NEWRA Committee addresses parks and playground issues

A thunder storm cleared the neighborhood just in time for localities to make their way to the Nazzaro Community Center for the North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association Parks and Open Spaces Committee’s monthly meeting last Tuesday evening.

About 10-12 residents turned out for the neighborhood meeting to discuss several current issues.

Chairperson Anne Pistorio told the group that Cutillo Park is scheduled to be re-tarred and the basketball hoops will be raised to standard height. She also noted that the City of Boston Code Enforcement Division has been asked to check out some barrels on streets adjacent to Cutillo Park.

Reportedly, some barrels contain left over parts, most likely from a meat market. "This is creating an unnecessary food supply for rodents and a possible unhealthy situation," she said.

According to the Daily Globe published on June 3, 1918 the park was dedicated in memory of Vincent J. Cutillo, a 21 year old North End resident from 8 Noyes Place, who was killed in WWII while serving his country with Company A, 101st Army Infantry.

Pistorio also mentioned that there’s a small space between the garage and a hand ball wall at DeFillippo Park (Gasy) that is full of trash and other debris. "This has also become a haven for rodents," she said.

She has advised garage officials and the city of the problem and reportedly the area will be cleaned up.

Some talk relating to the MassDOT rehabilitation of the North Street Vent building took place, relating to the design of the structure being more community friendly.

At a recent neighborhood meeting MassDOT representatives made it clear that funding was not available for any added attractions.

Questions were raised about environmental and historical reviews. Pistorio suggested that the committee participate in a survey to help identify the location and condition of all the trees in the neighborhood.

One plan could be to install a tree fence or guard around the trees to protect them from dogs, bicycles and cars.

The next committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 6 at 7pm in the Nazzaro Community Center, 30 North Bennet Street.