NEWF News & Views for Friday, January 4, 2013 – Supermarket Trees, Lovejoy Sneakers and the Drunkest City

What’s new on the blog:

• What happened at last night’s North End Public Safety Meeting? The good news is that crime was down 10% in the North End last year. More good news, according to one resident, is that bug spray can be launched up to 37 feet. Watch the video and see the report.
• The end of an era, some might say. Longtime community leader, John Romano has stepped down as President of North End Against Drugs (NEAD). The NEAD Board has elected Debra DeCristoforo as the new President. See the post.
• Nstar is struggling in this frigid weather to replace near century old wiring on Hanover Street, giving headaches to residents and businesses, including Carmelina’s. See the photos.
• An artistic black and white view of the New Year’s Polar Bear Plunge.
• It’s that time of year. Read these cold and flu tips from NEW Health.
• New Poll: What type of winter display would you want to see on the Greenway? Vote here.

Ten years from now: “There once were 10 trees where there was supposed to be a supermarket …”

So, riddle me this. Boston Parks Department is holding a hearing on Tuesday, 1/8, 10:30 am at 1010 Massachusetts Ave., 3rd Floor and the subject is to discuss the removal of 10 trees to make way for the One Canal project in the Bulfinch Triangle. Stay with me now. The One Canal project has supposedly been stalled by the requirement to include the long awaited supermarket. The developer, Trinity Financial, has been unable to line up any supermarket.

So, why are we meeting on the trees? Or, has something changed?

(See the report on the last public meeting for One Canal.)

Come and get your Lovejoy Sneakers

The Boston Herald reports on sneaker maker and Nike subsidiary, Converse, finally signing a lease for Lovejoy Wharf. The project has been green-lighted by city officials so the rebuilding of the entire site (including a new park / harborwalk) will start this year.

See our November 2012 post and plans from the public meeting: Lovejoy Wharf Mixed Use Project Presented at Public Meeting [Video]

Boston, the Drunkest City, 2 years running

The Daily Beast has ranked Boston as the country’s “drunkest city” for the second year in a row.

• The average drinks consumed by adults: 15.6 per month.
• The percentage of the population classified as binge drinkers: 20.1%.
• The percentage of population classified as heavy drinkers: 7.4%
• Neighborhood with the most alcohol licenses … North End / Waterfront.

Under the radar:

Mayor Menino is scheduled to make a rare public appearance on Friday 1/4, 5:30 pm at the School Committee Swearing-in Ceremony for Michael O’Neill. The event is at the Parkman House, 33 Beacon St.

Featured: Bikes!

Are you ready for Phase II of the Boston Bikes program in the city? Mayor Menino announced the re-hiring of Nicole Freedman to head up the effort. Take a look back at how Nicole brought bike lanes to the North End:

• City Moving Forward With “Standard” Bike Lane in North End; No Reduction in Parking
• Bike Lane Meeting Introduces Hybrid Concept for Commercial St. and Atlantic Ave. in North End

And then see Karen Cord Taylor’s column this week on bike complaints.

What’s Happening In The North End / Waterfront:

On Saturday, January 5th, a Candlelight Vigil will be held at the Nazzaro Center playground, 30 N. Bennet St., to remember the Newtown shooting victims. See the event post.

View the details on upcoming events and meetings in the Events Calendar.

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