Tag: city of Boston

Save These “Shadow Hearings Dates,” Boston’s Historic Parks Need Your Voice

There are two hearings scheduled in the busy weeks ahead on the City's attempt to allow a developer to construct buildings that will cast additional shadows on the Boston Common, the Boston Public Garden, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

Plan to speak up for our precious, historic parks at one of the two scheduled meetings.

6:30 PM ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 5TH:

Suffolk Law School, Moot Court Room, 4th Floor, 120 Tremont Street (map)

6:30 PM ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 19TH

290 Congress Street (near South Station) in the Fort Point Room (map)

Here is a statement from the Friends of the Public Garden on this topic.

The Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay has taken a strong stand on this issue, saying: "It is critical that citizens attend these meetings and voice their concerns about the project and the importance of protecting our open spaces. Even if you can't attend the meeting, please express your concerns in writing (by letter or email) so that they are received by the BPDA (formerly the BRA) by January 2nd, the new deadline the BPDA has established for public comments. Your comments should stress the importance of protecting the parks by retaining the existing shadow laws, and should be sent to:

Christopher Tracy, Senior Project Manager

Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA)

One City Hall Square

Boston, MA 02201

christopher.tracy@boston.gov"

Here at BostonZest, we'll continue to show you photos of sunlight in the parks to remind you of what's at stake.

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Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

December 2, 2016
Protecting the Very Sensitive Toes of a Famous Boston Elm with FlexiPave

In 2010, a century old elm in Boston’s Back Back gained notoriety after a group of residents worked to save the towering giant.

As one of the neighborhood’s original street trees planted more than 125 years ago, this aging beauty had stretched its toes up and through the brick sidewalk. To smooth passage over the roots, an experimental macadam was installed but didn’t work out. It was time to try another alternative.

After extensive talks with the city of Boston and the Back Bay Architectural Commission, the previous material has been replaced with a more durable and aesthetically pleasing product called KBI FlexiPave – a rubber and aggregate surface that is ADA certified, the color of brick, and extremely water permeable.

(Once the main walkway was in place, the FlexiPave surface was extended over the tree's protruding roots to widen the path)

The Garden Club of the Back Bay generously fronted the $1,400 to install the new surface before winter set in. Now they are asking for donations to refill their coffers for the next project.

The tree is on Marlborough Street near the corner of Fairfield. Take a test stroll or roll over the new surface. It’s smooth and has a bit of cushion to it. If you like this treatment, don’t be shy, consider making a tax deductible contribution. It’ll be greatly appreciated.

Checks should be made out to The Garden Club of the Back Bay and mailed to: Margaret Pokorny, 384 Marlborough St., Boston, MA 02115.

Watch our 1-minute video to see how FlexiPave changes from a loose aggregate to a solid surface, plus a demonstration of how extremely water permeable it is.

Here’s an article that Penny wrote about the first attempt to solve this problem and save the tree.

Here is an article and video Boston.com prepared on the first attempt.

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!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Video: © 2014 Ed Cherubino

Photos: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

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November 25, 2014
Good News! You Can Now Apply for a Boston Dog License Online

Last Friday morning, Universal Hub announced, "Starting today, Boston residents can get or renew a dog license onlline."

I popped over and gave it a test. Since my dog Poppy was already licensed, I typed in her current license number and all my information was filled in by the system.

Because we had a new three year rabies certificate, I took a photo of it, corrected the dates of her vaccination, and uploaded the photo as requested. Her spay certificate was already on file and the system had already set my option for a $6 license for a spay/neuter dog.

Once I checked that all the information on file was correct, I paid with a credit card. There is a small fee for processing the credit card so my licence will be sent to me for $7.

There are so many reasons why you should license your dog. Obviously, the information helps the city find you if your dog is lost or stolen. It assures anyone who has to help your dog that the animal has its rabies vaccination, since you can't get a license without one.

But, most important, it tells the city government how many residents need services for their animals. If you want dog parks, shared dog recreation spaces, changes that would allow you to have your dog join you on restaurant patios, and not be prohibitied from parks and other public places, you need to be counted.

If you don't want to register online, you can do it by mail or in person. If your dog is already licensed, you should receive a renewal package this week or next. If not, you can download the form or pick one up and complete the process at City Hall, the Boston Animal Shelter, or at a scheduled stop for the City Hall To Go Truck.

All the details are at this new Dog License page.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino; screen shot from the City of Boston website.

Related articles

Sunday Dog, Zoey's New Life in Boston

Time to Make Sure Your Dog Is Licensed and Counted

Sunday Dog, Buster Arrives in Boston!

March 16, 2014
Good News! You Can Now Apply for a Boston Dog License Online

Last Friday morning, Universal Hub announced, "Starting today, Boston residents can get or renew a dog license onlline."

I popped over and gave it a test. Since my dog Poppy was already licensed, I typed in her current license number and all my information was filled in by the system.

Because we had a new three year rabies certificate, I took a photo of it, corrected the dates of her vaccination, and uploaded the photo as requested. Her spay certificate was already on file and the system had already set my option for a $6 license for a spay/neuter dog.

Once I checked that all the information on file was correct, I paid with a credit card. There is a small fee for processing the credit card so my licence will be sent to me for $7.

There are so many reasons why you should license your dog. Obviously, the information helps the city find you if your dog is lost or stolen. It assures anyone who has to help your dog that the animal has its rabies vaccination, since you can't get a license without one.

But, most important, it tells the city government how many residents need services for their animals. If you want dog parks, shared dog recreation spaces, changes that would allow you to have your dog join you on restaurant patios, and not be prohibitied from parks and other public places, you need to be counted.

If you don't want to register online, you can do it by mail or in person. If your dog is already licensed, you should receive a renewal package this week or next. If not, you can download the form or pick one up and complete the process at City Hall, the Boston Animal Shelter, or at a scheduled stop for the City Hall To Go Truck.

All the details are at this new Dog License page.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino; screen shot from the City of Boston website.

Related articles

Sunday Dog, Zoey's New Life in Boston

Time to Make Sure Your Dog Is Licensed and Counted

Sunday Dog, Buster Arrives in Boston!

March 16, 2014
Good News! You Can Now Apply for a Boston Dog License Online

Last Friday morning, Universal Hub announced, "Starting today, Boston residents can get or renew a dog license onlline."

I popped over and gave it a test. Since my dog Poppy was already licensed, I typed in her current license number and all my information was filled in by the system.

Because we had a new three year rabies certificate, I took a photo of it, corrected the dates of her vaccination, and uploaded the photo as requested. Her spay certificate was already on file and the system had already set my option for a $6 license for a spay/neuter dog.

Once I checked that all the information on file was correct, I paid with a credit card. There is a small fee for processing the credit card so my licence will be sent to me for $7.

There are so many reasons why you should license your dog. Obviously, the information helps the city find you if your dog is lost or stolen. It assures anyone who has to help your dog that the animal has its rabies vaccination, since you can't get a license without one.

But, most important, it tells the city government how many residents need services for their animals. If you want dog parks, shared dog recreation spaces, changes that would allow you to have your dog join you on restaurant patios, and not be prohibitied from parks and other public places, you need to be counted.

If you don't want to register online, you can do it by mail or in person. If your dog is already licensed, you should receive a renewal package this week or next. If not, you can download the form or pick one up and complete the process at City Hall, the Boston Animal Shelter, or at a scheduled stop for the City Hall To Go Truck.

All the details are at this new Dog License page.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino; screen shot from the City of Boston website.

Related articles

Sunday Dog, Zoey's New Life in Boston

Time to Make Sure Your Dog Is Licensed and Counted

Sunday Dog, Buster Arrives in Boston!

March 16, 2014
How Much Do You Know about Commonwealth Avenue Mall?

Over the years I've written a lot of articles for print and web publications about the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Most of them have quotes from Margaret Pokorny. She's been my personal tutor and resource on important aspects of our neighborhood like the Mall and the trees that make it such a special place.

During the weekend I saw a post from The Garden Club of the Back Bay that said Margaret will present "The Grandest Boulevard: Commonwealth Avenue Mall" at the Boston Public Library, this Thursday at 6 p.m., as part of the BPL's Building Boston Initiative.

From the BPL's Collection (circa 1880 – 1889)

I will be there because I'm not about to miss an opportunity to pick up a few more interesting facts about the park and see some of the visuals in her wonderful collection of materials about the Mall.

If you enjoy the park and would like to learn more about it, I hope you'll come and meet the woman to whom we all owe so much for all she does for the green spaces in the city. Last year the city selected her to be the first recipient of the annual Park Partners Award. She knows her subject and always makes hearing about it a fun experience.

Related Posts: Margaret also starred in our
How to Make a Great Holiday Bow from an Expert! Video.

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!

Details:

The Grandest Boulevard: Commonwealth Avenue Mall

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012, 6:00 – 7:30 P.M.

Boston Public Library in Copley Square

Commonwealth Salon

700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photography: © 2011 Penny Cherubino plus a historic image from the Boston Public Library collection.

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.

Related articles

For Sunday Dog Jackson, Life Is Best with a Stick

Picking Your Point of View on the Tower

New Exhibition Opens at the BPL's Norman B. Leventhal Map Center

Savoring the Boston Public Garden Lagoon

What's Open in Boston on Christmas & MBTA Schedules 2012

December 10, 2012
How Much Do You Know about Commonwealth Avenue Mall?

Over the years I've written a lot of articles for print and web publications about the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Most of them have quotes from Margaret Pokorny. She's been my personal tutor and resource on important aspects of our neighborhood like the Mall and the trees that make it such a special place.

During the weekend I saw a post from The Garden Club of the Back Bay that said Margaret will present "The Grandest Boulevard: Commonwealth Avenue Mall" at the Boston Public Library, this Thursday at 6 p.m., as part of the BPL's Building Boston Initiative.

From the BPL's Collection (circa 1880 – 1889)

I will be there because I'm not about to miss an opportunity to pick up a few more interesting facts about the park and see some of the visuals in her wonderful collection of materials about the Mall.

If you enjoy the park and would like to learn more about it, I hope you'll come and meet the woman to whom we all owe so much for all she does for the green spaces in the city. Last year the city selected her to be the first recipient of the annual Park Partners Award. She knows her subject and always makes hearing about it a fun experience.

Related Posts: Margaret also starred in our
How to Make a Great Holiday Bow from an Expert! Video.

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!

Details:

The Grandest Boulevard: Commonwealth Avenue Mall

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012, 6:00 – 7:30 P.M.

Boston Public Library in Copley Square

Commonwealth Salon

700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photography: © 2011 Penny Cherubino plus a historic image from the Boston Public Library collection.

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.

Related articles

For Sunday Dog Jackson, Life Is Best with a Stick

Picking Your Point of View on the Tower

New Exhibition Opens at the BPL's Norman B. Leventhal Map Center

Savoring the Boston Public Garden Lagoon

What's Open in Boston on Christmas & MBTA Schedules 2012

December 10, 2012
How Much Do You Know about Commonwealth Avenue Mall?

Over the years I've written a lot of articles for print and web publications about the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Most of them have quotes from Margaret Pokorny. She's been my personal tutor and resource on important aspects of our neighborhood like the Mall and the trees that make it such a special place.

During the weekend I saw a post from The Garden Club of the Back Bay that said Margaret will present "The Grandest Boulevard: Commonwealth Avenue Mall" at the Boston Public Library, this Thursday at 6 p.m., as part of the BPL's Building Boston Initiative.

From the BPL's Collection (circa 1880 – 1889)

I will be there because I'm not about to miss an opportunity to pick up a few more interesting facts about the park and see some of the visuals in her wonderful collection of materials about the Mall.

If you enjoy the park and would like to learn more about it, I hope you'll come and meet the woman to whom we all owe so much for all she does for the green spaces in the city. Last year the city selected her to be the first recipient of the annual Park Partners Award. She knows her subject and always makes hearing about it a fun experience.

Related Posts: Margaret also starred in our
How to Make a Great Holiday Bow from an Expert! Video.

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!

Details:

The Grandest Boulevard: Commonwealth Avenue Mall

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012, 6:00 – 7:30 P.M.

Boston Public Library in Copley Square

Commonwealth Salon

700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photography: © 2011 Penny Cherubino plus a historic image from the Boston Public Library collection.

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.

Related articles

For Sunday Dog Jackson, Life Is Best with a Stick

Picking Your Point of View on the Tower

New Exhibition Opens at the BPL's Norman B. Leventhal Map Center

Savoring the Boston Public Garden Lagoon

What's Open in Boston on Christmas & MBTA Schedules 2012

December 10, 2012
Our Collection of 7 Cooling Tips for Hot Days!

With years of posts behind us, we sometimes forget how many tips we have for something like a heat wave. Here's what you need to know for the temperatures they're forecasting for the next few days.

Bonus tip: go find a cool place to sit and relax like a dock along the Charles!

Cool Summer Sips – A couple of cool drink ideas to welcome summer to Boston

Someplace Cool to Walk… If you still want to get some exercise, we have some air-conditioned paths to follow.

Surviving a Heat Wave – What You Need to Know – Tips from everyone from the city to the CDC.

Cool Food for a Hot Day - One of our favorite hot day suppers

Miss lilibeth and Gisselle are Issuing a Hot Car Alert – Be sure to protect your pets inside and out!

Poached Chicken Becomes Curried Chicken Salad – Another cool supper and you can make it with take-out chicken too!

Maggie says, “Drink Up!” – Tips on giving your dog a drink when you're out and about.

What's on your Summer heat shopping list? Shop Amazon – Get Ready for Summer – Everything You Need and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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.

June 19, 2012