Community Notes, Events, Updates & Public Comment Request March 15-21, 2021
Anthony D'Isidoro
Harvard University
3/7/21-3/13/21
New Positive Cases: 16
Current in Isolation: 21
Current in Quarantine: 26
Boston College
3/8/21-3/14/21
New Positive Cases: 35
Current in Isolation: 51 (38 in isolation housing, 13 recovering at home)
Boston University
3/6/21-3/12/21
New Positive Cases: 62
Currently in Isolation: 71
Applications Open for Funding for Organizations Supporting Childcare
Mayor Martin J. Walsh, the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement (MOWA) and the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) of $250,000 in funding to support organizations working to create equitable access to child care services in Boston. Grantees will be awarded until the fund is exhausted. Childcare providers, nonprofit organizations, community stakeholders are encouraged to apply. The application period is now open and proposals will be accepted through April 23, 2021. Application can be found here.
First Phase of the Renew Boston Trust Initiative Completed
Brighton Library:
Energy Conservation Measures
Lighting and Lighting Controls Upgrades (Interior & Exterior):
Installing highly efficient LED light bulbs and occupancy sensors to ensure that lights are only on when needed.
Water Conservation Upgrades:
Installing low-flow toilets, reduced flush urinal valves, and low-flow faucets and showerheads to reduce the amount of water used.
Anticipated Annual Energy Savings:
Electric Savings (kilowatt hours): 31,458 (10%)
Water Savings (gallons): 24,000 (19%)
Money Saved: $9,337.00 (11%)
Events
35-43 Braintree Street Impact Advisory Group Meeting
Boston Planning & Development Agency
Monday, March 15, 2021, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The BPDA is hosting a virtual Impact Advisory Group (IAG) Meeting, open to the public, for the 35-43 Braintree Street project. The purpose of the meeting is to continue the discussion about the Project Notification Form (PNF) filing for the project as well as continue the discussion on appropriate mitigation. The meeting will include a presentation and discussion with the IAG followed by Q&A and comments from the general public.
Please note that the purpose of this meeting is different than that of a traditional community meeting. As part of the development review process, IAG members work closely with BPDA staff to identify the impacts of a project and recommend appropriate community benefits to offset those impacts. IAG meetings prioritize discussion between the project proponent (i.e. the developer) and IAG members.
This meeting will be hosted online, using Zoom. You must register using this link, then you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the meeting. If you're calling in by phone, you'll need to download the Zoom application to see our presentation.
Please register in advance for this meeting using the following link:
https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_ItZCRhSXS1SNDyiKeXTKig
Toll-free call-in number: 833.568.8864
Meeting ID: 161
035 9918
Email Contact: Michael....@Boston.Gov
Boston University Community Office Hours
Government & Community Affairs
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 @ 9:00 am
Community Office Hours are an opportunity for residents and community members to meet and engage with staff from BU’s Office of Government & Community Affairs about COVID-19 compliance and topics related to the University and campus life. Office hours will be held online through Zoom, if you’d like to stop by, please email g...@bu.edu and you will receive a link to participate.
We look forward to seeing you!
Email Contact: Cecilia Nardi (cna...@bu.edu)
Allston Village Main Streets 2021 Annual Meeting
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 @ 6:30 pm
Are you tired of the same old boring virtual meetings that don't allow you to flex your hyper local trivia knowledge?
Well, you're in luck!
Allston Village Main Streets will be hosting Allston Trivia Night, our 2021 Annual Meeting on Tuesday March 16th from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. We are inviting you to come show off your knowledge of all things Allston. You can choose your team beforehand, or we can put you into a team when we set up the breakout rooms.
1st Place Team:
$150 in gift cards to local businesses
2nd Place Team:
$100 in gift cards to local businesses
3rd Place Team:
$50 in gift cards to local businesses
We will also be discussing our accomplishments from the past year, awarding our business and volunteer of the year, and looking towards the future. This meeting is free and open to the public, so don't hesitate to register!
Register for the meeting here: https://zoom.us/.../tJUtdeGgpzMiGNZHwttiZBMNFvP2CpjRPqpR
See you there!
Allston Board of Trade Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, March 17, 2021 @ 12:00 pm
Working together to strengthen and improve the quality of life and commerce in Allston.
For meeting details, email in...@abot.org
Bill Mills, President
Allston Civic Association March Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, March 17, 2021, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Meeting registration link to be posted at:
www.allstoncivicassociation.org
www.facebook.com/AllstonCivicAssociation
Anthony D’Isidoro, President
Boston Conservation Commission
Boston Environment Department
Wednesday, March 17, 2021 @ 6:00 pm
This meeting will only be held virtually and NOT in person. You can participate in the meeting by going to our Zoom meeting link or calling 929-205-6099 and enter meeting id 686 458 2044 #. You can also submit written comments or questions to c...@boston.gov or via Twitter @BostonEnviro.
Request for a Certificate of Compliance for DEP File No. 006-1380 for the Station 315 Distribution Project located on North Beacon St, Brighton, MA
Email Contact: C...@Boston.Gov
Veronica Smith Senior Center Weekly Community Conversation
Thursday, March 18, 2021, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Veronica Smith Senior Center hosts a Zoom meeting every Thursday from 10-11am for seniors from Allston/Brighton surrounding Boston neighborhoods. This is an opportunity
for the A/B seniors to see one another, exchange information, and get updates on the A/B neighborhood. Listen to various speakers of Allston/Brighton. All from the comfort of their own home. Those interested should email Jacqueline...@boston.gov.
Allston Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force
Thursday, March 18, 2021 @ 3:00 pm
The Allston-Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force is a coalition of community agencies and residents that mobilizes youth, families, community members and leaders to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth and adults in our community.
The Task Force has made significant strides over the years, becoming a recognized leader and community resource for tackling important issues such as underage drinking and prescription drug abuse.
For meeting details contact Helen Connolly (Helen.C...@Steward.Org)
Allston Construction Mitigation Subcommittee Meeting
Ed Kotomori (Chair)
Thursday, March 18, 2021 @ 6:00 pm
We will hear from Harvard about current construction plans and any other issues of interest to the community. All are welcome to attend and contribute.
Please register ahead to get the Zoom link
Email Contact: Priscilla Anderson (pril...@gmail.com)
5-7 Hooker Street Abutters Meeting
Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services
Thursday, March 18, 2021, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
New construction of a nine for sale condominium units with nine off-street parking spaces.
This is an opportunity to learn more about the proposal and log public comments with the Mayor’s Office.
Those interested can find the meeting link here.
Passcode: SBtS7j6His3
By Phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll
Access Code: 129 649 5372
If you cannot attend this meeting, have any questions or comments about this proposal, or need interpretation services, please contact in advance:
Email Contact: Conor....@Boston.Gov
Updates
Zoning Board of Appeal Hearing
Inspectional Services Department
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Extensions: 9:30 am
Case: BZC- 29846 Address: 1954 Commonwealth Avenue Ward 21 Applicant: Paul Alan Rufo
Video: Zoning Board of Appeal Hearing 3-9-21 - YouTube
Slide the time bar to 5:35
Outcome: Motion to Extend One Year from Termination Date (March 31, 2021)
Hearing: 9:30 am
Case: BOA-1152924- Address: 30 Dighton Street Ward 22 Applicant: Pulgini & Norton, LLP Articles: Article 51 Section 8 Use Regulations Use: Multifamily Dwelling: Forbidden Article 51 Section 9 Location of Main Entrance shall face the Front Lot Line Article 51 Section 9 Lot Area for Additional Dwelling Units Insufficient Article 51 Section 9 Front Yard Insufficient Article 51, Section 56 Off Street Parking & Loading Req Off Street Parking Insufficient Article 51, Section 56 Off Street Parking & Loading Req Off Street Parking Design / Maneuverability Purpose: Change Occupancy from a Three Family Dwelling to 5 Residential Units. Construct a new 3 story addition against existing structure. Building will be fully sprinklered.
Video: Zoning Board of Appeal Hearing 3-9-21 - YouTube
Slide the time bar to 2:38:10
Outcome: Approved with BPDA Design Review with Special Emphasis on Screening & Buffering and Reduced Parking
Re-Discussion 12:30 pm
Case: BOA-1085225 Address: 3 Westford Street Ward 22 Applicant: Greg Hemetet
Articles: Article 51 Section 7 Accessory Buildings Height Excessive Article 51 Section 7 Accessory Buildings Insufficient side yard set-back
Purpose: I have a detached garage beyond repair and would like to rebuild within the same footprint. I work from home so I would like to add a second floor with a bathroom to be used as an Accessory Home office residential use.
Video: Zoning Board of Appeal Hearing 3-9-21 - YouTube
Slide the time bar to 3:03:25
Outcome: Deferred to May 4, 2021 @ 12:30 pm
Boston Public Improvement Commission Meeting
Thursday, March 11, 2021 @ 10:00 am
Public Hearing
PH2 On a joint petition by Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and City of Boston Public Works Department for the making of Specific Repairs within the following public ways in Brighton, consisting of curb realignment, sidewalk reconstruction, as well as new and relocated pedestrian ramps:
Washington Street – on both sides generally between Montfern Avenue and Fairbanks Street;
Oak Square Avenue – north of Washington Street;
Fairbanks Street – north of Washington Street.
(NB 2/25/2021) As shown on a set of plans entitled “City of Boston Public Works Department, Engineering Division, Specific Repair Plan, Washington Street at Oak Square Avenue, Washington Street at Langley Road, Boston,” 2 sheets dated February, 2021.
Video: Public Improvement Commission Hearing 3-11-21 - YouTube
Slide the time bar to 14:50
Outcome: Approved Contingent on Sign-off from Public Works Department
Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board Meeting (Updates Pending)
Thursday, March 11, 2021 @ 3:30 pm
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
24. Request authorization to disburse $100,000.00 from the Harvard Allston Public Realm Flexible Fund to the Boston Transportation Department for consultant services regarding public improvements on Western Avenue; and to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with said entity for the funds.
Public Comments Requested:
Harvard Enterprise Research Campus (100-112 Western Avenue) (Due by March 15, 2021)
http://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/harvard-enterprise-research-campus
120 Braintree Street (Due by March 19, 2021)
http://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/120-braintree-street
35-43 Braintree Street (Due by March 22, 2021)
http://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/35-43-braintree-street
38 Hichborn Street (Due by March 29, 2021)
http://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/38-hichborn-street
180 Western Avenue (Due by April 5, 2021)
http://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/180-western-avenue
76 Ashford Street (Due by April 23, 2021)
http://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/76-ashford-street