LDNA NEWS

West Street

2010-05-21T12:12:00.000-04:00

Please be advised that Suffolk University will have a crane erected on West Street this Saturday (5/22) from 5 a.m.-2 p.m., as part of its repairs to the roof at 10 West Street. The work will require portions of West Street to be closed to vehicle traffic. West Street will remain open to pedestrians, with notices placed on either end of the street advising that the street, including its shops and restaurants, is still open to walkers. Police officers will be on-hand to help redirect traffic, assist with pedestrians, and ensure that businesses receive their deliveries smoothly. At this point, similar construction is anticipated to occur on the following dates:
May 29th
June 5th, 19th, & 26th
July 31st
August 8thPlease contact Suffolk University at 617-570-3862 or email eleary@suffolk.edu should you have any further questions.

Crime Stats

2010-05-13T11:56:00.002-04:00

Captain O'Rourke and Sgt. Lema from Boston Police Department came to our LDNA meeting and shared the following crime statistics with us:

District A-1
Crime Statistics for the Leather District (January 2010 to May 12, 2010)

Homicide 00
Sexual Assault 00
Robberies 01
Aggravated Assault 01
Breaking and Entering 02
Larceny from MV 01
Stolen MVs 00
Firearms 00
Prostitution 00
Drugs 00

Note: The only aggravated assault was apparently between a driver and a meter maid.

Welcome KPMG!

2010-05-02T13:56:00.003-04:00

Excerpted from the Boston Business Journal:

KPMG celebrates 100 with move to Two Financial
Boston Business Journal - by Mary Moore

****
KPMG is celebrating in style as it prepares for a May 10 move-in date at Two Financial Center, where the tax, audit and advisory firm will occupy the second through sixth floors of the building and has a five-year option to lease all floors.
Make no mistake, Two Financial, which is 12 stories and a stone’s throw from South Station, is all about KPMG.
After 15 years, the company is leaving 99 High St., waving goodbye to its upper-floors’ water views and a lease that expires June 1. But that brings us to the sweet deal KPMG got right down the street. Who could refuse?
KPMG began negotiating the terms a year ago, taking the 96,000 square feet at KPMG’s big move puts a fine point on more than simply its anniversary in Boston.
****
Its total Boston staff is roughly 620.
****
Hiring is looking better, Canning said, and the firm’s goal is to go “vertical” in the building as soon as possible and exercise its option on floors seven through nine.

Fort Point Arts Community Art Walk

2010-04-16T16:21:00.000-04:00

Fort Point Arts Community Art Walk
Spring Open Studio Event
Friday, May 7th, 4 - 7 PM
Saturday & Sunday, May 8 & 9, 12 - 5 PM
Mark your calendar. There are always new pots fresh from the kiln,
and new sculpture as well. Something for everyone in every price range!

Art Walk is the "little sister" to our fall Open Studio event in October.
This year will feature 50 artists who work in a broad range of media
from painting and sculpture to photography, jewelry, and ceramics. Near
the Children's Museum.

Free parking is available or walk from South Station.
For more information on the Fort Point Arts Community
go to www.fortpointarts.org

Tell a friend, bring a friend!

(Please e-mail me at lindahuey@frontiernet.net if you no longer wish to remain on this list)

Earth Day Concert on the Greenway

2010-04-09T15:15:00.000-04:00

Earth Day Concert on the Greenway In less than two weeks The River is presenting a free lunchtime Earth Day Concert on the Greenway featuring They Might Be Giants and Citizen Cope. Get ready for a fusion of blues, folk-pop, and laidback hip-hop from Citizen Cope and infectious melodies with a quirky, bizarre sense of humor from They Might Be Giants! For more information about this free event, visit The River. When: Thursday, April 22, 12- 3 PM.Where: Wharf District Parks, across from Rowes Wharf archFREE!

Mother's Day Event on the Greenway

2010-04-02T11:03:00.000-04:00

A Tribute to Mothers

Mark your calendar now for A Tribute to Mothers, a special free Mother's Day event on Saturday, May 8. Produced by the Conservancy, the event features a performance by the Boston Ballet Orchestra with conductor Jonathan McPhee. Other highlights include pampering for mothers and activities for children. A signature Greenway event, this day of free performances is the Conservancy's homage to mothers and caregivers in recognition of their tireless contributions. The event will take place in the Wharf District Parks (near the Rings Fountain) from 11AM to 3PM.

Noise Alert

2010-01-05T15:17:00.001-05:00

Noise Alert from Millennium Partners-Boston (172 Tremont Street)

First Wind, a tenant at 179 Lincoln Street, is testing an emergency generator tomorrow around 8am and throughout the morning, and the noise may travel. Therefore, if you hear something strange tomorrow, it is just that.

Happy New Year!!

2009-12-31T15:41:00.000-05:00

To our friends and neighbors in the LD,

Kelley and I wish you all a very Happy, healthy and prosperous 2010!

Best, Chris Betke, LDNA Chair

LDNA Holiday Party

2009-12-14T09:37:00.003-05:00

LDNA Holiday Party

WHERE: SPLASH! 150 Kneeland Street in Boston’s Leather District

WHEN: WED, 12/16 @ 7 PM

COME MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS AND SHARE SOME HOLIDAY CHEER!!

Hope to see you there! Chris Betke, LDNA Chair

Splash Tonight!

2009-09-08T10:22:00.001-04:00

Tuesday, Sept 8 5pm -8 pm – Splash Invites LD to Private Preview

Ultra Lounge Burger Bar
Frank DePasquale’s new Miami/Vegas style venue located at 150 Kneeland Street in Boston’s Leather District
Enjoy complimentary cocktails, Splash sliders and Mediterranean tapas while mingling on our luxurious rooftop patio
When: Tuesday, September 8, 2009From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 150 Kneeland Street, Boston
IMPORTANT: RSVP - Mindy Valone by 9.7.09 - mindy@dventures.net / 617.523.8323

LDNA Beautification Project in Action!

2009-08-04T07:26:00.006-04:00

Here are some photos showing the results of the LDNA beautification project in the planters on Essex Street and the volunteer crew (Denise, Sylvia and John) who did such great work! Take a moment to look at the beautiful flowers as you pass in and out of the Leather District -- surely, they are a great addition to our neighborhood.

Now, the really hard part:

We need to protect these flowers! Please do not let your dogs go into the planters. Our dogs (Doc and Herbie) used to love to go into these planters but now they are off limits! Please follow suit. In addition, please keep an eye on these boxes -- already one plant has been stolen. We all need to be responsible for keeping these flowers looking beautiful. So, please keep your eyes open! If you see someone meddling with the flowers... speak up! Or, call 9-1-1, as appropriate.

Special thanks to Denise for her hard working pulling all of this together. Also, special thanks to Lincoln Plaza for sponsoring a planter!

LDNA Beautification Project

2009-07-24T12:36:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends:

I am pleased to announce a LDNA Neighborhood Beautification Plan!

We will be planting seasonal and perennial plants in the 4-5 planters along Essex Street across from the Leather District Gateway Park and adjacent to Lincoln Plaza. This is scheduled to take place on Aug 1 beginning at 9 am. LD “Green thumb” Denise Acampa is leading this initiative. But, she needs your help! If you would like to assist in weeding and planting to help make the neighborhood beautiful, please email Denise directly at: dacampa@gmail.com or just show up with your own green thumb on that date. Plan to meet outside of T Mobile on the corner of Lincoln and Essex.

Please do NOT email me with questions or comments on this as I will be away on vacation. Feel free to email Denise.

Thank you for Denise for her volunteer efforts. Also, thank you to Lincoln Plaza Condominium Trust (residents) for their financial contribution to these efforts!
If you or your business would like to sponsor a planter, please email me or Denise. It is $250 to sponsor a planter!

Thank you. Chris Betke, LDNA chair

Re: Massage Parlor on South Street

2009-07-08T12:08:00.000-04:00

Notice is hereby given that at 11:30 A.M.
On Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Inspectional Services Department
1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 4th Fl.
Boston, MA 02118
617-635-4775 a public hearing will be held by the Board of Appeal of the City of Boston in
Room 801, City all, upon the appeal of
Aurthur Choo
seeking with reference to the premises at
114-122 South Street, Ward 3
from the terms of the Boston Zoning Code (see Acts of 1956, c, 665) in the
following respect: INTERPRETATION
The petitioner seeks a determination that the Inspectional Services
Department erred in issuing the refusal letter regarding a message
therapy studio.
If you wish to express an opinion in regards to the above proposal either in
favor or in opposition, please detach the lower portion of this announcement
or mail to:
Board of Appeal
1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 4th floor
Boston, MA 02118
Please feel free to call the Board of Appeal at 617-635-4775 if there is
a question or concern you might have regarding this matter.

Help keep the Leather District Clean

2009-07-07T11:36:00.001-04:00

Please help keep the Leather District clean. YOU can make a difference.

Garbage Disposal and Snow Removal Guidelines in the Leather District

Rules and Regs! [Thanks to JD for his efforts putting this together].

Below is the city code for disposal of trash and snow in the Leather District provided City of Boston Code Enforcement:
Private Residences: Put trash out after 5pm the night before scheduled pickup. Trash must be in sealed containers or sealed bags. Plastic CVS bags or grocery store bags are NOT acceptable -- even if "tied" closed.
Do not dispose of trash in city sidewalk trash cans.

Businesses: Put trash out after 6pm, and it must be picked up by a PRIVATE TRASH DISPOSAL COMPANY. Trash must be in sealed containers or sealed bags. Dumpsters must be covered AND locked. Do not dispose of trash in city sidewalk trash cans.

Holidays: If there is a holiday, residential trash and recycling pickup will still be on the same day! Businesses can call their private trash collection company to find out about schedule changes.
Snow Removal: Snow must be cleared from the sidewalk within three hours of the end of the storm. Building owners and managers are responsible for removing the snow in front of their buildings.

You can report the Offenders! [My hope would be that this is a last resort].

Monday thru Friday call 617-635-4896 to report:
Trash not in sealed containers or sealed bags.
Trash on the street during the day.
Private or commercial trash in city sidewalk trash cans.
Snow that has not been removed.
Request that a copy of the incident report/citation be sent to you!
Sat and Sun call 617-635-4500.

Boston Code Enforcement will send an officer to inspect trash or snow, identify a responsible party, and fine offenders. You do not need to know whose trash it is, just where the trash is.
Fines for improper disposal of trash = $50 to $300

Chinatown Park Public Art Plan -- Meeting

2009-05-20T15:57:00.001-04:00

The Chinatown Gateway Coalition is hosting the 2nd meeting of the Chinatown Park Public Art Plan on May 27, 2009. The Chinatown Park Public Art Plan is to establish guidelines for the installation of public art in the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Chinatown Park. Attached are the English/Chinese announcements published in the upcoming Sampan newspaper.
A summary of the previous meeting notes and presentations are available on the coalition's website at: http://www.chinatowngateway.org/chinatownpark.html
Chinatown Park Public Art Plan
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Location: Metropolitan community room, 38 Oak Street, Boston, MA 02111
For more information, please contact:
Kye Liang
Chinatown Gateway Coalition
c/o BCNC
885 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02111
Office: 617.357.4499
Fax: 617.357.9611

Trattoria Andiamo Offers Free Delivery in the LD!

2009-04-14T22:59:00.003-04:00

Did you know Trattoria Andiamo (formerly Boston Deli Deluxe) offers free deliver TUES-FRI between 5 pm - 9 pm for the Leather District? There is also take out and eat in! Below is the menu and contact info.

TRATTORIA
ANDIAMO
Evening Menu

Appetizers

Caprese Salad $8.99 Buffalo Tenders $8.99 Calamari $9.99
Bruschetta $6.99 Stuffed Melenzane $9.99 Battered Green Beans $7.99

INSALATA

Garden Salad- crisp lettuce, tomato, green pepper, red onions & cucumber - $6.99
Side Garden Salad - $3.99
Greek Salad- feta, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers & Greek dressing - $7.99
Caesar Salad- romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan & Caesar dressing $7.99
Add chicken + $3
Antipasto Salad- field greens, fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, salami,
tomato & onion - $8.99
Dressings: House, Caesar, Russian, Ranch, Honey Mustard & Our own Balsamic Vinaigrette

CENA (dinner)

Roma con Penne- fresh garlic and basil, EVOO, san marzano tomato - $9.99
Served Diavolo (hot) upon request
Fusilli alla Bolognese - pork, beef, veal, onions, carrots, garlic, white wine finished in a crème laced tomato sauce - $12.99
PapaRazzi con Pappardelle – caramelized onions, mushrooms, pancetta and peas in a roasted garlic parmesan cream sauce - $12.99
Add Rosemary Grilled Chicken + $3
Chicken Parmigiana- baked chicken cutlet w/ mozzarella Cheese, served w/ penne marinara- $13.99
Fusilli alla Aldo – broccoli rabe with homemade sausage sautéed in EVOO - $13.99
Antonietta’s Eggplant Parmigiana- thinly sliced eggplant, layered w/ fresh mozzarella, marinara sauce & parmesan reggiano, served w/ penne marinara - $13.99

ANDIAMO Signature Panini
Served on delicious Grilled Rosemary Focaccia or Ciabatta & served w/ fries

Abruzzo- grilled rosemary chicken, fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil &
EVOO - $9.99
Caprese- fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil & EVOO - $8.99
Portabella/Mozzarella- roasted portabella mushrooms w/caramelized onions, fresh mozzarella & basil - $9.99
Tuscany-grilled rosemary chicken, pesto/mayo, field greens, tomato, red onions &
balsamic vinaigrette - $9.99
Avellino- parma prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil & EVOO - $9.99
Sulmona- baked chicken cutlet, parma prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, basil &
EVOO - $10.99

FROM THE GRILL
Served on Keiser Roll with Fries
8oz. Certified Angus Beef

Hamburger- served w/ lettuce, tomato & onion - $7.99
Cheeseburger- (Swiss, American, Cheddar or Provolone) served w/ lettuce, tomato & onion - $8.99
Bacon Cheese Burger – (Swiss, American, Cheddar or Provolone) served w/ lettuce, tomato & onion - $9.99
Portobello Veggie Burger- served w/ fresh mozzarella, tomato, red roasted pepper & pesto/mayo - $9.99

Please ask about our desserts!

*All food is cooked to order, so please be patient.

*All raw food is cooked to your liking. Please know that
consuming raw or undercooked food can cause
foodborne illness.

Call ahead for take out!
617.695.3775 – Fax No. 617.695.3776

104 South Street, Boston, MA

State Rep Candidate Forum

2009-04-13T14:48:00.002-04:00

There will be a candidates forum in the special election to fill the State Rep seat vacated by Sal DiMasi (our former Rep). Here are the details:

When: April 28 6pm-8pm
Where: Josiah Quincy School Cafeteria

The LDNA is one of the co-sponsors of the event

South Street Diner Changes Hours

2009-04-05T15:15:00.001-04:00

I have been advised by Sol at the South Street Diner that the diner will open 24hours 7 days a week starting Monday April 20th.

Graffiti gone!

2009-04-05T15:02:00.006-04:00

Wow! Congrats to our self-proclaimed Graffiti Girls, Sylvia Blumenthal and Kim Gutkowski, for their success in eliminating the blight of graffiti in the LD. One of the worst spots for graffiti are the mailboxes in the neighborhood and, as you can see (left) Kim and Sylvia have prevailed on the USPS to re-paint all of the mailboxes! Great work! There is more to do but this is a fantastic first step!!!

Leave a comment below thanking them!

Cochon 555 Boston -- Sunday April 5 @ 5 pm

2009-03-31T18:05:00.001-04:00

COCHON 555 BOSTON next SUNDAY!April 5th, at 5 p.m.
Come celebrate this magical animal with COCHON 555. The premiere swine and wine showcase of 5 chefs, 5 pigs and 5 winemakers in a friendly competition for a cause. This is the biggest, porkiest, pigfest in the United States and it happens in Boston next weekend! RSVP here.If you love pig, please take a moment on this beautiful day to send this message to one, two or even all of your friends.Main event Featuring:Five Heritage Pigs prepared by:Jamie Bissonnette, ToroTony Maws, Craigie on MainJoseph Margate, ClinkJason Bond, Beacon Hill BistroMatthew Jennings, Farmstead- WineriesPatz & Hall Krupp Brothers Chase Family Cellars Meander Wines Westport Rivers Vineyard and WineryVIP Reserve Reception presented Elk Cove Vineyards- Side by side heritage breed pig sampling- Pig breakdown and Porchetta demonstration by Joel Cox - Swine'n'Sweets course by local chocolate passionistas- Produce from local farms- Winner determined by 49% judge's vote and 51% audience vote- Winner crowned "Prince of Pork"...one of ten across the U.S. - Non-alcoholic drinks provided by Honest Tea- Event raising awareness for Farms for City Kids VIP Room featuring:- Special Guest: Arie McFarlen of Maveric Heritage Ranch- Cheese selections by South End Formaggio- The reserve Wines of Elk Cove VineyardsJUDGES: Tim & Nancy Cushman of O'ya, Tom Prince of Tomasso Trattoria, Ken Oringer of Clio, Sean Stanton of North Plain Farm, Elizabeth Kennedy of Chefs Collaborative, Ihsan Gurdal of Formaggio Kitchen, Jamey Lionette of Lionette's Market, Ridge Shinn of Hardwick Beef, Jim Treadway of The Liberty Hotel, Jacqueline Church of Leather District Gourmet, Nick Altschuller of Improper Bostonian, Ed Doyle of RealFood Consulting, Andy Husbands of Tremont 647, Amy Traverso of Boston Magazine, Ilene Bezahler of Edible Boston, Lydia Shire of Scampo + Locke Ober, Paul Schiavone of Boston Chefs, Barbara Lynch of Barbara Lynch Gruppo, Craig Hedstrom of Elk Cove Vineyards and Jennifer Johnson of NECN's TV Diner.WHEN: Sunday, April 5th, 5:00 p.m. (Price $125)VIP Reception 3:30 p.m. (space still available at $175)Public event and all inclusive price BUY TICKETSWHERE: The Liberty Hotel -- DIRECTIONSWHY: To raise awareness for Farms for City Kids, a unique educational program combining classroom study with first-hand farming experience for urban kids.

Jacqueline Church, one of the judges for COCHON 555 was able to meet with each of the chefs prior to the event and ask some great questions...read the interviews here.Chef Tony Maws - Grandmas and Gesiers Chef Jason Bond - Mad skills and haggis from a musical rancherChef Jamie Bissonnette - less waste, more taste...Chef Matthew Jennings - Cheese ambassador shares secrets...Chef Joseph Margate - Fan of umami, protege of star localvores
ABOUT - COCHON 555 is the only heritage pig and chef competition in the U.S. with a ten market tour to be completed in 2009. Through an educational tasting format, the event serves as an essential link to the preservation of heritage breeds. COCHON555 brings together top chefs, winemakers, farmers, thought-leaders, foodies, media and the general public for one day in honor of the pig. We invite you to position your organization and celebrate with the artisan food community

Comcast coming to the LD!

2009-03-17T14:25:00.002-04:00

I am pleased to announce that I met with Comcast reps last week and it is planning to come to the Leather District -- bringing the whole array of its services (cable, internet, phone, dog-walking-- ok the last one is a joke)!!!

In order to do so, it will need to run its cable to your buildings and, as such, will need access to your buildings. Note, this does not obligate one to use Comcast but, rather, will permit it to be a choice for residents of a building. In any event, if you/your building wants access to Comcast, you need to contact Comcast and provide it with property manager or other decision maker for your respective buildings. Rita Cosgrove from Comcast can be reached at:
Rita_Cosgrove@cable.comcast.com
or call her: 617.279.1736

Please do NOT send me the information. Instead, please deal directly with Rita! Thanks!

I am sure you will all agree that this new option is great news for the LD!

No Support for Fortune Teller in LD

2009-03-16T15:39:00.003-04:00

At our monthly meeting on 3/12, the LDNA decided to exercise its right to petition government and voted overwhelmingly not to support the application of Stacy Mitchell for a fortune teller's license at 123 Beach Street in the Leather District. The vote was virtually unanimous against with 1 vote for. Various concerns were expressed including issues related to newspaper accounts of running such a business in Back Bay previously without a license, concerns about leafleting and a seeming lack of willingness to work with the neighborhood on issues of signage and window treatments. [Stacy expressed a willingness to do so at the Feb meeting but submitted only a black and white sketch for consideration on the day of the meeting 3/12]. Another issue that raised much concern was that Stacy told me: "I am going to take out my frustrations from the Back Bay on the Leather District...." At the meeting on Wed, she admitted to having made that statement but apologized for doing so. Not surprisingly, residents seemed concern about a business that expressed an intent to "take out its frustrations" on our neighborhood.

The position of the members of the LDNA have been presented to the Mayor's Office for its consideration in connection with the license application. I will keep you posted on the licensing process and the hearing date.

February Meeting Notes

2009-02-22T20:06:00.001-05:00

Meeting Notes --- Feb 18, 2009
Disclaimer: These notes represent my recollection and summary of what occurred at the meeting and does not purport to be a verbatim transcript of what transpired. I apologize in advance for any errors or omissions that anyone thinks are material.

Thanks to Backchannel for hosting our meeting last evening!

Membership (Join or Renew) by March 1

We had a great meeting last night. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:05 pm. I noted at the outset of the meeting that members need to sign up to renew their membership by March 1, 2009 and that, thereafter, 2008 membership cards would not be recognized by businesses participating in the LDNA benefits plan.

Graffiti Busting Efforts
We had a comprehensive report from Sylvia Blumenthal and Kim Gutowski, the self-styled “Graffiti Girls”, regarding their efforts to document and eradicate graffiti in the LD. Sylvia and Kim have walked most of the LD and have so far documented 300+ different locations of graffiti in the LD. They have attempted to identify “signatures” and have taken photos of the graffiti. [Kim produced a very impressive photo album documenting the graffiti]. The plan going forward is to: 1. complete the effort of documenting locations of graffiti in the LD including South, Atlantic and Kneeland; 2. obtain agreement and sign-off of building owners on release for the City’s Graffiti Busters program to eradicate the graffiti; and 3. Arrange for Graffiti Busters to come to LD and eradicate the graffiti en masse --- to be done in the Spring at the earliest per Graffiti Busters. Thanks to Sylvia and Kim for their very conscientious, hard-work on behalf of the Leather District.

Stacy Mitchell - Fortune Telling License

We also had a presentation by Stacy Mitchell soliciting neighborhood support for her fortune teller’s license for an astrology business at 121 Beach Street (it would be located at the ground level unit at the corner of South and Beach). Stacy indicated that she recently ran such a business at 330 Washington Street in Downtown Boston. Stacy indicated that her business would be open from 9 am to 9 pm and by “appointment only”. Stacy indicated that while she has done some leafleting for her business previously, she would not do so for the Leather District location. With Stacy was her prospective landlord Chip Webster. Chip is the owner of the unit and read a letter of support to the LDNA. Chip indicated that he had contacted Stacy’s prior landlord and was told that she was a good tenant and ran a neat, orderly business. The proposed lease would be for 1 year.

Issues were raised regarding Stacy’s prior operations in the Back Bay. Specific reference was made to a news article in the Back Bay Sun (available on Google) that indicated that Stacy had been operating in that neighborhood without a license and that she had been leafleting that neighborhood – thereby creating a litter nuisance. Stacy disputed certain aspects of the article. A letter was read from Tina Brzezenski of Beach Street LLC. Beach Street LLC developed 121-123 Beach and 111-119 Beach. Tina expressed an opinion that a fortune teller would not be an asset to the neighborhood and that in her opinion it would devalue the neighborhood. She also raised issues with respect to Stacy’s prior operation in Back Bay.

This issue is scheduled to be voted on at the March 11 LDNA meeting.

Misc.

Prior to the meeting coming to a close, an update was had regarding the status of the Thai Massage business located on South Street. I indicated that I have been in regular contact with the City and State authorities regarding this business and that we are waiting for action regarding what we believe is an unlicensed business. I also advised that I will circulate the contact information for the State Licensing board. We also heard concerns about the location of the crosswalk at Lincoln and Tufts (just past the entrance to Cmart). It was suggested that the crosswalk location is not safe and that it should be located on the South side of that intersection i.e before the entrance of Cmart and not after. Other alternatives were suggested such as placement of pedestrian crosswalk barrels at that location. Denny Ching of the Mayor’s Office indicated that the City would take a look at this issue and see what can be done.

More pets of the LD ... Cheyenne!

2009-02-22T20:01:00.001-05:00

This is Cheyenne from 210 South Street. She's 18 months old and spent the first year of her life in a shelter. She's very "Chey" around people, but she loves all other dogs and even cats. Cheyenne says, if you're not in too much of a hurry next time we see you, she would love to say "hi" to her canine neighbors in the LD!

Pets of the LD.... Sofia and Francesca

2009-02-15T17:01:00.002-05:00

This is Sofia (fawn) and Francesca (black). They are stepsisters that live at Lincoln Plaza in the fabulous Leather District! Sofia enjoys long walks along the Greenway and lazy, rainy Sundays. Francesca loves chewing on her favorite toy and bedtime snacks. They love to wrestle with each other, especially when their roommates, Peter and John, are trying to read or watch a movie. Sofia loves lots of kisses, while Francesca prefers to sit on your lap and snooze.

The LDNA is Fighting Graffiti

2009-02-15T16:37:00.002-05:00

The LDNA is fighting graffiti in the Leather District. We have reached out to District Attorney Dan Conley and told him that this property crime is serious and we have pledged our support to him in prosecutions. In addition, we have put together a team to document graffiti in the LD with a view to getting graffiti busters here in the spring to eradicate it. LDNA Board members Kim Gutowski and Sylvia Blumenthal, the self-styled graffiti girls, are leading the charge. If you would like to help, you can email Kim at: kimenfuego@msn.com or Sylvia at: sylviablumenthal@msn.com

In addition, to documenting buildings in the LD, Kim and Sylvia have also reached out to the US Postal Service about the mail boxes which, unfortunately, act as a graffiti magnet. We will have a report on this effort at our meeting on this Wed, 2/18 @ 7 pm.

Pets of the LD... Copper

2009-02-15T12:35:00.001-05:00

Copper, our first cat, proves that it is not all fun and games for a pet in the LD. Copper at work...

NEWS R.I.P.

2009-02-12T15:49:00.004-05:00

Was walking the dogs (Doc and Herbie) on Kneeland Street when I saw this sign in the window. NEWS is closed -- at least until May. The sign also states: New Management/New Ownership. I do not have any official word on this. If it is under new ownership, I expect that someone will be appearing before the LDNA for purposes of seeking neighborhood support for license transfer. Will keep you posted. Sad to see NEWS go. While there may have been issues from time to time, NEWS graciously hosted LDNA meetings and LDNA mixers and Jamie Giorgio was very active in the LDNA. Times are tough. Please remember your neighborhood businesses when spending discretionary funds.

Construction Parking Issue Resolved

2009-02-11T16:49:00.003-05:00

The LDNA addresses neighborhood issues. Here is a recent one:

I received a complaint from a LDNA member re: parking of Construction vehicles on East Street between Atlantic/South.

I contacted John M. Cappellano, Lincoln Property Company, Senior Vice President, Development & Construction

John responded promptly and addressed the issue with the Two Financial Construction Site.

The next day, I checked in with the LDNA member who registered the original complaint and received this response:

"Thanks for a thorough and effective response. As of this morning - no trucks parked on East Street. Nice!"

Pets of the LD.... Gia!

2009-02-11T14:49:00.000-05:00

This is Gia. Gia has been a resident of the LD for almost 4 years and resides with her parents, Kimberly and Drew. She enjoys long walks on the Greenway, always eager to make new friends, human or canine! She spends her days playing with her array of toys and long slumbers on her parents bed! At almost 70 lbs, she still firmly believes she is a lapdog! She has many canine friends in the LD but spends alot of her spare time with Smokey, a frisky kitten that lives on Beach St. Once a week she enjoys a treat of steamed rice and chicken from Beijing Kyoto!

Howdy! visual litter

2009-02-10T14:02:00.005-05:00

I have sent an email to the State official that deals with billboards and requested that some action be taken with with respect to this garish billboard that looms over the Rose Kennedy Greenway Chinatown Park. To me, this is visual litter. If you want to help, email me at:

cbetke@r-c-b.com In the meantime, don't drink Pepsi!

Pets of the LD.....Pele ...

2009-02-10T13:47:00.002-05:00

Pele is a 13 weeks old girl, she lives on Lincoln street. She loves attention and to be held and cuddled. Her favourite toy is actually her roommate's slippers.

LDNA Gets New Street Signs!

2009-02-09T17:25:00.006-05:00

One of the main things the LDNA does is advocate for City services. Nuts and bolts stuff. Here is a perfect example. LDNA Board member, Peter C. Kouroubacalis, Jr. has been working with the City to get street signs at: Tufts and Utica, Tufts and South Street; East St; Beach Street and Lincoln Street. Well, we are happy to report: Mission accomplished! You will now see nice, new street signs at those locations!

Pets of the LD!

2009-02-09T13:54:00.006-05:00

Please send me pictures of your Leather District pets to: cbetke@r-c-b.com

This is Doc and Herbie! Doc (black) has been a resident of the LD since January of 2007 and Herbie (white) has been a resident since March of 2007. They are stepbrothers. Doc and Herbie live with me (Chris Betke) and Kelley Green on Lincoln Street. They both love chicken, cheese and playing with squeaky toys.

Help Document Problems!

2009-02-06T18:24:00.000-05:00

Tired of the double and triple parking (and blaring horns) associated with out of town shoppers at CMart on Saturday and Sunday on Lincoln Street? Help us compile photos and video footage of the problems. If you have content (photos or video) you'd like to add, please email Brad Blake at bradsaccount@hotmail.com or give him a call at 508-335-9565. If you send him something, please include date taken, location, and a brief description. To see what is already up, check out:
Leather District Issues Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ldnaLeather District Issues Videos: http://www.youtube.com/ldna02111

We will bring this content to the attention of the appropriate City officials.

We are testing this out with Cmart issues and, if it proves useful, we will expand it to address other LDNA issues like graffiti, van pick-up, etc.

LDNA Feb Meeting

2009-02-06T18:23:00.001-05:00

What: LDNA Meeting
When: Wed/February 18 @ 7 pm
Where: Backchannelmedia, Inc. -- 105 South Street

I expect we will have an update on some neighborhood initiatives including one from the self-styled Graffiti Girls.

Presentation: Applicant for neighborhood approval for a fortune-teller’s license @ 123 Beach Street called Astrology Readings by Stacy. The proposed proprietor: Stacy Mitchell

More to come….

Fun Event Tomorrow

2009-01-28T13:48:00.000-05:00

WINE TASTING

WHERE: Trattoria Andiamo [formerly Boston Deli Deluxe] -- 104 South Street

WHEN: Thursday, January 29, 2009

TIME: 5:30 to 7:00 P.M.

Complimentary Appetizers will also be served!

The LDNA takes on Graffiti

2009-01-24T12:33:00.003-05:00

- Graffiti – Help us fight graffiti in the Leather District! This fight is being led by our self-proclaimed "Graffiti Girls" and LDNA Council members: Sylvia Blumenthal and Kim Gutkowski. If you want to help or if you have graffiti to report, please email LDNA Council member Sylvia Blumenthal @ sylviablumenthal@msn.com with the address and location of graffiti you see in the LD. If you know the building owner or manager contact info, include that too. We want to compile a comprehensive list to turn over to graffiti busters for a coordinated response.

Halloween Safety Tips

2008-10-28T15:12:00.002-04:00

Boston Fire Department Halloween Safety Tips

http://www.cityofboston.gov/ons/pdfs/SafetyTips.pdf

LD Walking Tour

2008-10-26T16:29:00.002-04:00

BIG EVENT -- THIS THURSDAY NIGHT 10/30 @ 7 pm -- Meeting/Starting Place -100 South Street #2

WHAT MAKES THE LEATHER DISTRICT THE LEATHER DISTRICT? A WALKING TOUR OF THE LEATHER DISTRICT …. AND WINE-TASTING…

This Thursday night -- A walking tour of the Leather District to examine its significant architecture and history. Included on this tour will be commentary by Dave Seeley (long-time LD resident and an architect); Roger Berman (whose family was in the Leather District in the leather business and who still has a LD presence to this day); Larry Rosenblum (LD pioneer/resident) and Sarah Kelly (Executive Director of the Boston Preservation Alliance). The tour will begin and end at the residence of LD resident (and cool neon collector) Bill Baughman @ 100 South Street #2. The fun evening will end with a FREE wine-tasting sponsored by LD member Carmen Patti.

Please bring a flashlight if you have one!

This is going to be a great event and I look forward to seeing you there! Chris Betke, LDNA Chair

Chinatown Gateway Coalition

2008-08-19T16:47:00.001-04:00

This is a reminder that the Chinatown Gateway Coalition will be holding its monthly meeting on Thursday, August 21st 6pm at the Metropolitan community room (38 Oak Street). The Chinatown Gateway Coalition meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Kye Liang
Chinatown Gateway Coalition Coordinator

23rd Annual Oak Street Fair

2008-08-11T14:45:00.000-04:00

Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center
To Host 23rd Annual Oak Street Fair

WHAT: The Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC) is hosting its 23rd annual Oak Street Fair, a family festival that is free and open to the public. With the participation of local organizations and businesses, there will be tables featuring games, activities, and health screenings and useful service information.

WHEN: Saturday, September 20, 2008, 11:00 am to 3:00pm.

WHERE: Quincy School Playground and Oak Street (between Washington St. and Shawmut St.)

EVENT DETAILS: Activities include a watermelon eating contest; arts and crafts; children performances; health screenings; community resources and service information. Wally the Green Monster from Boston Red Sox will be there. Panda Express will serve free Chinese food for children. Tufts Dental school students will provide dental screening and oral health education.

Sponsors The Street Fair relies on many generous corporations including State Street Foundation, South Cove Community Health Center, TJX Companies, United Commercial Bank, Boston Senior Home Care and many more.

WHY: BCNC’s annual Oak Street Fair is Chinatown’s big community block party for families in the Greater Boston area. Featuring activity stations for children, teens, and their families, Oak Street Fair celebrates community and brings individuals together from Chinatown and beyond. The event also allows the opportunity for resource-sharing by a range of community organizations and businesses, and serves the dual purpose of providing health information and screening opportunities for families. This year’s 23 rd annual Oak Street Fair anticipates 1,000 individuals, and is a draw for visitors from neighborhood communities and beyond to Boston’s Chinatown.

LDNA SUMMER MIXER!

2008-07-27T11:38:00.002-04:00

THE LEATHER DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION INVITES YOU TO:

Come and share some summer with your neighbors LD-style at the District on August 7 @ 7 pm! The District is hosting a summer mixer for the LD with some free finger foods and cash bar. We might take a few minutes (15 or less) to talk LDNA business but the main point of this event is fun – not business. What else would you expect in the summer!

See you on August 7! Regards, Chris Betke, LDNA Chair

Boston Deli Deluxe Opening Evening Hours!

2008-07-18T15:55:00.001-04:00

The time has finally come… Boston Deli will be open for Dinner on Tuesday, July 22, 2008. It will conduct a “soft opening” on Monday July 21, 2008 @ 6:00 P.M., for residents of the LD to come in and sample some of their delicious dinners.

Boston Deli Deluxe
104 South Street
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 695-3775

Movies in the LD -- The City Responds

2008-07-18T15:52:00.001-04:00

To: Christopher Betke & Members of the LDNA
In response to the recent emails we have received in relation to film permitting in the city of Boston; and, in particular, the Leather District, please be advised of the following:
The city of Boston permitting process takes into consideration public safety and traffic implications as well as other community impacts such as noise and hours of filming. The City reserves the right to deny or revoke a permit based on any violations of the above.
Any additional mitigation measures between impacted individuals and film production companies are treated as private negotiations and must be done without any involvement, oversight or intervention from the city of Boston.
The City has responded to each specific constituent complaint as they arise and we will continue to do so. If you have complaints, please call either the Mayor’s Hotline at (617) 635-4500 or during film shoots, call Patte Papa at (617) 828-2509 or email her at particia.papa@cityofboston.gov. She is usually on-site or at City Hall during filming. You can also call the Leather District Neighborhood coordinator, Denny Ching, at (617) 635-3891 or email him at denny.ching@cityofboston.gov.
The Mayor’s Office is committed to providing quality constituent services to all of our neighborhoods and we appreciate the time you took to voice your concerns. Thank you.
Julie A. Burns Director Mayor's Office of Arts, Tourism & Special Events City Hall Room 802 (617) 635-4447 (617) 635-3912 fax

Annual Meeting - June 24

2008-05-23T11:47:00.002-04:00

As announced at our May meeting, the LDNA will have its annual meeting on June 24 @ 7pm at the offices of Iron Mountain 745 Atlantic Ave. [Enter the building at the corner of Atlantic and Beach, sign in with the security guard and proceed to the 7th floor lunch room].

LDNA Council elections will be held at that time. Only members in good standing will be permitted to vote.

LDNA Clean-up Collage

2008-05-09T01:15:00.007-04:00

Get Your Car Seats Checked!

2008-04-17T14:31:00.005-04:00

CHINATOWN CHILD CAR SEAT CHECKPOINT INITIATIVE

Date & Time: Saturday, May 17, 2008 9AM-2PM
Rain date: Saturday, May 24, 2008 9AM-2PM
Location: Parking lot of 185 Kneeland St. Boston
Entrance at Utica St. @ Kneeland St.

The Benevolent Asian Jade Society of N.E. and
Mass. Minority State Police Officers Association members (certified car seat technicians) will conduct child car seats checkpoint at 185 Kneeland St.
Technicians will check, educate, and correctly installed child car seats in vehicles going through the checkpoint. Damaged or worn out car seats will be replaced free.

Proper child safety seats can reduce fatal injury from car accidents by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers, ages 1-4.

For a complete list of car seat safety inspection sites, click here.
For car seat safety tips and tools see this site.

Parcel 24

2008-03-20T17:49:00.000-04:00

Project Proponent: Parcel 24, LLC, a joint venture of Asian Community Development Corporation and New Boston Development Partners

Project Description:
Parcel 24, LLC, a joint venture of Asian Community Development Corporation and New Boston Development Partners, proposes a new construction of approximately 325 residential units, approximately 5,500 SF of commercial/ retail space, approximately 6,000 SF community space, 165 parking spaces, and related site improvements on Parcel 24, an approximately 58,000 SF vacant lot bounded by Hudson Street to the east, Kneeland Street to the north, and Albany Street to the west in Chinatown. The total gross square footage of the Proposed Project is approximately 435,800 SF.

The comment period for this Project is March 27, 2008

MAIL TO:
Tai Y. Lim
Boston Redevelopment Authority
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 20201

FAX TO: 617-742-7783
PHONE: 617-918-4244
EMAILTO: Tai.Lim.BRA@cityofboston.gov

Parcel 24 Meeting

2008-01-07T09:48:00.000-05:00

Parcel 24 Design Update
Pre-PNF Community Meeting

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Tuesday, January 8th
Metropolitan Community Room (38 Oak Street)

(Dinner will be served)

Get to Know Your Neighbors

2007-12-14T22:43:00.002-05:00

One of our LD residents, Jacqueline Church (home page, here), is writing three blogs worth checking out. Look at the sidebar to see what she's thinking about food and sports. Food and Sports, two of my favorite things!

The Leather District Gourmet - Where she writes about food and related happenings in and around the 'hood. See what she wrote about OYa, here.

Her semi-regular sports blog is called The Sixteenth Minute -"Because anyone can get by on charm for 15 minutes, after that, you gotta know something" - check what she thinks she knows about sports.

The Gourmet Food column on Suite101 - This is actually her day job. Check it out.

LD Sublet offer

2007-12-13T15:38:00.000-05:00

Lincoln Plaza
1 Bd, 1 Bath - FOR RENT
6 month sublet or 12 month lease available
Leather District in Downtown Boston. Sunny
1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom unit in a newly
renovated building with views of the
Financial District and Rose Kennedy
Greenway. 4 oversized windows, recessed
lighting, marble bath, hard wood floors, great
closets, stainless steal professional grade
appliances, washer dryer in unit, maple
cabinets and granite counters. Additional
Storage in the Basement. Minutes walk to
anywhere in the Financial District!

Interested - Contact Jacob Lerner @ 617-407-0509 or jacoblerner@globallense.com

Snow Emergency

2007-12-13T14:03:00.001-05:00

The City of Boston has declared a snow emergency as of 2:00 p.m. Streets in which you will be ticketed and towed in and around the Leather District:
* Lincoln Street * Kneeland Street * John F Fitzgerald Surface Road
Please go to the City's website and choose "downtown" under the "Choose Neighborhood" link http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking.asp

Neighborhood Groups!

2007-11-09T09:45:00.005-05:00

Dear neighbors,
The NonProfit Center (the building across the courtyard at 89 South Street) is trying to establish two member-based programs in the neighborhood: Weight Watchers and Farm Share delivery. In order to set up these programs, we are seeking the advance commitment from participants. Here are more details:

Weight Watchers - We hope to offer weekly Weight Watchers meetings at the NonProfit Center. Participants would commit to a 10-week meeting program and pay a fee of $13/week ($130) in advance. There is an initial registration fee of $20. More information about Weight Watchers can be found here.

If you might be interested in participating in Weight Watchers and would like more information, please email jcefola@tsne.org.

Community Supported Agriculture with Stone Soup Farm The NonProfit Center hopes to work with Stone Soup Farm as a drop off site for its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm share program. Participants pay a fee upfront for a full or half farm share. Participants then pick up their portion of local, fresh, produce delivered to the NonProfit Center every week from June - September.

A full share, intended to feed 4 people, is $400-$550. A half share, intended to feed 2 people, is $200-$300. The actual amount of produce delivered will vary greatly depending on the harvest collected each week. If you think you might like to be a shareholder and would like more information, please email jcefola@tsne.org.

The NonProfit Center offers regular programs that are open to our neighbors and the public. If you would like to join our mailing list to receive more information about our programs and services.

Jackie Cefola Program Coordinator, NonProfit Center Third Sector New England 617-523-6565 ext. 208

Dainty Dot -- Public Hearing and Comments

2007-10-28T15:20:00.000-04:00

MAIN PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED DAINTY DOT PROJECT [120 Kingston Street]
WHEN: 11/1/07 @ 6:30PM
WHERE: 65 Harrison Avenue, Chinatown, Boston [Conf. room of the Chinese Economic Development Council, Inc. (CEDC)]
This is the may be your last opportunity to attend a public hearing and express your position on the project.

In addition, you may submit comments to the Boston Redevelopment Authority:
Rodney Sinclair Project Manager Boston Redevelopment Authority 1 City Hall Plaza, 9th Floor Boston, MA. 02201
Or via email: Rodney.Sinclair.bra@cityofboston.gov
The comment period for the project began on Friday October 19, 2007 and will end on Tuesday, December 4, 2007. Please get all comments in by December 4, 2007.

City Council Forum

2007-09-19T12:28:00.000-04:00

Meet At-Large City Council candidates and hear what their plans are for the City of Boston

Thursday, October 11, 2007
6:00p.m. to 8:00 pm.
At Roxbury Community College
The Media Arts Building
(Across from the Reggie Lewis Center and Roxbury Crossing T station)

City Council Election is November 6!

Biolab Hearing This Thursday!

2007-09-19T08:32:00.001-04:00

CRITICAL BIOLAB OPEN HEARINGOn Thursday September 20 at 7 PM at Faneuil Hall there will be a hearing on the State Court's mandated restudy by NIH of the Biocontainment Lab 4 in Boston.

Sept Meeting

2007-09-07T10:19:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends: Our LDNA meeting originally planned for this Wednesday, 9/12 @ 7pm has been rescheduled to Wednesday, 9/19 @ 7 pm in observance of the Rosh Hashanah holiday on 9/12.

The agenda is anticipated to include:
Agenda @ NEWS @ 7pm

Treasurer’s Report
Presentation on Parcel 24 by potential developer
Presentation by Intl Masons Union Rep Re: Use of Bricks In Construction in the LD
The District – Request for LDNA support for live entertainment license for (2 or 3 piece musical ensemble group) – possible vote

Tragic Loss
I am sure all of your were saddened by the recent loss of two of Boston’s brave firefighters: Paul J. Cahill and Warren J. Payne. Our thoughts and prayers are with their friends and family at this difficult time. In addition, if you would like to assist the families of these brave men who served our City, contributions can be made at the following:
West Roxbury Fire Fund Boston Firefighters Credit Union 60 Hallet Street Boston MA. 02124

Boston Police Open House

2007-07-09T09:09:00.000-04:00

Boston Police District A-1 will host an open house on July 20th from 4pm to 6pm.

The open house will feature food, music, pony rides, face painting, and opportunities to meet your local
District A-1 Police Officers.

Boston Police District A-1
152 North Street
North End

LDNA Member Makes News!

2007-06-25T18:13:00.000-04:00

LDNA council member Gregg Myles Levin and his LD based business Perfect Curve is scheduled to be featured tonight, Monday, June 25, 2007 on the CNBC television show, The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch.. The theme of the show is “There’s got to be a better way” and it highlights Gregg’s original product, the Perfect Curve Cap Curver. Gregg’s segment should be about 5 minutes long. You’ll want to check local listings for the exact time it airs, but I believe it’s usually 10:00 PM.

Congrats to Greg and Perfect Curve. The LD is proud of him! -- Chris Betke, LDNA Chair

Boston Public Market @ Dewey Square

2007-06-20T10:07:00.000-04:00

The Boston Public Market @ Dewey Square (across from South Station) is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. through November 8

New vendors include Austin Family Farm on Weds -- meats; Smiling Hill Farm on Thursdays, ice cream, milk and cheeses.

The Leather District Gourmet has a great write up about it @:
http://leatherdistrictgourmet.blogspot.com/

Gateway Planning

2007-06-13T11:22:00.000-04:00

The Gateway coalition is announcing the dates for the South Bay/Gateway community charrette (urban planning meeting w/ stakeholders).

The dates are:
Tue, July 10, 5:30pm – 8:30pm Charrette Kick-Off
Sat, July 14, 9:30am – 5:00pm, Economic Development and Land Use
Sat, July 21, 1:00pm – 5:00pm, Transportation
Place: The Metropolitan Community Room, 38 Oak St. Boston, MA 02111
To sign up for the upcoming Gateway charrette, download the form online through the website: http://www.chinatowngateway.org

LDNA June Meeting

2007-06-13T11:20:00.001-04:00

There will not be an LDNA meeting on June 14. We are going to try and schedule a combined June/July meeting for June 27. Please check back for further information.

LDNA Monthly Meeting

2007-05-16T14:32:00.000-04:00

LDNA MONTHLY MEETING – WED 5/14 @ 7 PM

Where: @ offices of Iron Mountain located at 745 Atlantic Ave., 7th Floor, Boston, MA [Enter the building at the corner of Atlantic and Beach, sign in with the security guard and proceed to the 7th floor lunch room].

AGENDA
Roofdeck -- 107 South Street Loft 6C -- Rajiv Kaul

Zipcar Birthday

2007-05-16T14:30:00.000-04:00

A number in the LD are zipcar members so here is a message from Zipcar ....

"It's a party! Just a friendly reminder to come on down to Boston City Hall Plaza Thursday, May 17th from 10am-2pm (rain or shine) to celebrate Zipcar's 7th birthday. Enjoy free popcorn, cotton candy and live tuneage by Black Betty and the Bad Habits, not to mention get a chance to play a number of our carnival games to win free stuff (don't worry -- no scary carnies allowed). The first 100 Zipsters to stop by will walk away with a swell Zipcar goodie bag. This is free and open to all who want to have a good time - so bring your friends and help us celebrate!"

South Street Diner

2007-04-11T12:35:00.000-04:00

As a gesture of good will to the LDNA, the South Street Diner has, at my request, withdrawn its application for an entertainment license and, as such, there will not be a vote on that issue this evening.

Become a Member!!

2007-04-11T12:32:00.000-04:00

Leather District Neighborhood Association
Business & Residential Application 2007

___________________________________ ______________________________________
Name Telephone

___________________________________ _______________________________________
Address Fax

___________________________________ _______________________________________
City Website

___________________________________ _______________________________________
State Email

RENEWAL ________________________
New application________________________

EACH APPLICANT PAYS $35.00 PER PERSON PER CALENDAR YEAR FOR MEMBERSHIP

Annual membership dues: $35 made payable to LDNA

Please mail dues and application to Maxwell Associates, 107 South Street Unit 2C, Boston MA 02111

LDNA April Meeting

2007-04-09T16:59:00.000-04:00

The next LDNA meeting is this Wednesday, April 11 @ 7 pm @ NEWS on Kneeland Street (between South and Lincoln)

AGENDA
Two Financial Center – Presentation
South Street Diner Entertainment License - VOTE
Update on Project Place Fundraiser and more

PLEASE BRING A CHECK FOR YOUR YEARLY LDNA MEMBERSHIP DUES OF $35 (Payable to “LDNA”) PER PERSON TO THE MEETING!!! TIME TO RE-UP FOR 2007!!!

BRA Public Meeting - Dainty Dot Building

2007-04-04T12:54:00.000-04:00

There is a Chinatown / Leather District BRA Public Meeting for the 120 Kingston Street Project (a/k/a Dainty Dot Building) on April 12th at the Doubletree Hotel. The meeting will be held in the Cherry Blossom room from 6:30 - 8:30.

Help Keep the LD Clean!!!

2007-03-16T08:41:00.000-04:00

FUNDRAISER TO KEEP THE LEATHER DISTRICT CLEAN

The LDNA is having a fundraiser for our Project Place Neighborhood Clean-Up Program. It will be @ NEWS on Thurs, March 29th. There will be free martinis and live music from 6pm -9pm. The cost will be $20 (to Project Place) and we will have some great silent auction items like Red Sox and Celtics tics, gift certificates etc. Thanks to Jamie Giorgio @ NEWS for sponsoring this event.

Project Place is a not-for-profit that hires people to clean neighborhoods. They have been cleaning litter off the streets of the LD since we started the program last spring. Neighbors, we pay for this program so please come out and support a clean neighborhood on March 29. If you just moved in, you have no idea how much litter used to be on our streets! This program has SIGNIFICANTLY reduced the litter and mess in the LD. Please note that due to our limited funding we had to decrease the number of cleanings during the winter. Let’s get enough funding this year to clean 5 days a week year round!!!! We can do it!!!! – Chris Betke, LDNA Chair

2 Financial Center

2007-03-14T17:52:00.000-04:00

Some issues were raised at our Feb LDNA meeting regarding Lincoln Properties' purchase of the 2 Financial Center building project from Rose Associates. This project is slated to be built at the site of the above-ground parking lot located at the corner of South/East/Essex streets (across from o-ya restaurant). The upshot of the sale is that the project will now be an office building and not a residential building. This actually is the third interation of the building since it has gone from office to residential now back to office. I have confirmed with Lincoln Properties that it is going to build the same office building that was previously approved by the Boston Redevelopment Authority ("BRA") approximately 7-8 years ago. That building from my recollection was going to be 12 stories high. I have also confirmed with Lincoln Properties and the BRA that it is their position that the process (i.e. BRA, zoning etc.) is "all complete". [Note: I am not expressing an opinion on the topic -- just reporting their position]. Essentially, Lincoln Properties contends it has purchased a "turnkey" project that just needs to be built. Nevertheless, Lincoln Properties has expressed a willingness to come to the LDNA meeting in April and make a presentation regarding its project. Stay tuned...

March Meeting!

2007-03-12T10:24:00.000-04:00

When: The next LDNA meeting will be on Wed - 3/14 @ 7 pm
Where: @ offices of Iron Mountain located at 745 Atlantic Ave., 7th Floor, Boston, MA [Enter the building at the corner of Atlantic and Beach, sign in with the security guard and proceed to the 7th floor lunch room].

AGENDA
* Presentation of a proposal for a building project adjacent to the new Chinatown/Leather District Rose Kennedy Greenway Park.

* Rajiv Kaul - roof top deck presentation from 107 South

* South Street Diner Presentation - Live Entertainment License

And more!

o-ya O-pens

2007-03-12T10:17:00.000-04:00

A message from the owners:

Hello Neighbors,

We are very pleased to announce the opening of o ya. We are a contemporary Japanese tavern located across the street at 9 East Street.
Inspired by our travels and cooking in Japan and around the world, we hope to bring a taste of those inspirations to this neck of the woods. Come in to discover a variety of the freshest fish, luxurious Japanese beef, delicious kurobuta pork, wild chicken, tasty vegetable dishes, wonderful sake, wine, beer and more.
Drop in to relax and dine with us at o ya. We hope to see you soon.

Hours: Dinner beginning at 5PM Tuesday-Saturday
Reservations: None, walk in
Phone: (617) 654-9900
Sincerely,
Tim & Nancy Cushman
o ya proprietors & Lincoln Plaza residents

Spring Election Schedule

2007-03-05T17:03:00.000-05:00

Spring 2007
Elections Schedule

March 22— Candidates Forum (Quincy School -- see post below)
March 28 – Voter Registration Deadline
April 17 — Preliminary Election Day
April 25 – Voter Registration Deadline
May 15 — Final Election Day

City Council Candidate Forum

2007-02-28T09:22:00.000-05:00

Mark your calendars! There will be a Candidate's Forum for the candidates running in the special election to fill our District City Council seat (District 2)

It will be held on Thursday, 3/22, 6pm at the Quincy School.

Motion Picture to Impact Parking!

2007-02-22T18:16:00.000-05:00

Columbia Pictures will be filming an Untitled Blackjack Picture in the Leather District @ the South Street Diner on Thursday, March 1. That's the good, exciting news. The bad news? No parking signs will be posted at some of the meters on South and Kneeland streets between the hours of 3 pm on Thurs. (3/1) and 2 am Friday (3/2). Be on the lookout so you don't end up getting towed!

LDNA FEB Meeting

2007-02-21T08:46:00.000-05:00

LDNA MONTHLY MEETING – WED 2/21 @ 7 PM
Where: @ offices of Iron Mountain located at 745 Atlantic Ave., 7th Floor, Boston, MA [Enter the building at the corner of Atlantic and Beach, sign in with the security guard and proceed to the 7th floor lunch room].

AGENDA

** Representative from Boston Inspectional Services Dept.!!!
What is ISD in charge of? Almost everything you want enforced or want to complain about!!!

“The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) is comprised of five regulatory divisions whose aim is to protect and improve the quality of life for all Boston residents by effectively administering and enforcing building, housing, health, sanitation and safety regulations mandated by City and State governments.”
This includes things like zoning, rubbish on properties, late night/early morning construction etc etc.

** Boston Deli Deluxe – Application for Beer and Wine License VOTE

It is really important that we have a big turnout for this meeting in order to send a message to ISD that it has to think of us when it deals with enforcement issues. See you there! -- Chris Betke, LDNA Chair

FYI

2007-02-08T09:39:00.000-05:00

GlobeSt.com Commercial Real Estate News and Property Resource

Last updated: February 7, 2007 10:39am
Leather District Office Sells for $13M
By Beverly Ford

BOSTON-Less than three years after acquiring an 86,000-sf Leather District office building, joint venture owners Praedium Group LLC and Essex River Ventures have sold the property to an affiliate of locally based Morris & Morse Co. Inc. The new owners paid $12.9 million for the property.
Gary Lemire, with CB Richard Ellis/New England, tells GlobeSt.com that the 186 Lincoln St. building attracted strong interest from institutional and private investors eager to cash in on its prime location near South Station. Lemire repped the sellers with colleague Chris Cuddy.
“There was a lot of interest from buyers who recognized the opportunity to achieve higher rents in the class B office market,” Lemire says of the property, which is about 95% leased.
New York City-based Praedium and Essex River Ventures, of Andover, acquired the property in June 2004 for $19.6 million, or $154 per sf, as part of a two-property deal that also included 225 Friend St. in Boston. The nine-story Lincoln Street asset, which was valued at $10.9 million in 2004, was built in 1904 and fully renovated in 1986.
CBRE also procured the buyer in the transaction.

Copyright © 2007 ALM Properties, Inc. All rights reserved.

HOV lane re-opens

2007-01-25T09:50:00.000-05:00

A short section of the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane, located just north of Exit 20 on I-93 North, reopened early this morning. It provides express access to the South Station Connector and Transportation Center and access to Kneeland Street. Vehicles with two or more passengers including buses may use the lane.

This short section of the HOV lane has been closed since mid-July 2006 to manage traffic flow during the remediation process.

The remainder of the HOV lane, which provides access to I-90 East/Logan Airport, will remain closed to traffic until its remediation work is completed. It is scheduled to reopen in Spring 2007.

LDNA Success!

2007-01-18T10:21:00.000-05:00

Thanks to those of you who took the time to back up my efforts to push Millennium Partners for a contribution to our neighborhood clean-up fund with Project Place. Your emails helped the LDNA put the pressure on. As a result, we have reached an agreement with the Boston Redevelopment Authority ("BRA") whereby the LDNA will receive $5,000 per year for the next five (5) years for the LDNA sponsored neighborhood clean-up program run through Project Place. These funds will come from the community benefit funds paid by Millennium Partners to the BRA in connection with its development of the Teradyne Building. This was the right result and I thank Harry Collings from the BRA for making it happen. I also thank you for helping when I asked for your emails. By working together, our voices were heard! Regards, Chris Betke LDNAChair

Greenway Meeting

2007-01-10T10:47:00.000-05:00

The Mass Turnpike Authority will be having a Wharf District Parks Construction Update Meeting on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at 6pm at the New England Aquarium Cafe. Nancy Brennan from the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy will also be giving a Greenway Conservancy Update at this meeting.

Suggestions?

2007-01-09T16:21:00.000-05:00

Neighbors: Have any ideas on how we can improve our monthly meetings? Any thoughts or suggestions for a topic that you would like to see covered at a meeting or for a guest speaker? Please post your ideas here and I will see what we can do or, alternatively, send me an email at:
cbetke@r-c-b.com
Please put "LDNA Suggestion" in the title. Thanks. Chris Betke, LDNA Chair

January Meeting

2007-01-09T16:18:00.000-05:00

Please note the location of the meeting has changed. It will not be at the offices of Iron Mountain.

LDNA January Meeting Where: NEWS CAFE – Kneeland Street When: January 10, 2007 @ 7 pm

Agenda

1. Announcements
2. Boston Center for Adult Education - Presentation
3. oya – proposal for liquor license VOTE
4. teradyne renovations VOTE
5. Boston Deli Deluxe – Presentation regarding change in hours and beer/wine license

Crime Info

2007-01-02T08:53:00.000-05:00

From the Boston Police Website:

Sunday, December 31, 2006
Death Investigation at Beach Street and South Street
At approximately 4:22pm, officers from District 1 responded to the intersection of Beach Street and South Street for a person shot. On arrival officers located the victim, a 20 year black male, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to Boston Medical Center where he was pronounced. At this point, officers have a vehicle of interest in custody and are investigating the potential relationship between the car and this incident. As always, we urge and encourage anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Boston Police Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470 or remain anonymous by calling the CrimeStoppers Hotline at 1-800-494-TIPS.

December Meeting Notes

2006-12-23T11:57:00.000-05:00

We had a packed house for our December meeting regarding two important issues in the LD.

TERADYNE BUILDING
First, we had a presentation from the folks that purchased the Teradyne Building located at 179 Lincoln Street. The good news is that there are no plans to change the footprint of the building. No increase in height planned. Instead, the proposal is to gut the inside of the building, upgrade it and to create office space. A parking garage will be put in the basement. The entrance for the garage and the main entrance for the building will be on Surface Road -- not on Lincoln Street. Materials with more detail from the developer will be at Sagarino's for your review. Please do not remove them.

SILVERLINE
We also had a presentation from representatives from the MBTA regarding the proposed plan to "extend" the Silverline from Boylston Street to South Station via an underground tunnel under Essex Street. Here is some basic information for you about this Project. They would like to begin it in 2010 and complete it by 2016. It is estimated to cost $1.2 Billion with 60% of the funding allegedly to come from the Federal Government and 40% to be paid by the taxpayers of MA. The distance this expensive tunnel project will run is a little over a mile. Sounds like a Big Dig Sequel!

At the meeting, it was confirmed that the two sites that are prime targets for use as the "staging area" for the tunnel are in the LD: the LD gateway park (which is the plaza area between Surface Road, One Financial Ctr and Lincoln Plaza where the 93 air vent is located) or the parking lot at Essex and South Street. Can you imagine the havoc that having the staging area for this huge project will wreak on the LD? Not bad -- if you like mounds of dirt, trucks, lights and noise 24/7.

It is no secret that I am not in favor of this project. The impact of this new huge tunnel project on the residents and businesses of the LD, Chinatown, Downtown and Bay Village will be devastating -- with minimal benefit. In addition, we can achieve virtually the same results for this roughly 1 mile stretch through the use, and enforcement of, dedicated lanes for the Silverline and transponders that will give Silverline buses priority at traffic lights. Please note that the answer, in my view, is not to try and foist this on another neighborhood. Rather, we have to work with other neighborhoods to avoid this tunnel project. Boston has had enough tunnel projects for awhile -- it is time for the residents and businesses in the heart of Boston to heal and to enjoy the benefits from the last tunnel project (still not completed). It is not time to tear the City up ... again. If you want to help fight this Silverline Tunnel Project. Please email me at cbetke@r-c-b.com. Please make your subject line "Silverline". Or, post a comment here with your email address. We all have to work together! -- Chris Betke, LDNA Chair

Ted Williams Tunnel Shutdown

2006-12-19T16:54:00.000-05:00

The Ted Williams Tunnel westbound will be closed Tuesday night, December 19, 2006 from 10 PM to 5 AM the following morning.
All traffic will be detoured to the Sumner Tunnel. Motorists destined for I-90 (Masspike) West and I-93 South should keep left follow signs for Government Center and then follow detour signs for I-93 South.
These closures are to allow for pavement striping and set-up work.

Sign up for e-Traveler at www.masspike.com to receive up-to-date emails regarding traffic changes and road restrictions. And learn how FAST LANE can make your commute more convenient.

New Restaurant (o ya) Issue

2006-12-14T14:48:00.000-05:00

To: Our Neighbors in the Leather District

From: Nancy & Tim Cushman
Proprietors of o ya, 9 East Street
Residents of Lincoln Plaza

Re: Request for Favorable Vote at January 10th LDNA Meeting – Change Beer & Wine License to All Alcohol

Dear Neighbors,

As many of you know, we are planning to open o ya, a contemporary Japanese restaurant, in the old firehouse at 9 East Street. The restaurant is fully built out and we are awaiting our beer & wine license, which should be issued in January. We look forward to opening by early February - - of course you will all be the first to know. Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past year.

Request
Due to recent legislative developments in the city and state, we would like to request the neighborhood’s support for an “upgrade” of our beer & wine license to an all alcohol license.

As a higher end restaurant, the all-alcohol license would allow us to offer a wider variety of beverages to our guests. While we will remain a wine and sake (Japanese rice wine) centric concept, we would also like to be able to offer our expected neighborhood and Financial District clientele other alcoholic drinks. A full license will also allow us to compete with other higher end restaurants that have full licenses. However, as stated, our primary focus is, and will always be, the food.

Background
The city of Boston met quota and essentially ran out of beer & wine licenses over a year ago. We have been very active in advocating legislation at the city and state level for the new licenses to be issued, particularly to small business owners like ourselves. It’s been a long, but successful, road. The beer & wine license that we are slated to receive in January is one of thirty additional licenses being specially issued to the city of Boston and targeted at particular growth areas in the city, like the LD.

While advocating for the beer & wine licenses, we have learned that we would be eligible (not a shoe in, but eligible) for one of the all-alcohol licenses that have also been added to the new license legislation.

From the beginning, we never thought an all-alcohol license would be a possibility, so our strategic and financial plans included beer & wine only. Now that we have this opportunity before us, we’d like to pursue it with neighborhood support.

Hours of Operation
As a chef-owned restaurant, we are a dining establishment. For those who may be concerned, we are not a nightclub or late night establishment. As such, the hours of operation on the beer & wine license are as follows. We would apply for the all-alcohol license for the same hours:

Sunday through Wednesday until 11PM; Thursday through Saturday 12AM

As restaurateurs, this is a logical business decision and opportunity. We hope that the neighborhood will support it on January 10th.

We’d be happy to answer any questions or concerns on the LDNA blog in the meantime.

Thank you,
Tim & Nancy

Look out!

2006-12-13T10:55:00.000-05:00

Beware an aggressive panhandler on Lincoln Street between Surface and Summer Streets (near the new Starbucks). He is a white male in his early 20's. He will tell you a story about how he, his wife and new baby are stranded in Boston and need money for the train back to Maine. He is very agressive and gets angry if you turn him down. What's the twist? A week later, when he gave me the same story, in the same location, I told him: "You told me this same story last week." This time, he just walked away with a defeated look. Remember, if you feel threatened by anyone on the street, just call "911".

This is a charitable time of the year. If you want to help the homeless, my suggestion is to give to organized charities such as Pine Street Inn, Rosie's Place, St. Francis House etc. -- that way you have some comfort it will be put to good use. Alas, people are not always who/what they say they are.

LDNA Oct Meeting Notes

2006-10-09T17:16:00.000-04:00

Our October LDNA meeting was a great one! We had a large turnout and we were very lucky to have Speaker of the MA State House Sal DiMasi as our special guest. Speaker DiMasi also happens to be the State Representative for the District that encompasses the LD. Speaker DiMasi discussed his background including growing up in the North End, attending Boston College and law school at Suffolk University. The Speaker also outlined achievements for the State House during his years as speaker including in the areas of health-care, education and economic development. Speaker DiMasi pledged his assistance to the LD in dealing with City issues as he indicated that he has a close working relationship with Mayor Menino. The Speaker also took questions regarding the Silverline, the Rose Kennedy Greenway and proposals to put surveillance cameras at busy intersections. The Speaker indicated that he would work with me to arrange to have a representative of the MBTA come to our next meeting to answer questions about the Silverline project and, specifically, whether the MBTA still plans to use the LD as a "staging area" for its Silverline tunnel plans. Speaker DiMasi made a strong statement in suport of the Rose Kennedy Greenway and indicated that he would be a staunch defender of the Greenway as park land and open space and against development. Thanks to those of you who attended the meeting. Also, a special thanks to Iron Mountain and, specifically, Dave and Cindy Weldon, for hosting us and making brownies!!! -- Chris Betke , LDNA Chair

World Cup Trophy in Boston

2006-09-29T15:00:00.000-04:00

FYI, Italy's World Cup Trophy will be on display at 379,307,241 & 227 Hanover St from 3pm to 9pm on Wed 10/4.

Boston Sports Club Opening Saturday!

2006-09-27T17:36:00.000-04:00

The Boston Sports Club on Atlantic Ave will open for workouts this Saturday (9/30). BSC is in the location formerly occupied by Wellbridge although it has been changed substantially by BSC. So, get your sneakers on....

High Street Reversal

2006-09-26T17:20:00.000-04:00

High Street Reversal

Pedestrians and drivers are urged to take note that the direction of vehicular travel on High Street between Federal and Purchase Streets will be reversed beginning Saturday morning, September 30, 2006 to improve local traffic circulation.

High Street will also be extended across Purchase Street to Atlantic Avenue and will become one-way from Summer Street to Federal Street.

In preparation for the reversal and extension work, High Street will be closed from 3 AM to 9 AM on Saturday, September 30, 2006 and parking will be restricted from 10 PM Friday, September 29, 2006 through Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 10 PM.

Signs, electronic message boards and police officers will inform motorists of the change in direction on High Street.

This final configuration of High Street with traffic heading east towards the Rowes Wharf area on Atlantic Avenue in the path of the former elevated Central Artery allows the City of Boston to create a more grid-like traffic pattern in the Financial District.

In addition, Oliver Street will also be reopened from Purchase Street to High Street.

Traffic Alert I-90

2006-09-22T09:11:00.000-04:00

All three lanes of I-90 East from the Prudential Tunnel to Interchange 24 will open to traffic Friday, September 22, 2006 at 5 am to alleviate traffic congestion at the current two-lane merge to the recently opened single-lane section of the I-90 Connector.

During overnight I-90 East closures this week, crews and traffic engineers have been creating lane reassignments. The right lane will now reopen. All traffic destined for I-90 East, Logan Airport/East Boston/Route 1A and South Boston, must be in the right lane. The center lane will now exclusively be for motorists destined for I-93 North and South Station.

These changes are temporary and in support of ongoing tunnel inspections and repairs.
Sign up for e-Traveler at www.masspike.com to receive up-to-date emails regarding traffic changes and road restrictions. And learn how FAST LANE can make your commute more convenient.

Walk Boston E-lert

2006-09-21T17:28:00.000-04:00

WalkBoston E-lert – Upcoming Events and Walk Cancellation

Tues. Sept. 26th, 5:30 – 7:30 - Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Public Forum

An overview of the physical nature and current state of the Greenway as the parks prepare to open next year. Transit: Orange and Blue Lines to State, Green Line to Government CenterMeet: Faneuil Hall, free and open to the public. For more information contact Alexandra Lee at 617.292-0020 or alee@architects.org.

Wed. Sept. 27th and Wed. Oct 4th, 4pm - Mytown 10th Year Celebration

Youth-led ToursTransit: Orange line to Back Bay StationMeet: A. Philip Randolph Statue, Back Bay StationFor more information or to RSVP please contact Al Vega at avega@mytowninc.org or call 617-536-8696 by Sept. 23, 2006.

Cancelled - Sun. Oct. 1st

Common Ground Walk has been postponed until Spring 2007 to accommodate the park’s planting schedule.

Tues. Oct. 17th, 5:30 – 7:30 - Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Public Forum

An exploration of ideas for programs on the Greenway, including performing artists, small concerts, installations, and other cultural activities and education programs. This forum will be moderated by Mary Richardson of WCVB-TV Channel 5’s “Chronicle”.Transit: Orange and Blue Lines to State, Green Line to Government CenterMeet: Faneuil Hall, free and open to the public.
For more information contact Alexandra Lee at 617.292-0020 or alee@architects.org.

WalkBoston"Making Our Communities More Walkable"Old City Hall45 School St.Boston, MA 02108617-367-9255www.walkboston.org

Silver Line Info

2006-09-21T17:00:00.000-04:00

SILVER LINE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FOR PHASE III – SDEIS/SEIR REPORT
In May 2005, the MBTA filed an environmental review document for Phase III of the Silver Line with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA) and with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

The environmental document examined the potential environmental, community, operational and construction impacts of completing the MBTA’s bus rapid transit (BRT) service, the Silver Line Phase III Project. Phase III will complete this BRT system by providing the essential connection between Phase I (now in operation along Washington Street) with Phase II (now in operation along the South Boston Waterfront). Upon completion, Phase III is expected to significantly reduce existing and anticipated traffic congestion, realize significant savings in travel time, and generate substantial transportation, environmental and economic development benefits. Additionally, it will enhance the value of existing transit investments by improving connections or providing alternatives to the Green and Orange Lines of the rapid transit system.
This environmental document considered several alternatives including the No Build Alternative, the Baseline Alternative, as well as four Build Alternatives: Tremont Street/New England Medical Center (NEMC), Stuart Street/NEMC, Charles Street/NEMC, and Columbus Avenue. These four Build Alternatives, all of which are located in the City of Boston and are approximately one-mile long, will connect the two existing Silver Line services into a new tunnel referred to as the Core Tunnel Segment. The Core Tunnel Segment, which was analyzed in a prior environmental review process, includes new connections at the existing Boylston Street (Green Line) and Chinatown (Orange Line) Stations. The environmental document examines the environmental impacts of certain changes to that previously approved alignment.
The environmental document was the subject of extensive public review. Nearly 350 individuals and organizations filed either written comments or gave oral comments at one of the two well-attended public hearings. The comments focused on a series of issues concerning many elements of the project. Of particular importance were comments concerning, but not limited to, the following impact areas:

The disruption of Elliot Norton Park during the construction period
Potential impacts during construction period and long term impacts to older, historic homes in Bay Village due to changes in earth movement, groundwater, vibration, etc.
Pedestrian safety issues on Washington Street at the proposed portal location
Impacts to emergency response vehicles serving the New England Medical Center
As part of the public comments, the Artery Business Committee (ABC) recommended, and the Secretary of EOEA required as part of the EOEA certificate on the environmental review document, that the MBTA study an alternative location for the portal along Marginal Road which would provide the transportation benefits of alignments in the environmental document, but avoid some, but not all, of the major issued raised by the public.

While the Marginal Road Alternative as proposed by the ABC was determined not to be feasible, the MBTA, through working with the ABC and the City of Boston, identified a possible alignment (“Charles Street Modified” alignment) that they collectively believe has merit and warrants further study. An overview of the alignment and a conceptual plan for the portal location can be viewed on the following graphics ("Alignment graphic" and "CSM portal graphic.").
Briefly, the CSM alignment is a modification of the Charles Street/New England Medical Center portal alignment. The tunnel will continue under Charles Street past Elliot Norton Park with the portal situated on Tremont Street. Vehicles will then surface and travel in independent reservations, through the use of contra-flow lanes (bus only lanes that travel in the opposite direction of other traffic on the street), along Marginal Road and Herald Street. The contra-flow lanes on these streets will be between Tremont Street to the west and Washington Street to the east. Both contra-flow lanes will hug the Massachusetts Turnpike. Surface vehicles will then utilize the existing Silver Line bus-ways on Washington Street. Overall, the CSM alignment provides a direct connection from Washington Street to the Seaport District and the airport, as well as direct connections from Washington Street to the Green, Orange and Red Lines, the commuter rail system, and bus terminals at South Station. The MBTA will be doing further studies of the CSM alignment as part of the environmental review of Phase III.

While this new alignment was positively received by many (see news articles), the new alignment proposal will now be the subject of extensive public review that looks at and examines environmental and community impacts such as groundwater depletion, impacts to historic homes, traffic, noise, vibration and other potential environmental impacts.
That environmental review will occur in two steps. In the first step, which will occur later this year, the MBTA will develop and release a Notice of Project Change, in which it seeks permission from the Secretary of Environmental Affairs to add this alignment to the group of other alignments studied in the prior environmental document. The Secretary of EOEA will then issue a scope in which he directs the MBTA under what parameters and what environmental issues need to be studied. In the second step, the MBTA will then perform this assessment and prepare a full environmental review document. The environmental review document will bring the newly proposed alignment to the same level of assessment as the previous alignments. This second round of environmental review will occur in the early part of 2007.
The environmental review will be a public process wherein all interested parties will have the opportunity to review the assessment and advise both EOEA as well as the FTA as to the adequacy of the environmental documents and assessment prepared by the MBTA. These approvals from both FTA and EOEA are needed for the project to move forward.
Further updates to this environmental review will be posted on this website as the Silver Line Phase III project progresses.

2006-09-19T10:32:00.000-04:00

Primary Day is today (9/19). The Leather District polling place has changed, it is no longer located at the Quincy School. The new polling place is at the Metropolitan (the community room) located at 38 Oak Street. [Over by New England Medical Center]. Please remember to vote. Numbers of voters = power!

If you have any questions about where and when you can vote, go to...
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/

Parking Alert

2006-09-15T09:19:00.000-04:00

The CAT project will apparently be doing final paving operations this Saturday (9/16) from
5 a.m. - 6 pm on Tufts, Essex, Lincoln and Surface Road. Any vehicle inside the paving zone will be towed!!! Questions can be directed to John Romano @ 617-438-4301. Regards, Chris Betke, LDNA Chair

Aug Meeting

2006-08-16T09:41:00.000-04:00

LDNA MEETING
When: 8/16 @ 7 pm
Where: The offices of Iron Mountain, 745 Atlantic Ave., 7th Floor, Boston, MA [Enter the building at the corner of Atlantic and Beach, sign in with the security guard and proceed to the 7th floor lunch room]

AGENDA
We have two, yes, two, special guests to answer your questions about neighborhood issues:
* Boston Transportation Dept. Commissioner Tom Tinlan
* Boston Police Dept. Lt. Sean Feeney
As you know, when we have guests from the City it is extremely important to have a good turnout so that the City can see how much we care about our neighborhood! This helps us get things done! Hope to see you there! -- Chris Betke, LDNA Chair

Purse Snatchings Warning!

2006-08-15T10:40:00.000-04:00

WHDH-TV
BOSTON -- Patrons at some of Boston's trendiest restaurants are clutching their purses a bit tighter.
Police say there's been a"rash" of purse snatchings and the victims are customers at high-end cafes on Boylston or Newbury streets
They suspect a well-dressed couple posing as patrons may be behind the thefts.
They're warning women to closely watch their bags.
Police didn't supply The Boston Globe with the number of thefts, but they say most are happening when bags are swiped off the back of chairs.
Customers have been finding creative ways to keep track of their stuff.
Some are wrapping the bag's straps around their legs, a chair or a high heel.
Restaurants have also been supplying hooks under the table where a bag can be hung.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Farm Fresh Produce Comes to the LD!

2006-07-12T16:16:00.000-04:00

Farm fresh produce comes to the Leather District!

Q: Where's Dewey Square?
A: Between the Surface Artery and South Station there's a bricked area, almost finished, where you can find terrific farm-fresh produce and artisan products on Wednesdays.

http://www.massfarmersmarkets.org/markets/managedmarkets/managedmarkets.htm

Our own Leather District Gourmet spoke to the Director of the Federation of Mass Farmers Markets on opening day at Dewey Square.
http://gourmetfood.suite101.com/article.cfm/farmers_market_or_walmart

Lately, the Leather District Gourmet is all excited by heirloom tomatoes -
http://gourmetfood.suite101.com/article.cfm/heirloom_tomatoes___apples_of_love