Opinion

EVANS DID A GREAT JOB AS POLICE COMMISSIONER

Now, former Boston Police Commissioner William Evans, served on the force for 49 years, has been credited for establishing a national model for community relations, youth outreach and making neighborhoods safe.

He has been referred to as one of the best Commissioners in the country and one of the best in Boston’s history.

Under his watch (4 years) Commissioner Evans gained the trust of neighborhood residents, the Mayor and the entire police force.

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR

Based on discussions at a North End/Waterfront Neighbor Council (NEWNC) meeting, there appears to be some interest in forming a neighborhood Association, similar to the one in Beacon Hill.

Residents at the meeting told the Council they feel an association of this type will help protect the neighborhood from chain firms attempting to open businesses in their small community and also provide more power to control the area’s destiny.

Isn’t there already two neighborhood groups in place to do just that, NEWNC and NEWRA?     How would another community group make a real difference? Be careful what you wish for.

CUTILLO PARK PROBLEMS CONTINUE

Cutillo Park has had its share of improvements, repairs, renovations and cleanup programs in the past.

More recently murals have been painted on the walls of the small park that has a children’s play area that’s been fixed several times.

Responsible Urbanites For Fido (RUFF) has clean the park on occasion.

Nothing appears to make a difference no matter what is done to make the park fully usable.

The park is still apparently home for drug related problems and inconsiderate dog owners that use the public space as a toilet for their pets.

Commercial trash barrels near the park continue to be a hindrance along with trash.

Residents, especially in the immediate area, deserve a clean and safe to enjoy with their children and friends.

The North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) has a parks committee that is attempting to help manage parks and playgrounds by working with the city.

Anyone interested in becoming a part of this working committee should email Robyn Reed at robynr@newra.org.

EARLY VOTING SITES SET-UP

Early election sites have been established throughout the City for the 2018 State election by the City of Boston Election Committee and Board. Opening early voting sites is an attempt to increase the city’s polling numbers and afford registered voters more access to cast their votes.The new plan should make a real difference to the voting public providing more access for voters.

STARBUCKS ISSUE APPEARS TO BE A THING OF THE PAST

It appears that Starbucks will not be pouring coffee in the North End at 198 Hanover Street, The Gateway to the community.

Everything appears to be silent following Mayo Martin Walsh’s intervention to stop it from happening by encouraging Charter Realty Investment to withdraw its proposal.

Opposition was extremely pleased with the Mayor’s action, that at least for now, stop the giant chain from pursuing the North End site.

However, if things change, residents are prepared to rekindle their endeavor to protect their neighborhood from chain businesses invading their community.