Fuel assistance and food bank referrals at Action for Boston Community Development’s (ABCD) offices, including Jamaica Plain APAC, are at an “all-time high,” and the anti-poverty nonprofit has launched a “Winter Emergency Campaign” in response. ABCD is seeking donations of all kinds, such as new winter clothing, blankets and non-perishable food, for an expected...
Monthly Archives: November 2012
Gift drive moves from S. Huntington site
The Home for Little Wanderers is holding its annual Big Wishes gift drive again this season, starting Nov. 26. But it is alerting generous Jamaica Plain residents that its recently closed 161 S. Huntington Ave. location and its traditional “Toy Room” is no longer a drop-off spot. Instead, a new “Toy Room” drop-off will...
State makes Casey MEPA filing
The state filed a required Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office report this month for the Casey Overpass replacement project that identifies no major environmental impacts. The MEPA filing was required as part of the Casey Overpass demolition and ensuing redevelopment of the surrounding area. Such filings are required for nearly all road works...
Crane, early deliveries heading to VA garage site
S. HUNTINGTON—A large crane will be moved to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center garage construction site at 150 S. Huntington Ave. on Mon., Nov. 26. Delivery of large sections of pre-cast concrete, some of which must happen in the 5-7 a.m. hour, will begin Nov. 28 and run through Dec. 21, the VA said...
JPNC seeks new members
The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) has five vacant seats and is welcoming any nominees interested in joining the council to attend its Nov. 27 meeting, according to chair Ben Day. The JPNC is an elected 20-member community organization that advises City government about local issues. It reviews zoning and licensing requests and serves...
Protest dolls displayed at 161 S. Huntington site
By Peter Shanley and John Ruch/Gazette Staff S. HUNTINGTON—About 10 dolls adorned with protest signs are arranged around a tree at the Home for Little Wanderers at 161 S. Huntington Ave., an effort carried out by a new Occupy JP-affiliated group called Babies Against Boondoggles, according to an Occupy JP member. The display is...
Police Spotlight: National Grid warns of bill pay scam
The utility company National Grid is warning its customers of a bill-payment telephone scam being operated by criminals in the New England area. The scammers call a customer and ask them to purchase a Green Dot MoneyPak pre-paid credit card to pay a balance or pay for replacing a faulty meter. The scammer then...
S. Huntington project approved by City
The City Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) voted this morning to approve the variances requested by the developers of the luxury apartment project at 161 S. Huntington Ave. in the midst of great community opposition. The project still needs approval from the city’s Parks Commission, tentatively scheduled for next week, Larry DiCara, the attorney...
BTD chief: Mayor won’t oppose Casey plan, backs process
FOREST HILLS—Mayor Thomas Menino will not oppose the Casey Arborway plan despite a petition calling for him to do so, and he backs the state’s ongoing planning process, the City’s transportation commissioner told the Gazette today. “I know folks want the mayor to come in and say, ‘Hey, I absolutely support ’...
Obama, Warren win as JP votes big
There was a large local turnout for the Nov. 6 election with Jamaica Plain residents facing long lines at some polling stations. President Barack Obama won reelection, challenger Elizabeth Warren topped incumbent U.S. Senator Scott Brown, and the state approved medical marijuana. JP residents also saw the beginnings of the 2013 mayoral race. Will...