In Brief

Second Parcel 2 public meeting held by BPDA

A second public meeting was held by the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and The Greenway Conservancy relating to the Parcel 2 design process.

The project team provided a recap of the August meeting along with a brief project overview.

Community members participated in an open house intended to narrow down the programming options for the site.

Community input from the meeting will be used by the design team to create three parks schemes for presentation at a third public meeting.

For more details call the BPDA at 617-918-4421.

NEMPAC Fall Soiree Party tonight, September 19         at Prado

North End Music and Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC) will conduct its Fall Soiree Party on the Prado, tonight, Thursday, Sept. 19, from 6-9 p.m.

Held under the canopy of trees and white lights the Prado will be transformed into a festive outdoor jazz club where partygoers will enjoy d’oeuvres, beverages and Italian treats.

Sponsored by Rafi Properties, 90+ Cellars, Boston Bottle, Prezza and Café Pellicano. The fourth annual Soiree will feature entertainment by the live music from local New Orleans style musicians Jean Smith & Friends

All proceeds support NEMPAC as they kick off another year of music education and performing arts in Boston’s North End, Charlestown, and supporting neighborhoods and embark on exciting new venture of revitalizing the recently granted property at Tileston Street into a state-of-the-art community music center.

NEWRA supports Old North proposal

A request by Reverend Steven Ayers of the Old North Church is seeking comment on the design and construction plans on church property and the endorsement from the North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) of a new application for CPA grant funding was fully supported by the community organization.

He also announced that the final design work for the Washington Garden is underway. He noted plans included improvements to the crypt renovations.

Guest speaker Thadine Brown, Community Relations, Community Preservation for the City of Boston that provides funding for historic preservation, parks, open space and affordable housing review the specifics of the CPA process and discussed current projects taking place in the City.

Building related issues that have been front and center in the community were presented by Dion Irish, Commissioner Inspectional Services Department (ISD) for the City of Boston.

Topics included: Administration and enforcement of short-term regulations, routine inspection of rental units, zoning violations related to increases in building height and to the construction of a higher building following demolition of an existing building and public safety protection at construction sites and unsafe buildings.

The next NEWRA monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, October 10, at 7 p.m. at the Nazzaro Community Center.

FOCCP host Fall Festival at Columbus Park

Friends of Christopher Columbus Park (FOCCP) will host a fun filled family day on October 5, celebrating fall at Columbus Park with a very tall clown leading a parade starting at 12 noon throughout the park.

Peter the Magician, Big Joe the Story Teller, Jim the Bubble Guy and dancing with Baby Shark and Daniel Tiger will also be featured.

Several other activities will take place under the Trellis including, face painting, mask making, pumpkin painting, the New England Aquarium Tide Pool and the North End Music and Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC) musical petting zoo.

Sponsors of the fall event are: North End Boston.com, Carmela Laurella/CL Properties, Joe’s American Bar and Grill, Boston Harbor Cruises and Marriott Long Wharf.

Seniors enjoy painting at NSC

North End resident and artist Silke Evans conducted a daytime art class at the ABCD North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center (NSC), getting seniors working on brilliantly colored nature scenes.

Evans’s goal was to use art as a form of expression and to encourage activities that will help keep the brain sharp.

All classes have been proven to increase cognitive skills and intellectual stimulation, improve physical/motor skills and alleviate pain, relieve stress and depression while promoting self-awareness and self-expression according to the NSC.

Dance performances at the Greenway

The Greenway Conservancy has commissioned celebrated choreographer Peter DiMuro and his company Public Displays of Motion to create a site-specific dance work, free and open to the public.

Waterway/Lightway/Greenway is the centerpiece of the week celebrating the Conservancy’s 10th anniversary celebrating with three free dance performances at the Rings Fountain.

The performance will be held on Saturday, October 5 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and Thursday, October 10 at 6:15 p.m..

N.E. Neighborhood Cleanup and Block Party held

Five community groups organized a North End neighborhood cleanup and Block party at Cutillo Park on Saturday morning September 7.

Volunteers picked up their cleaning equipment, brooms, shovels, bags and gloves and went on their cleaning mission, returning to Cutillo Park to drop off the debris and equipment and enjoy a block party.

The group encourage local businesses to participate by sweeping and washing the sidewalk in front of their businesses.

The street cleaning was sponsored by the Cutillo Park group, RUFF, NEWRA, NEWNC and N.E. Clean Streets.

Country Concert on City Hall Plaza

Country 102.5 is once again partnering with Boston Mayor Martin Walsh to bring country music into the heart of the City at City Hall Plaza.

This is the fourth annual Free Country in the City event that will feature Hunter Hayes, High Valley, Brad and Curtis Rempel.

“We are truly looking forward to having Hunter Hayes live on City Hall Plaza for a free show,” said Shawn Santolucito, Marketing Director at Country 102.5.

“I am excited to continue the tradition this year with a special performance by Hunter Hayes,” Mayor Martin Walsh said.

The concert will be held on Thursday, September 26, from 7 to 9 p.m.

NEW Eliot School building opens

The 2019 school year in the North End is off and running with the opening of the new Eliot School Building for students in grades 5 to 8.

Located at 585 Commercial Street adjacent to the Charlestown Bridge, student expansion in the Eliot School is about 740 from when it was located in one building on Charter Street.

Reportedly, the school is complete with new classroom computers, labs, cafeteria and plenty of outdoor space.

The official opening is part of a major community endeavor that was fully supported by residents, parents and local elected officials and many others that believed more students seats were needed in the North End.

The Greenway Conservancy celebrates

10-Year anniversary with Greenway Week

The Greenway Conservancy has announced a spotlight of its year-long celebration of the 10-Year Anniversary of The Greenway.

Greenway Week, a week of highlighted events and activities, will take place from Friday, October 4 to Thursday, October 10 on The Greenway.

After 10 years of care and management, the Conservancy has transformed The Greenway into a neighborhood amenity, an economic driver for the city and state, and a world-class destination. During Greenway Week, the Conservancy will highlight the incredible partners and supporters, the many volunteers, and the extensive programming and public art of The Greenway.

Throughout the week, the Conservancy will reflect on innovations in public art, contemporary and accessible programming, local food and drink, and the commitment to being a dynamic public space, free and open to all.

A centerpiece of the week will be three free dance performances at the Rings Fountain. The Conservancy has commissioned celebrated choreographer Peter DiMuro and his company Public Displays of Motion to create a site-specific dance work, free and open to the public.

Waterway/Lightway/Greenway will be performed by DiMuro’s ensemble with additional guest community dancers in and around the Rings Fountain on Saturday, October 5 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and Thursday, October 10 at 6:15 p.m. The piece is inspired by the history of The Greenway and will include a procession through the green space and dance in and around the Rings Fountain.

“We are thrilled with the opportunity to harken back at what was over and underground on this land we now call The Greenway and honor that history, but also the joy of the present moment and future moments, through play so apparent when the Rings Fountain dances its recurring water and light display.” said Peter DiMuro.

Additional highlights of Greenway Week include the lighting of neighboring buildings green, the Conservancy’s largest hosted food truck festival on Saturday, October 5, and a day of free rides at the Greenway Carousel at The Tiffany & Co. Foundation Grove on Thursday, October 10.

Further details and events will be released over the next month.

Throughout 2019, the Conservancy has celebrated the 10-Year Anniversary with signature improvements and bold new features.

Earlier this year, the Conservancy received the Boston Society of Architects Commonwealth Award, recognized for “outstanding work on the dynamic transformation and activation of a portion of downtown Boston that was once lost to the Central Artery.” This spring, visitors could  unwind among 10,000 new bulbs blooming in the Carolyn Lynch Garden, and to explore the park’s new beehives and wildflower meadow.

The Greenway, the Conservancy was thrilled this season to bring back a full and fun events calendar including fitness classes, major festivals, family play, live music, movies, markets, and more. Park Rangers, volunteers, and new branding welcomed visitors to The Greenway as a place to gather, unwind, play, and explore.

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