The first proposal up for discussion at the September meeting of the zoning and licensing committee of the Beacon Hill Civic Association concerned a remodeling proposal to combine two units at 61 Mount Vernon Street. Sam and Tess Atkinson plan to widen an existing stairway and extend the structure on the roof to amplify the connection between Units E and F. These two units, according to the Atkinsons, have been treated as one for all intents and purposes since the only access to Unit F is through Unit E and Unit F lacks its own bathroom. The impetus for this proposal, according to the Atkinsons, is to gain more space for reasons of safety, egress and convenience. During the preliminary planning stages, the Atkinsons conferred with both neighbors and abutters and reported to those assembled that no objections were raised over the matter.

A couple of supporters were present at the meeting to advocate on behalf of the Atkinsons’ proposal. One stated that he could commiserate with the Atkinsons about raising a family on Beacon Hill and could appreciate their concern about more space and safety while another voiced appreciation for the straightforward manner in which the Atkinsons approached her and others with the proposal. A few members of the civic association voiced concern over setting a precedent but this was offset by the minimal impact the project would have on neighbors and the considerable empathy over the need for more space. A motion was made for non-opposition to the proposal which passed with a count of four to zero with two abstentions.

The second proposal was purely informational and revolved around the addition of a takeout option for patrons of the restaurant 75 Chestnut, owned by the same proprietors of Cheers Boston and the Hampshire House. Corporate Chef Markus Ripperger represented the restaurant to explain the proposal and hear the concerns of the residents. The 48 seat restaurant recently adjusted its menu to offer more comfort food and has been receiving frequent requests for takeout. Ripperger views the proposal as a way to offer a new service to Beacon Hill. Others present begged to differ. One resident wrote in to say that the restaurant has already made a change for the worse, and that the addition of a takeout option would only precipitate its decline. A dissenter present at the meeting stated that the proposal was “out of character” for the neighborhood.

The level of approval and criticism was fairly balanced, however an issue with a printer prevented the civic association from distributing fliers about the restaurant’s proposal. In light of that situation the civic association will be open to feedback from residents and will gauge the reaction and in turn report back. Ripperger maintained that he expected the influx of takeout orders to come during the early evening and that the service would only be locally publicized for Beacon Hill residents.

The Beacon Hill Times follows the progress, or lack thereof, on Cambridge Street through direct observation and interviews with the project’s supervisor John Lepore.

Progress during the week of September 3 - 7

Traffic signals: No progress. Mass Highway called in a second contractor to fix the continuing problems at Grove Street. Best Electric, which is supposed to be completing last four intersections, hasn’t been seen.

Street paving: No progress. The trailer is empty, but has not been removed at the Hurley Building. Paving can’t begin until the trailer is gone.

Street lights: Still not working properly.

Plants: Going great guns. So are the weeds. Fewer plants have died than in most installations, but those that have died will be replaced.

Trash barrels: They were scheduled for installation beginning on Saturday.

The sixth annual Beacon Hill Civic Association block party will be held this Sunday, September 16, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the lower block of Mount Vernon Street near the firehouse. A pancake breakfast at 9 a.m. and dog show at 11 a.m. on Boston Common comprise the morning activities before the block party begins.

“It’s a great way to get everybody back together to kick off the year and end summer,” said Lisa
Horton, civic association administrative assistant.

A used book sale, grilled hot dogs and a Frosty’s ice cream truck are just a few of the new events
added to this year’s party. “Celebrity” chefs, including civic association members and members of the
community, will be cooking and serving the food.

An inflatable, bouncy tent as well as ongoing arts and crafts will be set up all day for the kids.

Neighbors can take advantage of free admission to the Harrison Gray Otis House and Nichols House
museums, among many other events. “It really is for all ages,” said Kate Enroth, board member and co-chair of the block party.

The children’s bike parade is the best part of the day, said Enroth. Kids decorate their own bicycles or scooters, then ride them through the neighborhood.

A new, all-ages activity will be held this year in the Otis House Museum. Historic pictures of Beacon Hill will be on display for partygoers to guess where the photos were taken.

One of the important functions of the block party is the opportunity for residents to get to know community non-profit organizations. “It’s a great chance to showcase themselves,” said Enroth, “and I invite all non-profits on Beacon Hill to participate.”

Perhaps the best part of the party is that it‚s a free event, said Beverly Dammin, board member and co-chair of the block party. “It’s a good way to see neighbors, meet new people and be outdoors.”

SIDEBAR
Before heading to the Beacon Hill Civic Association’s Block Party, don’t forget to shop your favorite stores during the 6th Annual Beacon Hill Fall Sidewalk Sale, Sponsored by the Beacon Hill Business Association. The two-day sale will take place Friday and Saturday, September 14 and 15, with a rain date of Sunday, September 16. Participating stores include: Geek Choice, Blackstone’s of Beacon Hill, Wish, Moxie, Linens on the Hill, Holiday Boutique, Flat of the Hill, Red Wagon, Charles Street Family Chiropractic, Second Time Around, Tibet Emporium, Boston Art and Framing, Rugg Road Paper Co., North River Outfitters, Crush, Pixie Stix, Savenor's and Koo de Kir.

The Liberty Hotel opened officially last Wednesday even though neighbors had, in the few days before the opening, sneaked a few lunches and dinners at Clink, the hotel-managed “gastro-pub” overlooking the former jail’s historic rotunda.

Several neighborhood events are planned in the next few months at the hotel, including the Harvest Moon party, sponsored by the Beacon Hill Business Association, and the Winter Dance, sponsored by the Beacon Hill Civic Association.

CAPTIONS
Tom Kershaw of 75 Chestnut and the Hampshire House (at left) watched the ribbon cutting with Patrick Moscaritolo, president and CEO of the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau.

City Councilor Mike Ross (at right) with his chief of staff Sita Smith (at left) and John Messervy, director of capital and facility planning for Partners.

Paul Sacco, president of the Massachusetts Lodging Association (at left) talks with renowned chef Lydia Shire, who will run Scampo, the Italian restaurant that will open later this fall, and Patrick Moscaritolo, president and CEO of the Greater Boston
Convention and Visitors Bureau. Shire said she writes the menu, cooks the dishes and then teaches her cooks how to make each item.

The crowd sits in a sunny spot while the ribbon cutting festivities went on at the Liberty Hotel. The staff opened the hotel formally by pushing aside two sets of bars to let people inside.

Employees of Mass General, which started the renovation of the Charles Street Jail, which it leases to Carpenter & Co., the hotel developers, turned out in force for the hotel’s opening. Here are Robin Berry, senior real estate development manager at Partners, and Tim Pattison, director of real estate at Partners, Mass General’s owner.

Good job

Members of Boston’s Department of Public Works and other city departments deserve praise for their heroic efforts in keeping the mess in check during the September 1 move-out and in. Their efforts paid off in cleaner sidewalks and less chaos than in past years.

It is curious how long it has taken for city government to realize how thousands of students (and others) moving in and out affect the lives of those staying-put folk who live nearby.

This column has been critical from time to time of the city’s efforts to keep Boston clean. But city government has become more responsive recently in recognizing conditions we live with and doing something about them.

It’s a good thing too. With the high cost of living in downtown Boston, there have to be consolations. Clean streets and sidewalks are two of them.

The last of the produce

Boston’s farmers markets are still going strong with some of the best fruits and vegetables of the season. They won’t close until just before Thanksgiving. For many years they were the only sources for old-fashioned produce such as quinces and lemon verbena.

They are the front line of the “buy local” movement, which, if everyone did, would save energy while contributing to the local economy. The best reason to buy local, however, is to take advantage of freshly picked produce, so much better tasting and more nutritious than the three-week old broccoli shipped from Chile or California.

Some grocery stores have finally figured out that consumers enjoy fresh produce with taste. But to get the best taste and the most interesting products, whether produce or not, the farmers markets still rule.

The Boston Foundation counts 126 farmers markets throughout the state, and the one at Copley Square is a good one, with about 15 reliable vendors and a loyal following. Dewey Square finally has one. City Hall’s market is disappointing. Although long established, it simply doesn’t have enough vendors.

New York farmers markets, especially that in Union Square Park, illustrate how successful these markets can be. The Union Square Park market fills the park open all year four days a week, with dozens of reliable vendors.

The Federation of Massachusetts Farmers Markets is working to improve and expand farmers markets all over the city. You can donate to them at www.massfarmersmarkets.org. But the best way to support this growing (pardon the pun) movement is to go over to Copley Square twice a week and stock up.