NEWRA Clean Streets Committee seeks co-chairs

Several topics were discussed at the recent NEWRA Clean Streets Committee meeting including the announcement co-chairs Naomi Paul and Patricia Thiboutot are stepping down after a two-year stint on the active committee.

The co-chairs were recognized by Councilor Sal LaMattina, DPW Assistant Commissioner Frank O’Brien, NEWRA’s new president Stephanie Hogue and every committee member for a job well done and for getting things accomplished in a positive manner for the neighborhood.

NEWRA is actively seeking a chairperson or co-chairs to replace Paul and Thiboutot.

O’Brien updated the committee on the compromise North End Mechanical Street Cleaning pilot expansion program which runs through December 31, 2010 and will start up a month early on March 1, 2011.

O’Brien noted that signage will be changed and posted, two mailings will go out, flyers will be distributed and ads will be placed in local newspapers explaining the 10-month program which excludes January and February.

Boston City Councilor Sal LaMattina said, "This is a pilot program that’s needed to clean the streets, not ticket and tow for profit." He asked residents to help out by moving cars when the signage calls for it. "Enforcement is simply the only way street cleaning can be accomplished properly," he said.

The committee voted to present Mother Anna’s Restaurant with its November "Good Neighbor Award" in recognition of the eatery’s consistent cleaning of the sidewalk and curb in front of their place of business.

Chris Young representing the North End Chamber of Commerce reported that most of the smoke pots sponsored by the Chamber have been stolen off sidewalks throughout the community.

Anne Pistorio reported that there is still a serious rodent problem in public facility areas along the Waterfront near Columbus Park and near dumpsters.

The next committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 14 at 7pm in the Nazzaro Community Center.