New JPNC is elected

The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) held its bi-annual election on Oct. 19. Twelve candidates were elected to the JPNC’s 20 seats and are to take their places at the next council meeting on Oct. 29.

The eight seats still vacant will be filled by the JPNC by appointment. Anyone interested in being appointed should attend one of the next two JPNC meetings.

“There are several people who have expressed interest [in filling the vacant seats],” said Michael Reiskind, an incumbent at-large council member who was re-elected.

Voting was held at J.P. Licks, the Forest Hills T Station, and the Jackson Square Stop & Shop at Jackson Square. JP residents 16 years or older were eligible to vote, and a total of 245 residents cast their ballots. Ultimately, five council members will represent each of the three districts within Jamaica Plain, and an additional five to represent Jamaica Plain at-large.

The results are:

 

At-large

Michael Reiskind 157 votes

Dave Baron 137 votes

 

Area A

Martha Rodriguez 40 votes

Jeffrey Wiesner 34 votes

 

Area B

Erin Colgan-Snyder 65 votes

Carolyn Royce 63 votes

Jamey Lionette 56 votes

Jerry O’Connor 54 votes

Ann Barrett 50 votes

 

Area C

Kevin Moloney 46 votes

Benjamin Day 44 votes

Bernard Doherty 38 votes

 

The JPNC is a volunteer organization that was founded in 1985 by former mayor Raymond Flynn to advise the City. The organization holds open community meetings typically held on the last Tuesday of each month to discuss zoning variances, licensing requests, and various other local issues.

The council is currently appealing a lawsuit it filed against the City and the developer of the 161 S. Huntington Ave. property, alleging that zoning variances there were improperly granted.

Moloney, who is returning to the JPNC after chairing its Zoning Committee in the 1990s, advised the council on filing the lawsuit last year.

“It should be an interesting time,” Moloney said of returning to the JPNC. “Hopefully, we can make some great progress for JP.”

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