Grew Park Neighbors Meeting Notes: March 2, 2026
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Attendees
Joan Quagenti-Bahadir, Bob and Elaine Dynes, Paul Sacco, Pat Alvarez, Tim Galvin, Katie Reilly (Boston Public Health Commission), Officer Lucien, Jillian, Sergeant Ivens
Police Report: 2/1–2/28/26
Assaults: 2/17 Gordon Avenue [male group home resident assaulted by female resident]
Auto Theft, Ballistics, Breaking & Entering, Drugs, Larceny, Robberies: 0
Katie Reilly, Program Coordinator: Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
BPHC Division of Environmental and Occupational Health (DEOC): https://www.boston.gov/government/cabinets/boston-public-health-commission/healthy-homes-and-environment/environmental-health-and-hazards
Lead Poisoning Prevention Program: https://www.boston.gov/government/cabinets/boston-public-health-commission/healthy-homes-and-environment/lead-poisoning-prevention
All houses built before 1978 where a child under age 6 lives must be certified lead-safe
Homeowners and landlords can hire a private lead inspector or contact the Boston Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (BCLPPP) to inspect your property. BCLPPP will require immediate action to make the home lead-safe if lead is found. Resources are available to help with mitigation.
Homeowners and landlords can call the Boston Water and Sewer Commission to see whether the home's service line is made of lead.
Homeowners and landlords cannot refuse to rent to or evict someone because there is lead on the property or because they have a child under age 6.
See attached flyers for more details. Flyers are available from DEOC in other languages. BCLPPP inspection request form also attached.
Q. Are there other sources of lead in the home?
A. Yes, these include spices from certain other countries and soil.
Q. Has there been a rise in the number of child lead-poisoning cases?
A. No, there actually has been a decrease in the number of cases. The reduction could be due to an actual decrease in cases or less testing.
Q. Is it environmentally safe for trucks to dump melted snow down storm drains?
A. Katie will check with DEOC for answer.
Guest Updates
Paul Sacco: Follow-up on Speeding/George Wright Parking Lot Activity
Paul Sacco and his neighbors on West Street having been trying to get speeding and nighttime vehicle activity in the George Wright parking lot addressed since summer of 2025. Discussion with Officer Lucien and Sargeant Ivens:
Q. Could BPD E-18 use speed traps on West Street to reduce speeding?
A. BPD E-18 occasionally has them now; Officer Lucien will add this to its request list.
Q. Could BPD E-18 confirm that it's okay to use 911 to report non-emergency nighttime vehicle activity in the George Wright parking lot?
A. Yes, 911 is how incidents are tracked. In response to "What is your emergency?", neighbors can tell the dispatcher that it is not an emergency but that BPD has requested that incidents be reported via 911.
Tim Galvin: Post-Eversource Work Street Repaving
When will repaving will be done in the area once Eversource has completed its work?
Gabe Cruz of Councilor Pepén's office was unable to attend the meeting but subsequently sent this update:
I was able to forward Tim's concerns to the Public Works Department, and they informed me that the following streets in the area will be resurfaced this season:
· Austin Street (From West Street to Gordon Avenue)
· West Street (From Austin Street to Deforest Street)
· Harvard Avenue (From Everett Street to River Street)
· Maple Street (From River Street to Walnut Street)
· Oak Street (From Maple Street to Hyde Park Avenue)
The Public Works Department also has several more streets in Hyde Park they are planning to resurface; however, they will have to coordinate with Eversource as they have some ongoing and planned work in certain areas of the neighborhood. I asked that they add Myopia and Braeburn Roads to their list for resurfacing in the near future and was told that both are on DPW's list for permanent repairs in 2026. I also asked that advanced notice be given to residents in the area for street closures. I'll be sure to share any updates as they become available.
Tim also suggested that GPN invite Eversource be invited to a future meeting to discuss improving communication about work time frames and advance resident notice.
Joan: Summer Street/Age Strong Clinics
Houses behind Summer Street: The contractor that took over the project from the previous contractor ran out of money, so the project is up for sale. There are gates surrounding the property to prevent access.
Age Strong Cost Saving Clinics: These free in-person clinics aim to assist Boston’s older residents (age 55+) in lowering everyday expenses by providing information and help signing up for a variety of programs. The clinics run through the end of the month; call Age Strong at 617-635-4366 to make your in-person appointment. More details are available at https://www.boston.gov/departments/age-strong-commission/age-strongs-2026-cost-savings-clinics.
Pat Alvarez: Health and Wellness Summit/EPA Community Meeting
March 21, 9am–2:30pm. Hyde Park Health and Wellness Summit. The Pryde, 59 Harvard Avenue.
April 21, 6–8pm. Lower Neponset River Superfund Site Community Meeting. The Pryde, 59 Harvard Avenue. See attached flyer for details.
Next meeting is scheduled for April 6 at 6:30pm on Zoom.