will think about what they will do—what art they might create to complement the environment; what housing they might build to give us more options; what new entertainments they might think up to give us more to play with.

You may have noticed that we have left the finger-pointing, the blame-dodging and the grandstanding regarding the Big Dig tragedy to others. Despite the lack of oversight regarding this important venture and its regrettable outcomes, ultimately this underground roadway and what it has created at ground level is critical to Boston’s future.

Thank you, Massachusetts Legislature, for getting the ball rolling.

FOR SALE
CONDO FOR SALE
WALNUT STREET. Two bedrooms, one bath, basement storage. Period detail, high ceilings, bookshelves, terrific views. Well managed building, low condo fee. $559,000. Daniel@gfcdevelopment.com.
FOR RENT
PARKING SPACE. One outdoor parking space located on Beacon St. near Arlington St., $325.00 per month. Call 781-545-5201.
HEALTH
IF YOU USED THE PAINKILLER DRUG BEXTRA between March 2002 and February 2005 AND SUFFERED A SKIN REACTION, HEART ATTACK OR STROKE, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles Johnson 1800-535-5727.
TRADE
CRAFTSMAN SEEKING PRE-OWNED MERCEDES. An S430 or E series in exchange for a new kitchen, new bathroom or other household renovations. Call Lou at 617-605-1726.
TUTOR
CHILDREN’S READING/WRITING. Tutor available. Please e-mail Allison, amtrzop@mtholyoke.edu.
VACATION RENTAL
NANTUCKET-CHARMING ‘SCONSET CENTER. Cottage for 2. Air conditioned. Very nice! Available summer or fall, $900-$1700 per week. 617-523-2223.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
BOSTON MONEY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. Needs adults willing to offer 2-4 hours per month to assist local elders who have difficulty managing day-to-day finances. For more information, call Deborah at 617-522-6700 or email dgrose@ethocare.org.
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.horizonsforhomelesschilden.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 log on 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 song leaders 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 and mentor two 10th grade students in the areas of both math and literacy for the “City on a Hill” program . Training will be held on Saturday September 16. The program will run throughout the academic year. Join this proven program and be a vital part of a student’s success story. Contact Barbara Harris at 617-451-6145, 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.