The Third Decade

Dumpster Diving...Really?

Given the recent stories about the proliferation of rats around the area, I'm shocked that there are people who are choosing to go dumpster diving in areas where rats would most likely be scurrying about. I get that they're making a point about food waste, but what about common sense? With swine flu and bird flu floating around, do we really need people purposely exposing themselves to another potential source of infection? Someone call the parents, the Millennials are losing their damn minds!

Goodbye, Silver Line.

When I woke up this morning and read the Globe article about how the state scrapped plans for the 28X/Mattapan Silver Line, I was both happy and curious. That proposed extension of the Silver Line never really made sense to me. I've taken the existing route between Dudley Square and Downtown many times and have always found it slow, crowded, and uncomfortable. Current Silver Line service is sporadic. It's not unusual to wait at Dudley Station for over 15 minutes for a bus to depart...if it's even at the berth. Given that the extension would be about twice as long as the current route, it was surprising to see the state try to sell this project as an improvement to the bus service that already exists.

Anyway, I was curious to see what the reader comments to the article would be. Unsurprisingly, many of them are by people who don't live in the affected neighborhoods or use the Silver Line. They label area residents as "whiners" and suggest that the Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan lost out on something beneficial. Puh-leeze. Planning to spend $147 million dollars for a new, slow bus line was ridiculous. Even as an express route with a dedicated lane, the bus would've still had to deal with Blue Hill Avenue's heavy traffic and the general lack of courtesy that most drivers show to each other. The state's idea also seemed like another temporary solution to an issue needing long-term planning and coordination: how to improve transportation to an area of Boston lacking rapid rail transportation.

Looking at the past 25 years in Boston transit, there's been an unfortunate pattern of disinvesting in routes in the urban core while investing heavily in outer areas. As Washington Street lost the Orange Line and South Huntington/Centre Streets lost the E-line (to be replaced by bus service), North Cambridge gained the Red Line extension, the new Orange Line was moved to the Southwest Corridor, and the commuter rail expanded in multiple directions. In the meantime, the Somerville Green Line extension, the Indigo/Fairmount Line, the Lynn extension on the Blue Line, and the Urban Ring have been dangled in front of area residents without significant progress being achieved. Is it any wonder that residents in dense urban areas are expressing their outrage and annoyance and demanding better ideas? Besides having poor transit options, as new residents move into urban areas they're bringing more cars to compensate for the lack of adequate public transportation and adding to congestion. The feeling I sense from a lot of people (although by no means the all) is that enough is enough.

We need something better regionally. As a Roxbury resident, I'm glad to know that organizations like the Washington Street Corridor Coalition have been working for years to advocate for improved service and coordinated planning. In addition to improved transit through Dudley Square, I also hope that Somerville, Dorchester, and Lynn are included in a regional transit update that brings more of the densest parts of Metro Boston better rapid transit options. The Silver Line was a nice try, but it's time to move forward and start thinking about how to build a more comprehensive rail network with some vision.

Uptick in the economy?

The property tax revaluation assessments are out. To my surprise, my little condo has an assessed value higher this year than last year. Is this a sign that the economy/housing market is improving or did the city change its formula for assessing property taxes this year?

What can we do with four more years?

Some people who did not support another four years of Menino have already begun gazing into their navels in despair about him being in office for another four year term. While it's not what was hoped for, let's face it, the man knows how to get things done. That said, perhaps it's time to look at another four years of Menino as a blessing in disguise. As I said, he knows how to get things done. So, instead of wallowing in self-pity, maybe it's an opportunity to gather in significant numbers to make sure your ideas are heard by the one man with all the cards in his hands. My shortlist for Roxbury is below:

BIOLAB: Can it. For years B.U. has shown that it hasn't been very good at managing labs with less deadly viruses. Why are we supposed to trust them with a Level 4 lab that will hold some of the deadliest pathogens on earth? Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz and other elected officials have gone on record as saying that they don't support the lab. Many residents don't support it either. We know you're for it, but do you really trust the designated operators to manage it well?

NCAAA at P-3: Support it. At a BRA meeting earlier this year, Roxbury residents expressed overwhelming support to have an arts center - as envisioned by Barry Gaither of the NCAAA - built at P-3. That part of Columbus Ave/Tremont St lacks a neighborhood cultural institution that can be draw and anchor. Rumors have floated for years that Menino wants to build a soccer stadium there for the Revolution, but that's the last thing a congested yet culturally-desolate area needs. Support the arts, Mr. Mayor. If you want a soccer stadium, build it on the waterfront or in place of the Biolab.

DUDLEY SQUARE: Build it. Before the election there was a design contest regarding the future of the Ferdinand Building. Your office announced that the winner of the contest would be designated after the election was over. Well, here we are. Show your commitment to the future of Dudley Square by designating a team before Thanksgiving to begin building out the Ferdinand site. Dudley Square has been languishing for years and needs a boost. The site of the new police station has been cleared, now it's time to get Ferdinand on the move. And while you're at it, can you get Jackson Square moving along, too?

Any chance I'll be surprised?

Unfortunately I was so busy during the second half of October that I feel like Rip Van Winkle regarding some of the latest news. But I'll do what I can to get back in the game, especially with the election coming up on Tuesday. Personally, I would be excited to see a change in the mayor's office, but I don't expect that to happen. I don't know what's motivating the majority of the city to keep our current mayor, but maybe I'll see for myself after the election. Yoon has been everywhere I've been lately and it seems like Flaherty has been everywhere else. I thought I'd see Menino once or twice during the past month, but I guess he's been laying low.

In the meantime, can we just lock the doors on the B.U. Biolab and throw the keys into the harbor already? How many times will we read articles about accidents happening at their current labs before we realize that having a new one with the world's deadliest diseases in the middle of the city is a bad idea?

Jamaica Plain Open Studios

JP Open Studios is this weekend. Over 200 artists - including me - will display work throughout the neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday. The opening reception is tonight, 6pm-10pm, on the third floor of 670 Centre St. Refreshments will be served. Come out for the day or for the weekend and support local artists.

Is he or isn't he? Will the real Ego Ezedi please stand up.

This morning I woke up to find a link in my inbox to an article in Boston University's Daily Free Press titled

Former BU biolab proponent runs for city council, campaigns against biolab

Long-time readers of this blog know that I'm anti-biolab, so of course I was curious to see who the person is. I was a little surprised to read that it's Ego Ezedi. As the article mentions, Ego was featured in a student-produced video strongly supporting the biolab. Actually, strongly is an understatement. My initial reaction to watching the video years ago was that Mr. Ezedi had the interests of Boston University, not the community, in mind. As an employee of B.U. that comes as no surprise. What I found off-putting was the arrogance and vehemence of his statements.

Flash forward to the present day and now there's an article stating that he's opposed to the biolab...or at least its Level 4 designation. Other than saying that now he understands that 100% safety cannot be guaranteed, he says that his change of mind is based on "personal convictions."

What the hell?!

Mr. Ezedi, you can do better than that. Given how strongly you spoke out in favor of the biolab 4 years ago, why can't you be just as vocal and emphatic? When I met you at a meet-and-greet earlier this summer and asked about your ideas concerning transit and environmental justice issues, I did so without remembering that you were in this video. You didn't have a response to those questions, which is unfortunate given your previous stance and apparent change of mind concerning the biolab.

It's changes of position (and tepid acknowledgment of those changes) like this that make me skeptical of politics and politicians in general. OK, so now you're opposed to the biolab...kind of. What's next? What do you propose as a solution for the community which you would like to elect you to office? If elected, how do we know that you won't change position again?

At the very least, watching this video made me realize that change is happening in the Dudley area. One of the Superfund sites (the Modern Electroplating Factory) is in the process of being cleaned and redeveloped. I don't know where the other one is/was, but I'm hoping that remediation plans are in the works for that one, too.

Marine One?

A noisier-than-usual helicopter just flew over Roxbury. When I looked up, I think I saw Marine One.

It's on and poppin' this Saturday

On Saturday, all eyes will be on Roxbury. In addition to the annual Boston Carnival on Warren Street, Senator Kennedy's funeral takes place (at a time to be announced) on Mission Hill. I guess we can expect traffic to be out of control that day. Take the T if you can.

And keep your fingers crossed that the hurricane doesn't head this way too!

Food events in Roxbury

In the wake of a somewhat limited best-of list by the Improper and the demise of the Banner (which is already rumored to be making a comeback), it's up to individuals in greater Roxbury to share what's happening with news and events. I'll do my part by starting off with a pair of upcoming food events organized by Discover Roxbury:

A Celebration of Roxbury cooking class
Roxbury is home to a multitude of ethnic groups. Despite their differences in origin, all groups have one thing in common, they cook with soul. Participants in today’s class will cook foods from the American South, Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. Prepare for a flavorful ride that includes items such as Suya-spicy kebobs from West Africa, Ginger Beer, Rice and Beans, and Passion Fruit Trifle. In addition to learning what the cuisines have in common, the class will enjoy a tasty meal prepared together.

July 22, 6:30pm-9:30pm. Limit 15 people.
Advanced enrollment ($50) by purchasing tickets or calling 617-427-1006.
Haley House, 12 Dade St, Dudley Square.
MBTA: Bus #1, 8, 47, Silver Line to Melnea Cass. Parking is available.


Berries in the 'Bury: high tea at the Shirley-Eustis House
Royal Governor William Shirley's Georgian mansion is one of only four remaining country houses in America built by a British Royal Colonial Governor. Experience this unique and grand colonial masterpiece during a special High Tea. The menu will incorporate seasonal berries, currants, and cherries. Participants will also tour the grounds, including the historic gardens and fruit trees. The recommended dress code is smart casual, with hats for ladies.

July 23, 4pm-6pm. Limit 20 people.
Make reservations ($30) by purchasing tickets or calling 617-427-1006.
Shirley-Eustis House, 33 Shirley St.
MBTA: Bus #15 and 41. Limited on-street parking.

I also received an email this morning about a free meeting on Thursday evening focused on making new connections and communicating across the media gap in the Black community. I already have plans and can't attend, but I'm interested in hearing the outcome of the meeting from anyone else who goes. Info below:

The Baystate Banner - our community newspaper has halted the Presses ...

http://www.boston. com/news/ local/massachuse tts/articles/ 2009/07/08/ as_bay_state_ banner_closes_ black_community_ loses_a_voice? s_campaign= 8315 

 

The Radio Stations (WILD & Hot 97) have Vanished...How Do We

Communicate with one another...stay in touch..exchange information? 

 

Join us for a Powerful Event - "The Exchange of Ideas"

bring your business cards to

OM Restaurant  92 Winthrop St, Cambridge  (Harvard Square)

Thursday July 16, 2009   5:30 - 9 PM