Mayor Walsh and Governor Baker weigh in on Sal DiMasi’s request for compassionate release, while the BRA, Gronk, and development proposals are capturing the news in the North End / Waterfront. See stories on those subjects and many more!

Man injured after North End staging collapse

A 42-year-old man was taken to MGH after a section of staging collapsed about 50 feet on Charter Street, injuring the man. The incident is under investigation, more at WCVB Boston.

Aquarium CEO at odds with developer Don Chiofaro

Nigella Hillgarth, the CEO of the New England Aquarium is the latest critic of the harbor garage proposal set forth by developer Don Chiofaro. Although BRA chief Brian Golden said the authority won’t put the aquarium at risk, Hillgarth sees the construction and lack of parking as a serious threat, continue reading at, The Boston Globe.

Vote favors Boston Redevelopment Authority keeping development tools

The BRA board of directors voted to extend the agency’s urban renewal powers over a large part of the city for another 10 years. With serious concerns being voiced from community activists, the fate lies in the hands of the Boston City Council. More on the story at, The Boston Globe.

Walsh supports ‘compassionate release’ of former speaker DiMasi

Former House Speaker Sal DiMasi is currently seeking “compassionate release” from prison and he has a supporter in Mayor Marty Walsh, who maintained that “Sal has been sick now with a couple of bouts of cancer and that’s why the intent of this program was set up.” Read more at, The Boston Globe.

Gov supports moving DiMasi to prison ‘closer to home’

Although Mayor Walsh is on board, Governor Baker is not fully on board with DiMasi being released from prison, although he has no problem with serving time in a prison closer to home. Read his stance on the issue at, The Boston Herald.

Boston to double affordable housing fees for developers

Hoping to control the “high-end demand” of luxury buildings in Boston, Mayor Walsh is increasing the fees for builders who do not include affordable units in their projects. Mayor Walsh is optimistic that this will “change the dynamic,” helping the much-needed middle-class and affordable housing. Take a look at the article at, The Boston Globe.

Ames Plow Tavern at Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston Is Closing

Ames Plow Tavern, the pub grub bar that has been a staple at Faneuil Hall Marketplace for decades, will close their doors at the end of 2015.  With a note that extended their deepest gratitude, it is still unclear why they are closing, read more information at Boston Restaurant Talk.

Best Sandwiches in the U.S.

With sandwiches from all across the country, there was one sandwich recognized from Boston, the Hot Lobster Roll from the North End’s Neptune Oyster. Take a look at the rest of the list and read more about the sandwich at, Food & Wine.

Italian treats to be delivered across city via student bicycle business

Aiming to appeal to the Northeastern University students who are looking for Italian food but do not want to trek all the way to the North End, two students have launched a business to bring North End treats to the campus. The Daily Free Press has more on the plan for delivery of their favorite goods from Modern Pastry.

DA seeks public’s help in unsolved 2011 Andover killings

Many may remember the 2011 murder of John and Geraldine Magee, the Andover parents who were shot to death in their homes and their Lexus SUV set on fire in the North End. Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett is hoping for some leads, read more information at, The Boston Globe.

NEW Health Charlestown Opens Office on Tufts Street

North End Waterfront Health has expanded to Charlestown, opening NEW Health Charlestown to help serve the community. Complete with a staff that is fluent in English, Spanish, Haitian-Creole, Portuguese, French, Mandarin, and Cantonese, read more at Charlestown Patch.

Only a tiny bow on a historic downtown building this year

The familiar big bow that is usually wrapped around the Flour and Grain Exchange building on the Greenway every December was missing this year. Related Beal insisted that the big bow will make a return in 2016, continue reading at, UniversalHub.

A holiday hiatus for Cam & Gronk?

Patriots Tight End Rob Gronkowski was spotted in the North End going out to dinner with a lady who was not Camille Kostek, the former Pats cheerleader who had been dating Gronkowski for the past several months. The Boston Herald has more on the love saga.