20 Somerset now eligible for landmark status Still slated for sale by state - Jacqueline G. Harris

While the state has begun the process of selling its building at 20 Somerset Street, in a move that could slow its sale, the Boston Landmarks Commission voted to make the building eligible for landmark status by changing its rating from a 5 to a 3-FS at its hearing on January 25.

But Kevin Flanigan, a deputy director for the Department of Capital Asset Management, the agency that is selling the building, said the BLC’s vote “has no effect on our plans. The [request for proposals] remains unchanged and invites both redevelopment and historic preservation approaches. It is open-ended.”

20 Somerset was built in 1930, during the height of the depression, for the former Metropolitan District Commission and has been under state stewardship ever since. issued an RFP on January 19, and the submission deadline for bids is March 22 at 3 p.m.

While the building has not been condemned, it suffers from major code violations including no sprinkler system, asbestos and structural problems. State employees were moved out of it when the governor renamed the MDC the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Flanigan said the RFP acknowledges the historic significance of the building by asking that bids, among other things, “preserve and reuse to the extent feasible the MDC building or portions of features thereof.”

“We have given a lot of deference to the building with regards to its historic significance,” said Flanigan. “Things are built into the RFP that prove this.” But, Flanigan also points out that there are many redevelopment guidelines and selection criteria also built into the RFP.

The BLC’s change in status for the building does not give it any immediate protections, but makes the building eligible for landmark status if a petition was submitted to that end. Ellen Lipsey, executive director of the commission, said no one has submitted a petition for the property.

Why the change in rating? The building was last surveyed 50 years ago, at a time when buildings built in the 20s and 30s were not looked at in the same way they are today. While the outside of the building is more modest than others in the area, the lobby of the building offers a good example of the Art Deco style. The building’s association with the MDC and historical significance to the state was also considered in the rating change from a 5 to a 3-FS (meaning further study.) Other buildings that have received rating upgrades include 122-126 Bowdoin Street, Six Bowdoin Square, the courthouse in Pemberton Square and the Parker House.

Flanigan said DCAM is working and meeting with the Massachusetts Historical Commission on how the disposition should go forward and how it should be handled. And Brian McNiff, spokesperson for Mass Historic, said “We are discussing how to preserve the building as best as possible. That is all I can say about it at this time.”

The state is looking to unload the building pretty quickly, before the end of the fiscal year in June. DCAM plans to award the contract a few weeks after the March 22 deadline. “We are still working towards the June deadline,” said Flanigan.

Flanigan did not want to speculate whether the winning bid would include demolition or renovation. “I can’t go into a lot of detail. I don’t want to say anything that could jeopardize the process of reviewing proposals,” said Flanigan.

But, if demolition was entertained, it would trigger either a demolition delay hearing or review by the BLC. According to Lipsey, demolition of any building that is more than 50 years of age and is not under the protection of an historic district or other landmark protections would trigger the process. “You can’t pull a building permit unless you get a sign off from the BLC,” said Lipsey.

McNiff said Mass Historic has no public meetings scheduled at this time with regards to 20 Somerset.

Caring for Cambridge Street plantings Whose job is it? -- by Suzanne Besser

Peter Scarpignato says, and others agree, that the city doesn’t adequately maintain its plantings.

Public/private partnerships are here to stay. “You can wish it weren’t that way,” he said, “but it just isn’t the way it used to be anymore.”
Oliver C. Colburn

“The whole idea of self-help through self-taxation is very empowering. You focus into a tight area that serves you well and then get very involved.”
Scott Healy

Widened brick sidewalks, historic-looking street lamps and an expanded center island landscaped with trees and plantings are all part of a decade-old dream about to come true on the ‘new’ Cambridge Street. There’s one hitch though: The City of Boston wants local businesses — big and small — to chip in funds to keep those shrubs healthy and happy.

The Cambridge Street businesses aren’t so sure about this. Big institutions say they’ll go along with the request, but smaller ones insist such maintenance is a basic city service businesses can expect as a result of their high taxes.

Therein lies the dilemma. Who should pay? Should the city continue to pay as they have in the past? Should small businesses rely on big brother corporations to carry the load? Or, should big and small share it?

The city’s viewpoint

Peter Scarpignato, the retired executive assistant to the Boston Public Works Department who has managed the street’s reconstruction process since the beginning, says the city can’t do it well. He readily admits — and others agree — the city doesn’t adequately maintain its plantings, which would leave a pretty sorry situation in the middle of the long-dreamed-about revitalized street.

That’s why he is asking Cambridge Street businesses for help with pruning, watering, mulching and replacing trees and shrubs on the island. The estimated annual cost of the work is $170,000, an amount Scarpignato wants to split among adjacent property owners in proportion to the amount of frontage each owns on the street. Property owners would contribute on a voluntary basis. The cost includes a $1,500 fee for an organization or individual to manage the upkeep, although as of yet noone has stepped forward to take on that responsibility.

Who should pay for this? Under Scarpignato’s plan, contributions would range from $20,321 for Mass General Hospital to about $1,500 for owners of several buildings housing both residences and businesses. Local reactions to the proposed assessments are mixed.

Big businesses’ viewpoint

Oliver C. Colburn, president of an informal network of businesses and institutions called the Cambridge Street Community Development Corporation, thinks public/private partnerships are here to stay. “You can wish it weren’t that way,” he said, “but it just isn’t the way it used to be anymore.”

Colburn helped shepherd the big businesses through three year’s worth of negotiations with the city, and most say they’ll chip in to the maintenance fund. Tim Pattison, who is director of real estate for Partners Healthcare, says MGH has been participating in the discussions from early on and plans to contribute its share.

“We’re in it for our share. We have always supported the concept of beautifying Cambridge Street,” said Suffolk University spokesman Michael Feeley. Suffolk’s share is estimated at $4,600.
The Davis Companies, developers of the Charles River Plaza, also support the beautification of Cambridge Street. Assessed for $14,000, Project Manager Jan Machnik said, “If the majority on our corridor contribute, than we will do that. However, we don’t feel it is appropriate for MGH and us to do it all alone.”

MGH’s Pattison agreed. “[Everyone] being engaged makes sense to the success of the program,” he said.

Machnik noted that the city frequently points to the recent maintenance partnerships undertaken on Huntington and Commonwealth avenues as models for the Cambridge Street businesses to follow. Those partnerships are managed and primarily financed by Northeastern University and Boston University respectively. “Our situation is very different. Both universities own so much property and are essentially the sole beneficiaries. Cambridge Street is a major entrance and we all are beneficiaries,” he said.

Because Beacon Hill residents will benefit as well from the roadwork, Colburn secured a $15,000 grant from the 250 Cambridge Street Corporation, a Beacon Hill Civic Association subsidiary that funds improvements to the quality of life on Beacon Hill’s north slope. He also intends to ask the BHCA for additional funding.

Smaller businesses’ viewpoint

ERACityState Real Estate owner David Thomas, who leases property at 218 Cambridge Street, says it’s all right for the big players and the city to pay, but not the little guys. “Many small businesses struggle to make a living and can’t afford to pay and shouldn’t have to. There is a level of services you expect in exchange for your tax dollars.”

The early advocates who pushed hard and long for the street’s facelift said they did so to help the Cambridge Street shops and restaurants bring in more business, and attract more customers from a greater market. “A survey we conducted in the late 80s found that residents didn’t like the street, found the shops unpleasant, dirty and unattractive, and tried to avoid going there altogether,” said Karen Cord Taylor, now executive editor of the Times who for years headed the Cambridge Street Study Committee that worked with the city to design the new streetscape.

But Thomas doesn’t agree that a brand-new Cambridge Street will make much difference to the individual business owners, with the possible exception of Whole Foods Market that may draw customers from greater distances. “ We live in the neighborhood’s walk zone, and few businesses draw from afar. What keeps them in business is that people can walk to them,” he said.

He believes that the city as a whole has an interest in the vibrancy of Cambridge Street, which he called “a gateway, a place where people congregate,” and so the city should provide properly for the care of the street. “To the extent there are enhancements, it should be bigger businesses like Mass General Hospital, Suffolk University and Charles River Plaza paying because the benefit is greater to them. They are trying to improve their image and attract people from afar.”

Babak Bina, president of the Beacon Hill Business Association and owner of a residential property on Cambridge Street, agrees with Thomas that tax dollars should pay for the maintenance. He thinks the small businesses were blind-sided. “There was no public process that included the small businesses. When I got the notice [about the maintenance plan] I was flabbergasted,” said Bina, whose assessment is $6,500. “Philosophically, is this the right thing to do? That’s the million dollar question.”

Jim Sauro, owner of Bowdoin Square Exxon, has been assessed for $5,000. He said, “I support the idea of beautifying the street but don’t see how a business like mine can afford it.” He is concerned that the work the city is doing will increase property values which will be reflected in property taxes. With that increased expense as well as the maintenance assessment, he fears he will have to pass the costs on to his consumers.

Other public/private ventures
While many small business owners say they don’t think the road work will increase their business, others now involved in voluntary public/private partnerships say the payback is, in fact, good for all, and that projects are more successful when every business kicks in.

The Back Bay Association, which advocates for its business community, established a $3.6 million partnership with the city to establish Boylston Street as one of Boston’s grand boulevards. The Boylston Street Improvement Plan, with $1.5 million in funds from the city and Boston Redevelopment Authority and $2.1 million in private funds, installed a new planter median, hanging baskets with flowers, new historic double acorn street lights, new trash receptacles, and trees with grates and is paying for the ongoing maintenance of the street. Eight large businesses contributed to the improvement plan.

The Codman Island Garden at the intersection of Beacon and Charles streets was created and is maintained by the Beacon Hill Civic Association with help from the Beacon Hill Garden Club.
Under the leadership of developer Norman B. Leventhal, the Park at Post Office Square was developed in the heart of the city's revitalized financial district in the early 1980s. Leventhal was renovating a building across the street from the parking facility, which he thought was the ugliest garage he had ever seen, according to Robert Beal of the Beal Companies who owned a nearby property. Leventhal stepped in, founded the Friends of Post Office Square, a civic organization comprised of businesses located in or near the site, that raised enough capital funds to build an underground garage with a public park on top. Surplus funds went to supporting other city parks, Beal said.

Nationwide, some 1,200 communities have found that partnering local grassroots-based organizations with city and state agencies under the umbrella of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Program is a powerful economic tool. Figures released in 2003 by the National Trust show that the average community spent $10,000 in public and private monies, and every $1 spent generated $35.17 in return. Byproducts include significant business gains and new jobs created.
Nineteen neighborhoods belong to Boston’s Main Streets Program to which the city contributes a significant portion of its federal Community Development Block Grant funds. Each neighborhood teams up with a corporate buddy, a large business that contributes $10,000 each year for four years toward operational expenses and provides access to technical resources. Between 1995 and 2001, Boston’s Main Street communities realized 491 new businesses and 3,545 new jobs.

Dwayne Lehman of the Department of Neighborhood Development that oversees Boston’s Main Street programs said some districts have nominal membership fees and others do not. In addition to corporate buddy funds, money is raised through annual fundraisers.

Michael Bissanti, owner of the Paramount Restaurant on Charles Street, actively participates in the Fields Corner Main Street program in Dorchester since opening another restaurant there. He said he has seen significant economic growth and vitality since its small business owners became stakeholders in the diverse district by working together.

Fields Corner’s corporate buddy is Keyspan. Ira Schlosser of the Dorchester House Multi-Service Center has been involved in the program since the beginning. He said, “It is not unusual for merchants to kick in to pay for maintenance [in some areas].”
In many states, legislation enables neighborhoods to voluntarily establish business improvement districts whose taxes are collected by the municipality in which they reside. Core functions usually include keeping sidewalks and curbs clean, removing graffiti and patrolling the streets. In most states, once the business improvement district is formed, the assessment is usually mandatory, collected by the city like any other tax. However, the city returns the assessment of the district management for use in the district.

Chapter 400 of the General Laws of Massachusetts allows property owners in a commercial district to tax themselves to raise money for neighborhood improvement. However, a bill to establish a downtown business improvement district allowing property owners from Kneeland Street to State Street to pay for services not provided by the city failed to pass the legislature last year. The bill ran into opposition because the Downtown Crossing group wanted all property owners to contribute to the district’s upkeep, while the state law allowed property owners to opt out of paying.

Opponents also objected that the proposed bill gave companies the power to administer public services without oversight by elected officials.

Neighboring states have had success with business improvement districts. One such district, the Town Green Special Services District in New Haven, Connecticut, was established in 1997 for the purpose of creating and promoting a clean and safe environment for all residents, employees and visitors who utilize New Haven’s downtown. Within the district, the owners of 390 taxable properties voted to pool their resources to improve the environment within a 27-block area.

“The district is funded by a combination of voluntary and compulsory giving,” said its executive director, Scott Healy. Yale University, the City of New Haven and one of the city’s largest employers voluntarily contribute.

The district uses the funds to clean up litter in public spaces, including picking cigarette butts and chewing gums off sidewalks, taking down old posters and signs, and removing graffiti from buildings. It plants, prunes and waters a public park, center island on a main street and many large barrels of flowers. In emergencies, it helps pay for leaf and snow removal.
Is the district doing the city’s work? Healy says no. “We are an adjunct to city services, not taking its place. We are two different entities working toward the same goal.”

“Since the district’s inception,” Healy said, “property values have increased rapidly.” After three years, the district’s members voted whether or not to continue the district funded by voluntary self-taxation. 92 percent of the members voted yes.

Scorsese eyes Beacon St. building

The word from Edwina Brooke-Petit, whose company manages the building at 22 Beacon Street, is that director Martin Scorsese has chosen 22 Beacon as the perfect place to film his latest project, which stars Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon.
Scorsese was in town last week and scoped out more than 400 buildings for the film “The Departed,” which will be about a rivalry between the Boston police force and an Irish gang, said Brooke-Petit. “They said the building was perfect,” she said.

Scouts for project said that nothing has been decided yet.

The Beacon Hill Times is building a Neighborhood Readers Network to get reader opinion. The email addresses of those volunteering to be part of the network will be incorporated into a group email list, and from time to time we will email the group with questions that can be responded to easily and quickly. Here are some examples of questions we might ask:
In his State of the City address, did the mayor discuss issues of importance to our community?

Do you support or oppose changing trash collection days from Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to Monday, Wednesday and Friday?

How long did it take you to shovel your car out after the 2005 blizzard?

We believe this network of readers will become an invaluable resource for us and for our readers. Be assured that we will not print anyone’s name or comments without first asking permission. If you are interested in joining the group, please email editor@beaconhilltimes.com. If at anytime you wish to opt out of the network, we will remove your email address at once.

Classifieds

COMPLETE CLEANING SERVICES. Please call Rosane Spindola 617-387-9519 or 617-899-9328.

WE WAX AND BUFF WOOD FLOORS. We buy and arrange fresh flowers for your home. Beacon Hill Housecleaners, 18 years on Beacon Hill. Call Dan or Marguerite, 617-739-1306.

EMPLOYMENT

PART-TIME ASSOCIATE. Established Beacon Hill invitations business needs part-time associate. Fun, fast paced environment. Provide general office support, “Mother’s hours” available. 617-227-2127.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HANDYMAN-PAINTING/TILING/WALLPAPERING works evenings and weekends. Ernie, 617-515-3785.

PERSONAL ORGANIZERS

TOO MUCH CLUTTER? Home, offices, mail/filing, closets, basements, kitchens, toys, moves, charity deliveries and winter cleanouts. Call Katrina. 617-723-8877.

PETS

LOVING HOME WANTED for neutered Russian Blue male cat (Dude, age 5, with papers). Hypoallergenic, very affectionate. For more details call 617-523-5667.

SERVICES

Box Header

TUTOR-Wesleyan alum with 10 years tutoring experience seeking to expand client base. Specialties include math, writing, and standardized test preparation. Contact Brian (617-228-4385 or brianjphelan@hotmail.com).

WRITING PROFICIENCY TUTOR. Writing involves logical steps, e.g., paragraph structure, grammar, and clarification of ideas. I can teach those steps. Contact Thomas: 617-725-0141 /tgagnon967@aol.com.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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 Laraine Kohler at 617-427-5200, ext. 5030 or visit www.gbfb.org.

UNITED SOUTH END SETTLEMENTS needs computer tutors at its Timothy Smith Computer Learning Center for one three-to-four hour shift each week. Call 617-375-8108.

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 am-5 pm. Call Liz Hagyard at 617-300-5715.

LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF MASSACHUSETTS. Help an adult learn English. Call 617-367-1313 for information.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS needed for 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 in Boston has opportunities for volunteers and matches 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 needs volunteers to tutor students grades K-12 in both math and literacy. Training and placement will be provided. Join this proven program and be a vital part of a student’s success story. Contact Martha Redding at 617-451-6145 x 621, or apply online at www.bostonpartners.org.
WALKBOSTON needs volunteers for its advisory board, special events and occasional help in preparing membership mailings and help with general office support. 617-367-9255, www.walkboston.org

MASS SUBSTANCE ABUSE HELPLINE seeks volunteers 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 needs volunteers to provide support and companionship to patients and their families. Call Robin Hansen at 617-242-4872.

THE HORIZONS INITIATIVE needs volunteers to play with children living in family homeless and domestic violence shelters. Day and evening hours available. Must commit 2 hours per week for 6 months. Training sessions held monthly. 617-287-1900 or www.horizonsinitiative.org.

COMPUTER TUTORS 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.

RECORDING FOR THE BLIND AND DYSLEXIC in E. Cambridge seeks volunteers for days and evenings to read and record textbooks in digital format for students of all ages. Call 617-577-1111 ext. 17.

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.

THE HOME FOR LITTLE WANDERERS needs volunteers for its parental stress hotline that offers parents and caregivers in Massachusetts help in coping with the challenges of parenting. Training, supervision and weekly shifts available. New training begins April 8. Call 617-267-3700 or visit www.thehome.org.

ANIMAL SHELTER needs donations: 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.

BECOME A BIG BROTHER OR A BIG SISTER. Volunteer and spend a little time with one great kid, just like someone once did for you. Call 1-888-412-BIGS or log on at www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.
COMMUNITY SERVINGS needs people to deliver meals to individuals and families with HIV and AIDS. Flexible shifts from 7 am to 8 pm Mon-Fri. Call Betsey 617-445-7777.

MA ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND needs volunteers 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.mablind.org.

SAMARITANS OF BOSTON needs volunteers to provide telephone counseling to lonely and suicidal callers. Training provided. 617-536-2460.

MATCH-UP INTERFAITH VOLUNTEERS seeks dog owners to visit nursing home residents 2-4 hours per month. 6-month minimum required, training provided. 617-536-3557, www.matchelder.org.
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION in Cambridge needs volunteers for its telephone Helpline service to answer caregiver calls. Training provided. Call 617-868-6718.

ADBAR ETHIOPIAN WOMEN'S ALLIANCE needs volunteers to help with its newsletter, website, grant writing, special events and fund raising. Near Harvard Square. 617-234-8981.

THE BOSTON HOME in 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.

PEACE GAMES, a violence prevention program is seeking committed individuals to volunteer a few hours a week to teach in Boston-area elementary schools. Visit www.peacegames.org or call Kori at 617-464-2600 ext. 29.