Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, parking, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King Jr. Day– January 21, 2013. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.
Retail Stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose
Liquor Stores: Open
City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are 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. International markets are open.
Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.
Update from the city site 01.18.13: "Tow Lot: The Tow Lot will be closed from 12PM on Saturday to 7AM on Tuesday."
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.
Delay trash and recycling collection 1 day if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury. *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."
Street Cleaning: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."
Subway: Blue, Orange, Red, Green line and Silver lines will operate on a Saturday schedule.
Buses and Trackless Trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule with a list of routes posted here that will not operate.
Commuter rail trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
Commuter boat services from Hingham, Hull, and Quincy will operate on regular weekday schedules.
Inner Harbor Ferry Service from Charlestown to Long Wharf will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule.
For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or log on to the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com
Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, parking, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King Jr. Day– January 21, 2013. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.
Retail Stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose
Liquor Stores: Open
City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are 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. International markets are open.
Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.
Update from the city site 01.18.13: "Tow Lot: The Tow Lot will be closed from 12PM on Saturday to 7AM on Tuesday."
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.
Delay trash and recycling collection 1 day if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury. *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."
Street Cleaning: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."
Subway: Blue, Orange, Red, Green line and Silver lines will operate on a Saturday schedule.
Buses and Trackless Trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule with a list of routes posted here that will not operate.
Commuter rail trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
Commuter boat services from Hingham, Hull, and Quincy will operate on regular weekday schedules.
Inner Harbor Ferry Service from Charlestown to Long Wharf will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule.
For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or log on to the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com
Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, parking, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King Jr. Day– January 21, 2013. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.
Retail Stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose
Liquor Stores: Open
City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are 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. International markets are open.
Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.
Update from the city site 01.18.13: "Tow Lot: The Tow Lot will be closed from 12PM on Saturday to 7AM on Tuesday."
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.
Delay trash and recycling collection 1 day if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury. *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."
Street Cleaning: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."
Subway: Blue, Orange, Red, Green line and Silver lines will operate on a Saturday schedule.
Buses and Trackless Trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule with a list of routes posted here that will not operate.
Commuter rail trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
Commuter boat services from Hingham, Hull, and Quincy will operate on regular weekday schedules.
Inner Harbor Ferry Service from Charlestown to Long Wharf will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule.
For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or log on to the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com
The most intriguing thing about crossing the threshold into a new year can be the uncertainty of what lies ahead. So to help improve our odds of success, we’ll be uncorking 2013 with a Grower Champagne, Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs.
Since we’ve discovered some astonishing examples of these artisanal wines during 2012, why stop now? We’ll ring-in the new year with this bottle from Cédric Bouchard, a producer who’s gained an almost rock star status in the wine world.
He’s known for “single-vineyard, single vintage and single-grape bottlings.” (Imperatrice Fine Wines) Bouchard founded his own champagne house, Roses de Jeanne, in 2000 looking “to produce the unique and recognizable champagne wines different from all [of] others.”
The drinking window for maximum enjoyment is open through 2018, but after reading these comments, we just couldn’t wait. We’ll uncork this bottle on the eve of 2013, see if it lives up to the hype, and report back in this post – watch our tweets for an update notice.
“scent of sugary caramel … loved the back-of-the-throat grab”
“good, long finish (can still taste that sip long afterwards)”
“appley, citrus character on first taste”
“yin-yang on my tongue (sweet in front, tart in back)
“All the terroir is here. This is what 2010 tasted like at this vineyard.”
“No one messed with this wine, they just delivered the best of the vineyard’s flavor to our glasses, with a dash of sparkle!”
Not surprisingly, this special Champagne benefits from not being over-chilled. We enjoyed it more as it warmed and opened over a couple of hours. It was the perfect complement to our New Year’s Eve plates of salumi, cheeses, and breads – even holding its own with our favorite Boston Cream Pie from Flour Bakery.
We were impressed and can’t wait to discover more gems from the vineyards of Cédric Bouchard – the search is on!
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.
The most intriguing thing about crossing the threshold into a new year can be the uncertainty of what lies ahead. So to help improve our odds of success, we’ll be uncorking 2013 with a Grower Champagne, Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs.
Since we’ve discovered some astonishing examples of these artisanal wines during 2012, why stop now? We’ll ring-in the new year with this bottle from Cédric Bouchard, a producer who’s gained an almost rock star status in the wine world.
He’s known for “single-vineyard, single vintage and single-grape bottlings.” (Imperatrice Fine Wines) Bouchard founded his own champagne house, Roses de Jeanne, in 2000 looking “to produce the unique and recognizable champagne wines different from all [of] others.”
The drinking window for maximum enjoyment is open through 2018, but after reading these comments, we just couldn’t wait. We’ll uncork this bottle on the eve of 2013, see if it lives up to the hype, and report back in this post – watch our tweets for an update notice.
“scent of sugary caramel … loved the back-of-the-throat grab”
“good, long finish (can still taste that sip long afterwards)”
“appley, citrus character on first taste”
“yin-yang on my tongue (sweet in front, tart in back)
“All the terroir is here. This is what 2010 tasted like at this vineyard.”
“No one messed with this wine, they just delivered the best of the vineyard’s flavor to our glasses, with a dash of sparkle!”
Not surprisingly, this special Champagne benefits from not being over-chilled. We enjoyed it more as it warmed and opened over a couple of hours. It was the perfect complement to our New Year’s Eve plates of salumi, cheeses, and breads – even holding its own with our favorite Boston Cream Pie from Flour Bakery.
We were impressed and can’t wait to discover more gems from the vineyards of Cédric Bouchard – the search is on!
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.
The most intriguing thing about crossing the threshold into a new year can be the uncertainty of what lies ahead. So to help improve our odds of success, we’ll be uncorking 2013 with a Grower Champagne, Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs.
Since we’ve discovered some astonishing examples of these artisanal wines during 2012, why stop now? We’ll ring-in the new year with this bottle from Cédric Bouchard, a producer who’s gained an almost rock star status in the wine world.
He’s known for “single-vineyard, single vintage and single-grape bottlings.” (Imperatrice Fine Wines) Bouchard founded his own champagne house, Roses de Jeanne, in 2000 looking “to produce the unique and recognizable champagne wines different from all [of] others.”
The drinking window for maximum enjoyment is open through 2018, but after reading these comments, we just couldn’t wait. We’ll uncork this bottle on the eve of 2013, see if it lives up to the hype, and report back in this post – watch our tweets for an update notice.
“scent of sugary caramel … loved the back-of-the-throat grab”
“good, long finish (can still taste that sip long afterwards)”
“appley, citrus character on first taste”
“yin-yang on my tongue (sweet in front, tart in back)
“All the terroir is here. This is what 2010 tasted like at this vineyard.”
“No one messed with this wine, they just delivered the best of the vineyard’s flavor to our glasses, with a dash of sparkle!”
Not surprisingly, this special Champagne benefits from not being over-chilled. We enjoyed it more as it warmed and opened over a couple of hours. It was the perfect complement to our New Year’s Eve plates of salumi, cheeses, and breads – even holding its own with our favorite Boston Cream Pie from Flour Bakery.
We were impressed and can’t wait to discover more gems from the vineyards of Cédric Bouchard – the search is on!
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.
Here is the winter of 2012 – 2013 information on what you need to know during a snow emergency in Boston. We posted this early in the year but have moved it to the top of the page postition for this storm. If you checked in for our daily feature, it will be right below.
We'll update this article with news items as we receive them throughout the season. Subscribe to the comment feed for this post to be notified when we update this information, or follow us on Twitter.
The City of Boston, "Urges Caution, Asks Commuters to Use Public Transportation For Commute Due to Significant Ice and Sleet
Boston Public Schools: Closed Tuesday 3/19.
BCYF: Open 9:00AM-6:00PM. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at drop-off.
Street Sweeping: Posted daytime and overnight street sweeping canceled tomorrow, 3/19.
No snow emergency and parking ban at this time."
Updated: 3/19/13 7:00AM: From @MassDCR "DCR PARKING BAN @ RevereBeachBlvd, WinthropShoreDr + Ocean Ave"
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 "Winter Weather Facts 2012-2013" brochures to households last December to help us learn what to do. The city says,
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.
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.
Snow Emergency Parking in Boston Neighborhoods www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking With a warning that parking regulations will be strictly enforced, the city asks of residents:
"Don't park within 20 feet of an intersection, or further than one foot from the curb."
"During a snow emergency, don't park on streets with signs declaring "Emergency Snow Artery" or "Tow Zone- Snow Emergency"."
"Disabled cars blocking the roadway must be removed as soon as possible."
"Cars parked in driveways must not extend to the sidewalk or street."
"Resident parking stickers must be visible within 24 hours after the end of a snowstorm."
"Any spacesavers® left in on-street parking spaces that have been shoveled out must be removed 48 hours after a snow emergency has ended."
"After exceptional storms (snowfall exceeds two feet), the mayor may prohibit parking on the odd side of secondary roads and only allow parking on the even side, until crews can clear the snow. This is rare and has not happened since 2003."
There are off street parking spaces available to residents during the storm.
Go to the bottom of the parking page, www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking, choose your neighborhood, and you'll see a list of available parking lots and garages and what they charge under this program. Prices in private garages range from $1 to $12.50 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 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, the rules can be downloaded on this page from the sidebar headline that says, "An Ordinance Regarding The Prompt and Complete Removal of Snow and Ice From Sidewalks and Abutting Curb Ramps":
Between sunrise and sunset, if your building has six or fewer units, you have six hours to remove snow.
If your building has more than six units, you only have three hours.
And the degree to which you remove the snow, slush, or ice is laid out in the city ordinance.
"Removal of any slush or snow should be conducted along the full paved width of such sidewalk and in a manner that ensures the orderly flow and safety of pedestrian traffic upon such sidewalks. Removal of any slush or snow shall be conducted in a manner that clears the full paved path or a minimum of forty-two (42) inches wide."
In the case of ice, it says:
"Removal of any ice shall be in a manner consistent with the requirements of the preceding sub-section, except that any such owner, manager, or tenant shall be deemed to be in compliance with this paragraph if such ice is made level and completely covered with sand, sawdust, or other appropriate material to prevent slipping."
As to where you put the snow from your own stairs and walkways, that gets tricky because the ordinance says:
"No person shall remove slush, snow, or ice from privately-owned real property and place it upon any sidewalk or street."
French Toast AlertSystem
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."
Here is the winter of 2012 – 2013 information on what you need to know during a snow emergency in Boston. We posted this early in the year but have moved it to the top of the page postition for this storm. If you checked in for our daily feature, it will be right below.
We'll update this article with news items as we receive them throughout the season. Subscribe to the comment feed for this post to be notified when we update this information, or follow us on Twitter.
The City of Boston, "Urges Caution, Asks Commuters to Use Public Transportation For Commute Due to Significant Ice and Sleet
Boston Public Schools: Closed Tuesday 3/19.
BCYF: Open 9:00AM-6:00PM. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at drop-off.
Street Sweeping: Posted daytime and overnight street sweeping canceled tomorrow, 3/19.
No snow emergency and parking ban at this time."
Updated: 3/19/13 7:00AM: From @MassDCR "DCR PARKING BAN @ RevereBeachBlvd, WinthropShoreDr + Ocean Ave"
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 "Winter Weather Facts 2012-2013" brochures to households last December to help us learn what to do. The city says,
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.
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.
Snow Emergency Parking in Boston Neighborhoods www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking With a warning that parking regulations will be strictly enforced, the city asks of residents:
"Don't park within 20 feet of an intersection, or further than one foot from the curb."
"During a snow emergency, don't park on streets with signs declaring "Emergency Snow Artery" or "Tow Zone- Snow Emergency"."
"Disabled cars blocking the roadway must be removed as soon as possible."
"Cars parked in driveways must not extend to the sidewalk or street."
"Resident parking stickers must be visible within 24 hours after the end of a snowstorm."
"Any spacesavers® left in on-street parking spaces that have been shoveled out must be removed 48 hours after a snow emergency has ended."
"After exceptional storms (snowfall exceeds two feet), the mayor may prohibit parking on the odd side of secondary roads and only allow parking on the even side, until crews can clear the snow. This is rare and has not happened since 2003."
There are off street parking spaces available to residents during the storm.
Go to the bottom of the parking page, www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking, choose your neighborhood, and you'll see a list of available parking lots and garages and what they charge under this program. Prices in private garages range from $1 to $12.50 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 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, the rules can be downloaded on this page from the sidebar headline that says, "An Ordinance Regarding The Prompt and Complete Removal of Snow and Ice From Sidewalks and Abutting Curb Ramps":
Between sunrise and sunset, if your building has six or fewer units, you have six hours to remove snow.
If your building has more than six units, you only have three hours.
And the degree to which you remove the snow, slush, or ice is laid out in the city ordinance.
"Removal of any slush or snow should be conducted along the full paved width of such sidewalk and in a manner that ensures the orderly flow and safety of pedestrian traffic upon such sidewalks. Removal of any slush or snow shall be conducted in a manner that clears the full paved path or a minimum of forty-two (42) inches wide."
In the case of ice, it says:
"Removal of any ice shall be in a manner consistent with the requirements of the preceding sub-section, except that any such owner, manager, or tenant shall be deemed to be in compliance with this paragraph if such ice is made level and completely covered with sand, sawdust, or other appropriate material to prevent slipping."
As to where you put the snow from your own stairs and walkways, that gets tricky because the ordinance says:
"No person shall remove slush, snow, or ice from privately-owned real property and place it upon any sidewalk or street."
French Toast AlertSystem
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."
Here is the winter of 2012 – 2013 information on what you need to know during a snow emergency in Boston. We posted this early in the year but have moved it to the top of the page postition for this storm. If you checked in for our daily feature, it will be right below.
We'll update this article with news items as we receive them throughout the season. Subscribe to the comment feed for this post to be notified when we update this information, or follow us on Twitter.
The City of Boston, "Urges Caution, Asks Commuters to Use Public Transportation For Commute Due to Significant Ice and Sleet
Boston Public Schools: Closed Tuesday 3/19.
BCYF: Open 9:00AM-6:00PM. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at drop-off.
Street Sweeping: Posted daytime and overnight street sweeping canceled tomorrow, 3/19.
No snow emergency and parking ban at this time."
Updated: 3/19/13 7:00AM: From @MassDCR "DCR PARKING BAN @ RevereBeachBlvd, WinthropShoreDr + Ocean Ave"
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 "Winter Weather Facts 2012-2013" brochures to households last December to help us learn what to do. The city says,
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.
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.
Snow Emergency Parking in Boston Neighborhoods www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking With a warning that parking regulations will be strictly enforced, the city asks of residents:
"Don't park within 20 feet of an intersection, or further than one foot from the curb."
"During a snow emergency, don't park on streets with signs declaring "Emergency Snow Artery" or "Tow Zone- Snow Emergency"."
"Disabled cars blocking the roadway must be removed as soon as possible."
"Cars parked in driveways must not extend to the sidewalk or street."
"Resident parking stickers must be visible within 24 hours after the end of a snowstorm."
"Any spacesavers® left in on-street parking spaces that have been shoveled out must be removed 48 hours after a snow emergency has ended."
"After exceptional storms (snowfall exceeds two feet), the mayor may prohibit parking on the odd side of secondary roads and only allow parking on the even side, until crews can clear the snow. This is rare and has not happened since 2003."
There are off street parking spaces available to residents during the storm.
Go to the bottom of the parking page, www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking, choose your neighborhood, and you'll see a list of available parking lots and garages and what they charge under this program. Prices in private garages range from $1 to $12.50 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 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, the rules can be downloaded on this page from the sidebar headline that says, "An Ordinance Regarding The Prompt and Complete Removal of Snow and Ice From Sidewalks and Abutting Curb Ramps":
Between sunrise and sunset, if your building has six or fewer units, you have six hours to remove snow.
If your building has more than six units, you only have three hours.
And the degree to which you remove the snow, slush, or ice is laid out in the city ordinance.
"Removal of any slush or snow should be conducted along the full paved width of such sidewalk and in a manner that ensures the orderly flow and safety of pedestrian traffic upon such sidewalks. Removal of any slush or snow shall be conducted in a manner that clears the full paved path or a minimum of forty-two (42) inches wide."
In the case of ice, it says:
"Removal of any ice shall be in a manner consistent with the requirements of the preceding sub-section, except that any such owner, manager, or tenant shall be deemed to be in compliance with this paragraph if such ice is made level and completely covered with sand, sawdust, or other appropriate material to prevent slipping."
As to where you put the snow from your own stairs and walkways, that gets tricky because the ordinance says:
"No person shall remove slush, snow, or ice from privately-owned real property and place it upon any sidewalk or street."
French Toast AlertSystem
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.
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"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."
Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on New Year's Day and the MBTA schedules for New Year's Eve December 31, 2012 and New Year's Day, January 1, 2013.
What's closed? Do I have to feed the parking meters? What about street sweeping? Are the liquor stores and packies open? When do I put out my trash? And, what changes are there to the MBTA schedules? We have the answers for you, all organized in one post!
Some businesses close early on New Year's Eve but with the crowds expected for First Night, others, especially those in the hospitality business, stay open. Call before you leave if you plan to visit a business on the 31st.
Here's what we've learned about January 1st, 2013 – New Year's Day
Restaurants, bars: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Convenience stores:Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Supermarkets: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Liquor stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed:This includes Schools, Libraries and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.
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Financial Services: 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.
Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.
"Tuesday, January 1 | 7am – Saturday, January 5, 2013 | 5pm
New Years 2013
Monday December 31st. Regular trash and recycling for all sections of the City.
Tuesday January 1, 2013. Bay Village Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Lower Roxbury, Mission Hill, North End, South End, and Sections of Back Bay: regular schedule, no delays.
Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, South Boston, West Roxbury. Regular schedule on Monday, December 31st. Delayed a day on, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."
MBTA Schedule Changes for New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day-
MBTA has full information up on their events page. (If you are coming to this post after the holiday, that page will have changed.)
Here are the important points for New Year's Eve, Monday, December 31, 2012
The Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines will run on a modified weekday schedule
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