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...
Monthly Archives: December 2012
Official: MassDOT fails to release Casey records
The state Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has failed to comply with 10 outstanding requests for public information on the Casey Arborway process, according to officials, and is asking over $4,000 of a Jamaica Plain resident to release the documents. The state Supervisor of Public Records has said that MassDOT has “failed to meet its...
Casey bike paths questioned
FOREST HILLS—Following the state’s announcement that the redesigned Casey Arborway and surrounding area will greatly reduce on-street bike lanes in favor of larger off-street bike paths, some community members are questioning the decision. The Boston Cyclists Union is willing to support the changes, provided the off-street paths are kept clear of snow year-round. Other...
JPNC receives interest in vacant seats
The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) has five vacancies on its board, but those slots look soon to be filled as 11 people expressed interest in joining the council during its meeting Nov. 27. The JPNC is an elected community organization that advises City government about local issues Those interested are the following: Kelvin...
Orange Line corridor study released
A new study that examined all real estate projects and their expected impacts through 2035 along the MBTA’s Orange Line with the aim of linking their planning and marketing campaigns was released late last month. The MBTA orange line runs through Jamaica Plain and services Jackson Square, Stony Brook, Green Street and Forest Hills...
‘Tree mobs’ take over Arboretum
The Arnold Arboretum is welcoming literal mobs of community members who want to learn about trees. “Tree mobs,” informal, short-notice outdoor gatherings to educate the public about a particular aspect of a particular plant in the Arboretum’s collection, started this summer and will continue through the winter, Arboretum Manager of Adult Education Pam Thompson...
Homeless care project gets green light
PARKSIDE—A proposed care and housing facility for the homeless on Walnut Avenue has no more hurdles to stop its construction after an ongoing lawsuit was denied appeal by the state Supreme Judicial Court last week. “We’re thrilled that we now have a green light,” Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) Executive Director Robert...
Holidays in JP: ‘Urban Nutcracker’ brings diversity to holiday
Living in the city usually means experiencing diversity, and with Anthony Williams’ “Urban Nutcracker,” you can bring that to your holiday celebrations. The “Urban Nutcracker” is Williams’ take on the 19th century classical ballet. It has a vast array of dance, ranging from classical ballet to hip-hop to urban tap to traditional Chinese. “We...
Holidays in JP: Tree-lightings slated for Sat.
The annual tree-lightings and Enchanted Trolley Tour events in Monument and Hyde Squares are slated for tomorrow, Dec. 8. The Mayor’s Trolley Tour and Tree-Lighting event in Monument Square, the intersection of Centre and South streets, at 1:30 p.m. pairs up with the Jamaica Plain Business and Professional Association’s day-long Holiday Stroll. It includes...
Holidays in JP: Expert: Holidays are opportunity for interfaith couples
Holidays can be a stressful time of year, even more so for some interfaith couples. But Paula Brody of Reform Jewish Outreach Boston, which is based in Newton and has a JP program, said the holidays are not a problem for interfaith couples, but an opening. “Holidays are opportunity for interfaith couples to really...