What’s been written and said about free speech and social media lately could fill a server farm. Unfortunately, much of the discussion and many disagreements so far are based on fundamental gaps in understanding. Kingpins of “social…
Author: Sandra Storey
JP Observer: Urban Forest Plan crucial for Boston’s trees
Everyone who understands the importance of preserving and enhancing the number and well-being of all trees in Boston can be especially happy today, Earth Day, April 22. This year’s Earth Day theme is, appropriately, “Invest in Our Planet.” …
JP Observer: Ending homelessness here benefits from strong social services
Part 2 of a 2-part Series Boston fights homelessness by providing housing first, plus an array of support services for the people in need of housing. The City of Boston—through the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) Homeless Services Bureau (HSB),…
JP Observer: Housing crises, homelessness, confronted firmly here
Residents of the prominent Forbes Building at 545 Centre Street voiced major worries at what was called an “Emergency Summit” on Zoom on Feb. 17. The dinner-time gathering was attended by more than 74 residents, neighbors, friends, officials and other…
JP Observer: A Nation Divided: Peaceful discussions across U.S. required
Divided, fractured, segmented, split, polarized… we don’t need to wait long these days to hear someone using one of those words to describe this country. “More divided than ever,” is a common expression. Hot issues that separate people headline today’s…
JP Observer: Bike transport is great, but climate benefits from expansion are limited
I’m conflicted. (Is that even allowed for a columnist?) I really like bicycles and bicyclists. I love community participation in government decision-making, including about climate change and transportation Nevertheless, I like science, too. I even like crunching numbers,…
JP Observer: Faulty formula deprives deserving residents of affordable housing here
“That’s not affordable here!” Every time the federal income qualifications for a below-market housing development in Jamaica Plain get announced in public, you can hear people muttering or even calling out that the numbers look too high to be affordable…
JP Observer: Climate change battle needs to go bigger, faster
By Sandra Storey / Special to the Gazette When I saw the photos of dry, barren Mars—courtesy of NASA’s latest rover early this year—I started feeling nervous. When the scientists said that the presence of water under the surface indicates…
JP Observer: JPNDC Raising Funds to Create Center for Equity and Prosperity for Boston Families
Special to the Gazette Known mostly for creating jobs and affordable housing in the Jamaica Plain area for the past 44 years, the JP Neighborhood Development Corporation’s (JPNDC) current strategic plan calls for going deeper and wider to increase services…
JP Observer: Local nonprofit boosts greener world with and for energy consumers
Transportation—including electric cars—a major focus Green Energy Consumers Alliance, located in the JPNDC Brewery Complex at 284 Amory Street, has the climate-saving mission “to harness the power of energy consumers to speed the transition to a low-carbon future.” To do…