October 2014 is going to be a busy, busy month in Boston with lots of visitors and many events.
Fall Foliage Season
You'll see visitors walking along staring at our trees. The fall foliage travel season is underway and Boston is the starting point for many tourists coming to New England for leaf peeping.
Here's one of our posts with links to resources for those who would like to get out and enjoy the foliage with a link that we'll update as the season progresses.
October 13th is Columbus Day, a holiday, and a three day weekend. Around here lots of people travel this weekend. Sort of the last blast of summer weekends. You'll find higher rates and lots of events taking place October 11th to the 13th. Tomorrow, we'll post a resource page on what's open on Columbus day, MBTA schedule changes, parking, and trash schedules.
There is also a large (10,000 employee benefit managers) convention that weekend. Other big convention dates are October 2nd (small business owners), 20th-22nd (Neurologial Surgeons), and 28th-30th (Architecture Boston.)
October Events
October 18th-19th is the Head of the Charles Regatta. It will draw 11,000 athletes and 400,000 spectators. If you have visitors coming to town, prices will be out of sight or unavailable. And, if you need a restaurant reservation that weekend, make it now!
Columbus Day is one of those holidays when, for a lot of people, it's "business as usual." Even the stock market is open. But, if you have the day off, you might enjoy a visit to Opening Our Doors 2014 in the Fenway Cultural District.
Last Visits to Season Favorites
Some of our favorite seasonal spots reduce their hours and begin to close as the cooler temperatures arrive. We'll make one more trip to Jake's Seafood before they take the winter off. They have fall hours in effect, so check the website before you drive to Hull.
More Local Tips on Trip Advisor
While we only cover topics and events that interest us, the team of local destination experts over on Trip Advisor have a much wider scope. Here's their take on what's happening this October from a topic that Penny started with some of the same information prepared for this post.
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!
Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Labor Day. We'll also keep up with parking information, trash schedules, and changes to MBTA schedules for Monday, September 1, 2014.
We publish these reminders well before a holiday (especially big ones like this) to give you a nudge to finalize your holiday plans. Follow along on Twitter (@bostonzest) or bookmark this page to check back. We'll update as information comes to us.
We hope you find time to enjoy some of the holiday weekend. How about a walk in the Pubic Garden?
Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners wish to open.
City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and thePostal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.
Financial Services: In general, as the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open.And, check with your bank, they might have some offices open.
Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.
Update: 08/29/14: Traffic Advisory for College Move-ins
Traffic and Parking Advisory, Student Move-In, 2014 - There are some temporary restrictions from 8/25 to 9/1 in Allston, Brighton, Fenway, Mission Hill details here.
Street Sweeping:The City says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."
"Labor Day Week: Monday, September 1, 6am – Saturday, September 6, 2014, 5pm
No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End.
Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day.
*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."
Most of the system will operate on a Sunday Schedule but there are some commuter rail lines, buses, and boats that will not operate on the holiday. Please check the links above for these exceptions.
For additional, specific information on routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit www.mbta.com."
If information like this from BostonZest is helpful to you, support us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from one of the Amazon ads on our site or by Clicking here to go to the Amazon home page.
Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Labor Day. We'll also keep up with parking information, trash schedules, and changes to MBTA schedules for Monday, September 1, 2014.
We publish these reminders well before a holiday (especially big ones like this) to give you a nudge to finalize your holiday plans. Follow along on Twitter (@bostonzest) or bookmark this page to check back. We'll update as information comes to us.
We hope you find time to enjoy some of the holiday weekend. How about a walk in the Pubic Garden?
Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners wish to open.
City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and thePostal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.
Financial Services: In general, as the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open.And, check with your bank, they might have some offices open.
Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.
Update: 08/29/14: Traffic Advisory for College Move-ins
Traffic and Parking Advisory, Student Move-In, 2014 - There are some temporary restrictions from 8/25 to 9/1 in Allston, Brighton, Fenway, Mission Hill details here.
Street Sweeping:The City says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."
"Labor Day Week: Monday, September 1, 6am – Saturday, September 6, 2014, 5pm
No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End.
Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day.
*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."
Most of the system will operate on a Sunday Schedule but there are some commuter rail lines, buses, and boats that will not operate on the holiday. Please check the links above for these exceptions.
For additional, specific information on routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit www.mbta.com."
If information like this from BostonZest is helpful to you, support us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from one of the Amazon ads on our site or by Clicking here to go to the Amazon home page.
Here's a rundown of what's Open & Closed in Boston on July 4th, 2014 and changes to MBTA schedules. Plus … parking, street sweeping, trash, recycling and other useful links. This year, July 4th is on a Friday making this a long holiday weekend.
This is an old post. Here's a link is the 2015 resource page for July 4th:
Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose.
Liquor stores: Open
City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities: Closed. This includes: Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.
Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a "Bank Holiday" with both banks and the stock markets in the United States closed. Some international markets are open. Also, some banks may open certain branch offices – often those inside supermarkets. Check with your own financial institution for details.
Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. There will be some temporary parking restrictions and some street closures in the areas surrounding the Charles River Esplanade on July 4th. We'll add updates as they are published.
Towed Cars: The City says, "If you believe your vehicle was towed in Boston, then call either the Boston Police Tow Line at 617-343-4629 or the Boston Tow Lot at 617-635-3900 to locate the vehicle, or search the online towing database by license plate" at the City's Towed Car page.
Street Sweeping:The City says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."
"Independence Day Week Friday, July 4 | 6am – Saturday, July 5, 2014 | 5pm
Delay trash and recycling pick up a day ONLY if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury, South Boston AND your trash and recycling is normally collected on Friday.
No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, and the South End.
*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."
Here are some of our related posts about July 4th, the Charles RIver, and the Esplanade …
MBTA Schedule Changes Have been updated for today.
Update: 07/04/14 8:00 am: Subways are running on a Sunday schedule "and will run until approximately 2:30 a.m. due to extended late-night service, as Fourth of July is on a Friday." Commuter rail is running on a Saturday schedule, and most buses are running on a Sunday schedule with a few not running at all.
Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. They're perfect for small city homes. We have an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled! We not only use it for picnics but grab it to go grocery shopping.
Details:
Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino Photos: Penny Cherubino
Here's a rundown of what's Open & Closed in Boston on July 4th, 2014 and changes to MBTA schedules. Plus … parking, street sweeping, trash, recycling and other useful links. This year, July 4th is on a Friday making this a long holiday weekend.
This is an old post. Here's a link is the 2015 resource page for July 4th:
Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose.
Liquor stores: Open
City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities: Closed. This includes: Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.
Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a "Bank Holiday" with both banks and the stock markets in the United States closed. Some international markets are open. Also, some banks may open certain branch offices – often those inside supermarkets. Check with your own financial institution for details.
Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. There will be some temporary parking restrictions and some street closures in the areas surrounding the Charles River Esplanade on July 4th. We'll add updates as they are published.
Towed Cars: The City says, "If you believe your vehicle was towed in Boston, then call either the Boston Police Tow Line at 617-343-4629 or the Boston Tow Lot at 617-635-3900 to locate the vehicle, or search the online towing database by license plate" at the City's Towed Car page.
Street Sweeping:The City says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."
"Independence Day Week Friday, July 4 | 6am – Saturday, July 5, 2014 | 5pm
Delay trash and recycling pick up a day ONLY if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury, South Boston AND your trash and recycling is normally collected on Friday.
No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, and the South End.
*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."
Here are some of our related posts about July 4th, the Charles RIver, and the Esplanade …
MBTA Schedule Changes Have been updated for today.
Update: 07/04/14 8:00 am: Subways are running on a Sunday schedule "and will run until approximately 2:30 a.m. due to extended late-night service, as Fourth of July is on a Friday." Commuter rail is running on a Saturday schedule, and most buses are running on a Sunday schedule with a few not running at all.
Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. They're perfect for small city homes. We have an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled! We not only use it for picnics but grab it to go grocery shopping.
Details:
Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino Photos: Penny Cherubino
Now's the time to plan where you'll park for Marathon weekend, so your car doesn't end up on a flatbed! And, be warned, the city does tow every car left in the way of the racers. So, this weekend, when you move your car for street sweeping, think ahead.
If you normally park on the streets along the route of the weekend races, you may want to begin looking for spaces off-the-route. If you can do without your car for a few days, consider stashing it in a safe spot before everyone else has the same idea. And, remember, the bike lanes on Massachusetts Avenue have eliminated more than 70 spaces, so finding on-street parking will be more difficult than ever.
Here's a Google map that locates public parking facilities using the Boston Marathon Finish Line as the central point.
And, if you'll need your car on Monday, you should make sure it's on the side of the Marathon route where you can reach it and get to your planned destination.
Here are some transportation restrictions & parking tips for Boston Marathon volunteers from the B.A.A. Site.
Saturday, April 19, 2014 – The B.A.A. 5K, Invitational Miles, and Relay Challenge
Again, this year, there are weekend races prior to Monday's marathon.
Thousands of runners are expected to compete in the 5K (3.1 mile) race two days prior to 118th Boston Marathon. This race is scheduled to start at 8 AM by the Boston Common and cover a route through parts of the Back Bay ending back at the Common. Here's a link to the B.A.A. 5K course map.
Plus, there are the Invitational Mile races that will also be held on Saturday, April 19, 2014. For details, including streets impacted by this event, go to B.A.A. Invitational Mile 2014.
For the full press release with more details, Click Here.
Street Closures and Parking Restrictions for Marathon Monday, April 21, 2014
Parking restrictions for the Marathon often begin on Boylston Street five or six-days before the event. From this point, until the last runners are safely across the finish line, you'll see more and more "No Parking/No Stopping" signs popping-up along the marathon route and some adjacent streets.
Remember, many streets in the Copley Square area will be impacted by the marathon. The best advice is to park your vehicle and walk and/or take public transportation.
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
Now's the time to plan where you'll park for Marathon weekend, so your car doesn't end up on a flatbed! And, be warned, the city does tow every car left in the way of the racers. So, this weekend, when you move your car for street sweeping, think ahead.
If you normally park on the streets along the route of the weekend races, you may want to begin looking for spaces off-the-route. If you can do without your car for a few days, consider stashing it in a safe spot before everyone else has the same idea. And, remember, the bike lanes on Massachusetts Avenue have eliminated more than 70 spaces, so finding on-street parking will be more difficult than ever.
Here's a Google map that locates public parking facilities using the Boston Marathon Finish Line as the central point.
And, if you'll need your car on Monday, you should make sure it's on the side of the Marathon route where you can reach it and get to your planned destination.
Here are some transportation restrictions & parking tips for Boston Marathon volunteers from the B.A.A. Site.
Saturday, April 19, 2014 – The B.A.A. 5K, Invitational Miles, and Relay Challenge
Again, this year, there are weekend races prior to Monday's marathon.
Thousands of runners are expected to compete in the 5K (3.1 mile) race two days prior to 118th Boston Marathon. This race is scheduled to start at 8 AM by the Boston Common and cover a route through parts of the Back Bay ending back at the Common. Here's a link to the B.A.A. 5K course map.
Plus, there are the Invitational Mile races that will also be held on Saturday, April 19, 2014. For details, including streets impacted by this event, go to B.A.A. Invitational Mile 2014.
For the full press release with more details, Click Here.
Street Closures and Parking Restrictions for Marathon Monday, April 21, 2014
Parking restrictions for the Marathon often begin on Boylston Street five or six-days before the event. From this point, until the last runners are safely across the finish line, you'll see more and more "No Parking/No Stopping" signs popping-up along the marathon route and some adjacent streets.
Remember, many streets in the Copley Square area will be impacted by the marathon. The best advice is to park your vehicle and walk and/or take public transportation.
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
Now's the time to plan where you'll park for Marathon weekend, so your car doesn't end up on a flatbed! And, be warned, the city does tow every car left in the way of the racers. So, this weekend, when you move your car for street sweeping, think ahead.
If you normally park on the streets along the route of the weekend races, you may want to begin looking for spaces off-the-route. If you can do without your car for a few days, consider stashing it in a safe spot before everyone else has the same idea. And, remember, the bike lanes on Massachusetts Avenue have eliminated more than 70 spaces, so finding on-street parking will be more difficult than ever.
Here's a Google map that locates public parking facilities using the Boston Marathon Finish Line as the central point.
And, if you'll need your car on Monday, you should make sure it's on the side of the Marathon route where you can reach it and get to your planned destination.
Here are some transportation restrictions & parking tips for Boston Marathon volunteers from the B.A.A. Site.
Saturday, April 19, 2014 – The B.A.A. 5K, Invitational Miles, and Relay Challenge
Again, this year, there are weekend races prior to Monday's marathon.
Thousands of runners are expected to compete in the 5K (3.1 mile) race two days prior to 118th Boston Marathon. This race is scheduled to start at 8 AM by the Boston Common and cover a route through parts of the Back Bay ending back at the Common. Here's a link to the B.A.A. 5K course map.
Plus, there are the Invitational Mile races that will also be held on Saturday, April 19, 2014. For details, including streets impacted by this event, go to B.A.A. Invitational Mile 2014.
For the full press release with more details, Click Here.
Street Closures and Parking Restrictions for Marathon Monday, April 21, 2014
Parking restrictions for the Marathon often begin on Boylston Street five or six-days before the event. From this point, until the last runners are safely across the finish line, you'll see more and more "No Parking/No Stopping" signs popping-up along the marathon route and some adjacent streets.
Remember, many streets in the Copley Square area will be impacted by the marathon. The best advice is to park your vehicle and walk and/or take public transportation.
Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
We'll update that article with news items as we receive them throughout the season. To find out when we've updated this information, follow us on Twitter.
General information you need to know about any snow emergency.
"Use public transportation when possible and avoid driving vehicles on slippery roads to keep roadways clear for plowing equipment and emergency vehicles.
Property owners are reminded to salt and sand sidewalks, stairs and pedestrian ramps to prevent slippery surfaces.
Residents are encouraged to shovel out hydrants and catch basins near or abutting their property to assist our public safety agencies and protect against flooding.
Please check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may need help.
Use caution when walking near buildings that may have falling snow or ice
Parking rules are strictly enforced during snow storms. Do not block driveways, crosswalks or ramps, and do not park within 20 feet of an intersection"
Winter storms have an impact on our lives and the city distributed "Boston Winter Weather Guide 2013-2014" brochures to households a few weeks ago to help us learn what to do. The city says,
Adopt a Hydrant: Really great neighbors will locate and note the landmarks to find their nearest fire hydrant and work with one another to dig around it and keep it clear for the entire winter season. This community action can save lives and homes. Sign up here!
If the storm drain near your home is blocked with leaves and debris, you can clear it to prevent flooding when the snow melts.
Find your winter boots, shovels, windshield scrapers, sand, salt, and ice melt. (For the sake of dogs who walk barefoot on sidewalks, please choose a "Paw Safe" option when buying de-icing products.)
And, if you have a car, you may want to park it somewhere that is not signed as a "Snow Emergency Route." Here is a list of the major arteries for the Downtown Boston area with parking restrictions.
* Remove disabled cars blocking roadways as soon as possible. * Make your resident parking sticker visible within 24 hours after the end of a storm. * Park in discount garages in your neighborhood with valid resident parking sticker visible. Arrive up to two hours prior to the start of the snow emergency and leave two hours after the emergency is lifted; otherwise you will be subject to standard parking rates. * Follow all other parking regulations during snow emergencies; they will be strictly enforced. Parking meters remain in effect. * Follow winter weather driving tips.
DON'T
* Park on a posted snow emergency artery during a declared emergency. You will be ticketed and towed. * Use space savers more than 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted. * Park within 20 feet of an intersection or further than 1 foot from the curb. * Park in crosswalks or in front of fire hydrants or ramps. * Park in front of driveways or extend your car from the driveway over the sidewalk or street."
There are off street parking spaces available to residents during the storm.
Go to this page, choose your neighborhood, and you'll see a list of available parking lots and garages and what they charge under this program for those with designated resident stickers.
Prices in garages range from $2 (Boston Common Garage) to $14.00 for 24 hours. In some sections of the city, municipal lots are free for those with resident stickers. All of these are on a first come, first serve basis.
Digging Out
Once snow falls, you see how seldom some cars in Boston are moved. We walk by cars that sit, snow-covered, for weeks on end. If you do dig out your car, you are not supposed to put the snow onto the street or a cleared sidewalk. That adds to the fun of the job.
If you live in a section of the city with a tradition of space savers, the city says those must be and will be removed 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted. For those new to this game, "space savers" are chairs, trash cans, and other objects that are placed in cleared and empty parking spaces to save the spot for the person who shoveled it.
Once snow, slush, or ice is on the ground, someone has to remove it from sidewalks. In the city of Boston and in most surrounding communities, that someone is you or the people you hire to do it for you.
There was a Supreme Court Ruling in the state. The Boston Globe says this means, "property owners now can be held liable for injuries that are linked to any snow and ice on their land, regardless of whether the conditions were caused by nature or a city plow."Here's a link to the full story on that ruling.
In Boston, regulations for Snow Removal from Sidewalks are available on this page.
If you're new to the area or haven't been paying attention, you may not know this term. French Toast Alert comes from the rush to grocery stores for basic provisions (milk, bread, and eggs) when storms are predicted. Here's a link to the master page of the official French Toast Alert system for this area.
Keep information like this coming your way by supporting BostonZest when you shop at Amazon. Click on any link to Amazon on this site and shop for what you want. BostonZest will receive credit for your purchase. That's what keeps sites like this up and running.
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!
"Snow Emergency/Parking Ban: In Effect at 12:00PM Friday 2/8
Schools: CLOSED Friday 2/8
Trash/Recycling: Collection will begin at 6AM on Friday 2/8. Please place trash & recycling out by 6AM. Crew will begin working early and shutdown when it is no longer safe to be on the roads.
Community Centers: All BCYF Community Centers & Buildings are closed Friday 2/8, Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10.
Libraries: All libraries will be closed Friday 2/8, Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10.
City Hall/Municipal Offices: Will close to the public at 12:00PM Friday 2/8.
City Employees: Essential Personnel only
Parking Meters: Normal rules apply
Tow Lot: Normal Hours
Street Cleaning: Normal Schedule
City Cemeteries: Closed until Monday 2/11
City Golf Courses: Closed until Monday 2/11
MBTA: All service will be suspended effective 3:30PM on 2/8. Visit www.mbta.comfor details.
Courts: Check with the individual courthouse for more information.
Other/Special Events*: N/A
*The City of Boston is not responsible for the cancellation or scheduling of private entertainment events or venues."
We'll update that article with news items as we receive them throughout the season. To find out when we've updated this information, follow us on Twitter.
General information you need to know about any snow emergency.
"Use public transportation when possible and avoid driving vehicles on slippery roads to keep roadways clear for plowing equipment and emergency vehicles.
Property owners are reminded to salt and sand sidewalks, stairs and pedestrian ramps to prevent slippery surfaces.
Residents are encouraged to shovel out hydrants and catch basins near or abutting their property to assist our public safety agencies and protect against flooding.
Please check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may need help.
Use caution when walking near buildings that may have falling snow or ice
Parking rules are strictly enforced during snow storms. Do not block driveways, crosswalks or ramps, and do not park within 20 feet of an intersection"
Winter storms have an impact on our lives and the city distributed "Boston Winter Weather Guide 2013-2014" brochures to households a few weeks ago to help us learn what to do. The city says,
Adopt a Hydrant: Really great neighbors will locate and note the landmarks to find their nearest fire hydrant and work with one another to dig around it and keep it clear for the entire winter season. This community action can save lives and homes. Sign up here!
If the storm drain near your home is blocked with leaves and debris, you can clear it to prevent flooding when the snow melts.
Find your winter boots, shovels, windshield scrapers, sand, salt, and ice melt. (For the sake of dogs who walk barefoot on sidewalks, please choose a "Paw Safe" option when buying de-icing products.)
And, if you have a car, you may want to park it somewhere that is not signed as a "Snow Emergency Route." Here is a list of the major arteries for the Downtown Boston area with parking restrictions.
* Remove disabled cars blocking roadways as soon as possible. * Make your resident parking sticker visible within 24 hours after the end of a storm. * Park in discount garages in your neighborhood with valid resident parking sticker visible. Arrive up to two hours prior to the start of the snow emergency and leave two hours after the emergency is lifted; otherwise you will be subject to standard parking rates. * Follow all other parking regulations during snow emergencies; they will be strictly enforced. Parking meters remain in effect. * Follow winter weather driving tips.
DON'T
* Park on a posted snow emergency artery during a declared emergency. You will be ticketed and towed. * Use space savers more than 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted. * Park within 20 feet of an intersection or further than 1 foot from the curb. * Park in crosswalks or in front of fire hydrants or ramps. * Park in front of driveways or extend your car from the driveway over the sidewalk or street."
There are off street parking spaces available to residents during the storm.
Go to this page, choose your neighborhood, and you'll see a list of available parking lots and garages and what they charge under this program for those with designated resident stickers.
Prices in garages range from $2 (Boston Common Garage) to $14.00 for 24 hours. In some sections of the city, municipal lots are free for those with resident stickers. All of these are on a first come, first serve basis.
Digging Out
Once snow falls, you see how seldom some cars in Boston are moved. We walk by cars that sit, snow-covered, for weeks on end. If you do dig out your car, you are not supposed to put the snow onto the street or a cleared sidewalk. That adds to the fun of the job.
If you live in a section of the city with a tradition of space savers, the city says those must be and will be removed 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted. For those new to this game, "space savers" are chairs, trash cans, and other objects that are placed in cleared and empty parking spaces to save the spot for the person who shoveled it.
Once snow, slush, or ice is on the ground, someone has to remove it from sidewalks. In the city of Boston and in most surrounding communities, that someone is you or the people you hire to do it for you.
There was a Supreme Court Ruling in the state. The Boston Globe says this means, "property owners now can be held liable for injuries that are linked to any snow and ice on their land, regardless of whether the conditions were caused by nature or a city plow."Here's a link to the full story on that ruling.
In Boston, regulations for Snow Removal from Sidewalks are available on this page.
If you're new to the area or haven't been paying attention, you may not know this term. French Toast Alert comes from the rush to grocery stores for basic provisions (milk, bread, and eggs) when storms are predicted. Here's a link to the master page of the official French Toast Alert system for this area.
Keep information like this coming your way by supporting BostonZest when you shop at Amazon. Click on any link to Amazon on this site and shop for what you want. BostonZest will receive credit for your purchase. That's what keeps sites like this up and running.
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!
"Snow Emergency/Parking Ban: In Effect at 12:00PM Friday 2/8
Schools: CLOSED Friday 2/8
Trash/Recycling: Collection will begin at 6AM on Friday 2/8. Please place trash & recycling out by 6AM. Crew will begin working early and shutdown when it is no longer safe to be on the roads.
Community Centers: All BCYF Community Centers & Buildings are closed Friday 2/8, Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10.
Libraries: All libraries will be closed Friday 2/8, Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10.
City Hall/Municipal Offices: Will close to the public at 12:00PM Friday 2/8.
City Employees: Essential Personnel only
Parking Meters: Normal rules apply
Tow Lot: Normal Hours
Street Cleaning: Normal Schedule
City Cemeteries: Closed until Monday 2/11
City Golf Courses: Closed until Monday 2/11
MBTA: All service will be suspended effective 3:30PM on 2/8. Visit www.mbta.comfor details.
Courts: Check with the individual courthouse for more information.
Other/Special Events*: N/A
*The City of Boston is not responsible for the cancellation or scheduling of private entertainment events or venues."
