It is interesting when the Globe’s editorial staff comments on one of their own front page articles. In today’s Boston Globe, editor Dante Ramos writes an opinion piece called, “Don’t Roll Up The Sidewalk,” saying the 2am bars and 24 hour bakery “are what make the North End interesting and exciting.” He further goes on to support Nick’s Deli 4am takeout service application. The writer lived in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Is that what he wants the North End to become?
See also:
Globe Highlights “Culture Clash” in the North End
Nick’s Deli Withdraws License Application with 4am Takeout
It’s not at all uncommon for a newspaper to comment editorially on the issues that it has covered as news/features. I’m sure Matt’s word "interesting" is not meant to suggest "suspicious," or biased against the boisterous character of parts of the North End, but I know there are those in the neighborhood who retreat to defensive postures whenever their positions are questioned. I just feel fortunate that we live in a neighborhood that so many Bostonians and visitors regard as partly their own, and are so interested to read about.
I agree with him, specifically his point that neighborhoods should represent what ALL of its residents want. There is no seniority system in housing. Just because someone has lived somewhere for 40 years doesn’t mean their voice is more important than someone who has lived there for 4. I believe yesterdays globe article discussed the amount of famillies in the North End….I’d be curious to see that ratio of families vs. residents under the age of 35.
Obviously house parties until 5am aren’t what anyone needs, but the fact is, the North end is an urban (not residential) neighborhood steps away from City Hall and "downtown" boston. To believe that as the city expands and tries to increase the amount of people who reside downtown that it can remain a quiet, family-oriented neighborhood is ridiculous. That isn’t the fault of those who have moved into the neighborhood in the last 5-10 years any more than it’s the fault of those families who sold their residences (at great prices) to these new residents, myself included. As a neighborhood’s residents shift, the neighborhood’s business must also evolve, or die.
Matt, you posed the question "The writer lived in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Is that what he wants the North End to become?" Having spoken to Mr. Ramos at some length, I would say,yes, that’s exactly what he wants. Fortunately, we have enough North End/Waterfront residents who are commited to quality of life issues that I think we can hold the line on that concept.
Contrary to what NE Resident thinks, this is a RESIDENTIAL neighborhood with over 12,000 people crammed into 1.1sq. miles. Bova’s Bakery was here when I moved into the NE 25 years ago and it was not what made the neighborhood interesting. Neither were the restaurants. I was an interloper back then but I worked at making myself a part of the neighborhood by getting involved various NE organizations and groups. Maybe you should try to contribute to life in the hood and not detract from it. Also contrary to what people think, there are a lot of families in the NE, most of them under 35. Just because the younger residents want to party til 4 AM, doesn’t mean the neighborhood needs to roll over and do it their way. Did Mommy and Daddy not teach you how to share and play nicely with other people? If you want the all night party scene, move to Manhattan or New Orleans where people don’t go out until midnight and the bars close at 4 or 5 AM.
How can you slam the globe for editorializing when you started a blog about the north end so you could grind your own axe? Quit it with the "get off my lawn" rants.
Peter:
This is a neighborhood blog, not a newspaper and the owner and publish whatever the hell he wants about HIS neighborhood and what happens here. You on the other hand are an anonymous commenter who probably lives in the burbs. If you don’t like what Matt writes, don’t read his blog!
Comment removed at author’s request.
Joyce, I am a NE resident thank you very much and I actually like this blog quite a bit, it is informative and fills a niche. Yet I do find that his editorializing gets in the way of what makes this blog successful.
Hi Peter, That’s an "interesting" comment. I didn’t think I was being overly critical of the editorial. I actually posted it because I wanted neighborhood folks to read it. Of course, the Globe editor has every right to offer his own opinion. I thought the "French Quarter" history added some explanation of where he was coming from.
I started this website for many reasons (see the About page)… mostly to get information out into the neighborhood. As is the nature of blogs, I certainly express my views from time to time. I realize there are folks that disagree with me and I’m happy to listen and post their views … just as I posted your comment (and everyone elses … other than the spammers that became a problem yesterday unfortunately).
I’m thrilled the Globe quoted me yesterday and I stand by my statements. I doubt they are concerned with my lawn which is a lot smaller than theirs. In fact, I would love more coverage of neighborhood issues by the major newspapers.
Matt
Peter:
It is a blog not a newspaper. I disagree with some of what Matt writes about in his "editorial pieces: but I tell him that privately and we agree to disagree. His blog, his opinion. Recognize it for what it is: timely updates on things happening in the NE combined with what is Matt’s opinion. And a place to vent without leaving home!
Brian:
If you have ever listened to Capt. O’Rourke of Boston Police Area A, he will oppose any late night hours. According to the Capt., one of the reasons the crime rate in the NE is lower then other parts of Area A (Charlestown, Quincy Mkt, North Station, Theater District) is because there are so few places with 2AM licenses.
During the blizzards of 78 in January and February I lived on Henchman St. Back then I was one of the few Irish guys living in the neighborhood I had to move back to JP when I got laid off. During the time I was there I thought it was the best place I ever lived. My neighbors were the best I ever had. I can remember coming home late from dates and knowing you were safe alone on the streets. The only bad part was trying to find a parking place, but there was a parking garage on Commercial St so lucked out most of the time. On Commercial St right around the Conner from Henchmen there was a little bar the first time I went in there I got some funny looks but after the bartender found out I lived around the conner I was welcomed with open arms, and if I missed a day everyone wanted to know if I was OK. I still miss those days and I know things change but I’ll always remember the way it was then. I guess the influx is good for the economy but I feel bad for the families living there it’s rough to have to get up after hearing noise all night.
Good Luck & God Bless to all who live there. I hope things work out for all.
Kevin E. Sullivan
Melbourne Fl
I read the Globe article, as a lifelong resident of South Boston one thing occured to me. It seems to me that every weekend you folks in the North End get a miniture version of St. Patrick’s Day. I say this in large part because of references to college age ‘kids’ and their behavior.
Each year we get a dose of our future leaders and their inclination to act in ways that no doubt they wouldn’t engage in at home.
For some reason it’s OK to be a boor,as long as it’s sombody elses neighborhood. Why is it that residents that want to keep a lid on late night noise and (bad) activity are portrayed as selfish?
Stick to your guns. Once you allow a foothold of late night business’ in your locale, that’s it. Just ask the folks down in the area around the diner at South and Kneeland Sts.
*sends healing hugs free of anger out into forum*