Special to the Gazette A new way to socialize, get some exercise that’s not strenuous, and become immersed in Boston green spaces is being unveiled this summer by the Jamaica Plain man who invented it. Miles Howard created what’s called…
Author: Sandra Storey
JP Observer: Fixing our Democracy – First ethics code ever proposed for SCOTUS
Most of the recent extreme Supreme Court (SCOTUS) rulings have made no sense. We live in a representative democracy where the majority is supposed to pretty much prevail. Yet SCOTUS rulings to loosen gun controls and CO2 emissions regulations, allow…
JP Observer: MA + 14 other states support National Popular Vote; more states needed
If things go well in the next two years, Massachusetts electors will vote for whomever wins the national popular vote for president on Nov. 5, 2024. And the United States would be guaranteed for the first time that its president…
JP Observer: When Media is Media: Social media and freedom of speech
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…
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…