Boston’s New Public Safety Strategies for Summer
Expect to see more Boston police in the neighborhoods this summer as part of the city’s summer public safety plan. Increasing cop bike and walking beats is just one of many ways the city plans to ensure a safe summer. Using technology, increasing engagement with the community and offering opportunities to youths were some of the main points highlighted by Boston Mayor Thomas Menino on Thursday, in a press conference with city police, school and human services personnel. Along with increasing bike and walk beats, Boston Police’s current class of recruits will be deployed to target heavy crime areas after graduating in July. In addition, two new “Safe Street Teams” will be added in July in the Harvard Avenue area of District B-3 and the Newbury Street area of District D-4. Boston Police are also synching up 100 percent of all surveillance cameras with the city’s DVTEL, BRIC and emergency services systems, which will allow any camera within 1,000 feet of an incident to automatically turn in the direction of the incident, according to a press release. “I have directed my summer safety teams to do more this year. We will be more proactive, more visible and more available to the public than ever before,” Menino said in the press release. “We will not tolerate anyone trying to disrupt summer in Boston with violence.” Already Boston Police have made a huge dent in possible violence with this week’s Operation H that targeted drug distribution and other crime in Roxbury. As of Tuesday afternoon, 75 individuals were facing charges, and the Youth Violence Strike Force will continue to work in the area to stop gang activity. But Boston leaders aren’t waiting for people to come to them—they’re going to the people. Starting in June, Violence Intervention and Prevention teams are beginning a door-to-door campaign to let people know about summer programming for youths and residents. One such event is the Boston Centers for Youth and Families’ first Girls’ Night IN, an overnight event targeting 50 girls ages 13 to 15 to talk to them on topics of health, safety and empowerment. On Aug. 6, Boston will host its second annual National Night Out, with more than 1,000 Boston residents expected to attend across the city. There are many public safety watches and groups, organized in conjunction by police and residents. Neighborhood watch groups and police community service officers will conduct “flashlight walks” to bring residents out together in their neighborhoods in the evenings. Keeping people busy is a good way to stem violence, and the city is hosting movie nights in parks across the city, as well as sports tournaments and exercise and nutritional sessions. And many of Boston’s teens, approximately 10,000, […]
Roads to Be Repaved in the South End This Summer
Attention folks: There’s summer construction ahead for many South End streets. The city of Boston announced this week they plan resurface 45 miles of road as well as 1,400 pedestrian ramps, with 14 of them in the South End area, including Worcester Square, East Brookline Street, and Union Park. “Our residents deserve the best roads and sidewalks in their neighborhoods. Not only are clean and safe passages a matter of public safety, they also help support our small businesses,” Mayor Menino said in a statement. “We’re looking forward to our best year yet in getting our roadways and pedestrian ramps ready for another great summer in Boston.” Proposed work for 2013 will exceed the amount of work conducted in 2012, which was the most “productive” construction season in the last decade according to Menino’s office. The Public Works Department will spend a total of $ 13.75 million to resurfacing roads in 2013, according to Menino’s office. Of that money, Menino’s office said $ 10 million was freed up from the street cut account, which collects roadway restoration fees through the city permitting process. The full list of streets to scheduled receive work is here, but below we’ve posted a chart with the roads to be repaved in the South End under the mayor’s plan. All roads are scheduled to be repaved in 2013. Street From To Estimated Start Duration Status BOND ST HANSON ST MILFORD ST TBD 2 Weeks Scheduled for 2013 CLARENDON ST TREMONT ST COLUMBUS AV TBD 2 Weeks Scheduled for 2013 CUMBERLAND ST HUNTINGTON AV DEAD END TBD 2 Weeks Scheduled for 2013 EAST BROOKLINE ST WASHINGTON ST HARRISON AV TBD 2 Weeks COMPLETED EAST SPRINGFIELD ST WASHINGTON ST HARRISON AV APRIL 2 Weeks COMPLETED FATHER R GILDAY EAST NEWTON ST EAST CONCORD ST TBD 2 Weeks Scheduled for 2013 GREENWICH PK COLUMBUS AV CLAREMONT ST TBD 2 Weeks Scheduled for 2013 PAUL PL SHAWMUT AV HERALD ST TBD 2 Weeks Scheduled for 2013 PUBLIC ALLEY 403 WEST NEWTON ST CUMBERLAND ST TBD 2 Weeks Scheduled for 2013 PUBLIC ALLEY 404 CUMBERLAND ST PUBLIC ALLEY 405 TBD 2 Weeks Scheduled for 2013 PUBLIC ALLEY 542 HOLYOKE ST BRADDOCK PARK TBD 2 Weeks Scheduled for 2013 PUBLIC ALLEY 543 […]
Summer Shack Fundraiser For Bombing Victim
The Boston Herald reported that a fundraiser will be held next month by Summer Shack for an employee who was severely injured in the Boston Marathon bombings. Karen Rand, office manager for Summer Shack, which has a location in Back Bay, lost a leg when the first bomb went off near the finish line on Boylston Street. Her friend and former co-worker, Krystle Campbell, was one of three people killed April 15. The restaurant will hold a “Spectacular LobsterBake” at its seasonal location on Spectacle Island in Boston Harbor June 5, according to the Herald. Tickets will be $ 100 and 200 will be sold. To make reservations, call 617-520-9501, extension 1022. SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Boston Public Library Switching to Summer Hours
The Boston Public Library announced this week it will soon switch to its summer hours. Locally, this means the South End branch of the Boston Public Library’s weekday hours will stay the same, but the library will no longer be open on Saturdays starting on June 15. The South End Branch will be open Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wendesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At the Central Library branch in Copley Square, the library will remain closed on Sundays through the summer starting on May 19th. After May 19, the Central Library will be open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can see more information on the South End library through the South End Branch website or the Friends of the South End Library website. SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Sports Cars for a Stellar Summer
Sports cars and the people who drive them have taken a bit of a beating in popular culture these last few years. Movie geeks look at a hood scoop and drawl “I live my life a quarter mile at a time” in their deepest Vin Diesel voice. Cynics hear the growl of a high-end exhaust and draw anatomical conclusions about the owner. But all the ribbing doesn’t change one fact: High-performance cars are wicked fun to drive. Big block beast, small block tuner, or high-end euro ride, the power and handling can’t be matched by an efficient Prius or sensible minivan. Here are five local cars for sale that will give you the growl, grip and go that (deep down inside) you really want: 2014 Ford Mustang, $ 26,849: When introduced in the 1960’s, the Ford Mustang changed American car making forever, launching a muscle car revolution that didn’t peter out until the 1980’s. Fast forward to the early years of this century: Ford re-released the Mustang with an updated version of its classic fastback style, launching another round of muscle car interest in the market. The 2014 models are already rolling out to local dealerships. 2013 Chevrolet Camaro, $ 26,849: After Ford successfully restored the Mustang’s classic lines, the car world’s heads whipped in unison toward Chevy, looking for the updated Camaro that was sure to follow. The new-look Camaro made its public bow in the first live-action Transformers movie as…Bumble Bee, an Autobot that heretofore had been a VW Beetle. Confusing, perhaps, but the car dropped jaws. You can get yours at any of several Chevy dealers in the area. 2013 Dodge Challenger, $ 34,860: One of the later retro-styled reboots, the Dodge Challenger is a new favorite among the neo-muscle car set. Who wouldn’t want an updated General Lee in the garage? This striped black model is at Lawless in Woburn. 2009 Porsche Cayman, $ 35,977: No good sports car talk ends without mentioning Porsche. While the 911 remains one of the greatest sports cars of all time, don’t sleep on the Cayman. It’s a smaller roadster with excellent weight balance, giving it a smoother ride to go with its power. Allston Motorsports has an ’09 with 28,532 miles. 2006 Ferrari F430 Spider, $ 159,900: Unless you’re just filthy rich, you aren’t walking into a dealership and buying a brand new Ferrari. The best you could do is fake it, like Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman. No, if you’re gonna buy a Ferrari, you’re gonna buy it second hand. Buy hey, don’t beat yourself up; It’s still a Ferrari! This Spider has a mere 5,757 on the odometer. South End […]
Summer Camp Guide for the South End
With the choice and variety of summer camps available in New England in 2013, boredom won’t be an option. Organizations, from the YMCA to your local parks and recreation department, offer dozens of camp choices for recreation, science, reading, sports, music and more. Whether you’re looking for an all-around experience or a more focused camp, this list can easily launch your camp search with examples in your town and surrounding areas. Massachusetts Overnight Camps Camp Atwater Location: North Brookfield, MA Type: Traditional, segregated Dates: Boys: June 30 through July 13; Girls: July 14-27 Details: A full range of environmental education activities, challenge, adventure and individual/group task are experienced in order to expand personal confidence, develop group cooperation, acquire practical living skills and heighten environment awareness. Information: www.campatwater.org Camp Danbee Location: Hinsdale, MA Type: Girls traditional Dates: June 22 through Aug. 10 Details: Camp Danbee offers girls a well-rounded, comprehensive and instructionally oriented program. The skilled and enthusiastic staff of specialized instructors help campers to improve their abilities whether in the pool, on the soccer field, in gymnastics, in art, at dance, on the lake or on stage. Information: www.campdanbee.com Camp Emerson Location: Hinsdale, MA Type: Traditional camp Dates: Two-, four- and six-week sessions, June 30 through Aug. 10 Details: The program is designed to bring out each camper’s talents and to challenge them to try new things. Information: www.campemerson.com Camp Mah-Kee-Nac Location: Lenox, MA Type: Boys traditional Dates: June 22 through Aug. 10 Details: Campers participate in a variety of activities that features team and individual sports, lake and pool activities, outdoor adventure and arts and creativity featuring our popular woodshop. Information: www.campmkn.com Camp Wititoh Location: Center Lake, Becket, (Berkshires), MA Type: Traditional overnight camp Dates: Three weeks, four weeks, full season Details: Established in 1937 and owned and directed by the Hoch Family since 1960, Watitoh is an overnight camp for children ages 7-16 who like to take part in an active program of land and water sports, creative and performing arts and outdoor hiking and camping. Information: www.campwatitoh.com, 914-428-1894 Cape Cod Sea Camp Location: Brewster, MA Type: Overnight sports, activities and lessons Dates: 3 1/2- or seven-week session, June 30 through Aug. 17 Details: Resident campers have the opportunity to choose different activities out of an average of 20. Activity periods are approximately one hour. Information: www.capecodseacamps.com, 508-896-3451 Emagination Camp Location: Bentley University, Waltham, MA Type: Technology Dates: June 30 through Aug. 16 Details: This core computer camp program is for eight- to 17-year-olds and balances technology learning with fun summer camp activities in two-week sessions. It also offers a […]