Welcome back to our weekly update that highlights some of the cases appearing on 311 in the North End/Waterfront neighborhoods. All 311 cases are public information and can be found at 311.boston.gov.
Homeless at Richmond and Commercial Street
“Homeless often sleep in the side doorway of kindercare and leave feces, urine, and trash. My sons attend daycare there and I would like to be able to continue living in the North End.”
The original 311 post can be found here. This case was submitted and opened on October 30th, 2017. As of November 1st, the case is still open.
Homeless Near Lovejoy Wharf
“People living under bridge from north end to Charlestown.”
The original 311 post can be found here. This case was submitted and opened on October 29th, 2017. As of November 1st, the case has not yet been resolved.
Commercial Vehicle Parked in Residential Space on Richmond Street
“Commercial vehicle parked in residential for over 3 hours as usual.”
The original 311 post can be found here. This case was submitted and opened on October 28th, 2017. It was then closed later that same day with the message: “Closed with status: Case Resolved. clear.”
Residential Parking Temporarily Taken Away on Fleet and North Street
“Why is the sign up taking resident parking when there has been no work done today is Wednesday the sign says Tuesday to Thursday from 930 to 330 please remove the sign.”
The original 311 post can be found here. This case was submitted and opened on October 25th, 2017. It was then closed on October 26th, 2017 with the following message: “Closed with status: Case Resolved. Dear Constituent,. The Boston Public Works Construction Inspection Unit (CIU) investigated and determined the following:. Waveguide was hired to improve the cell phone service in the North End. I called Waveguide who apologized that they didn’t show up Tuesday but they did complete the work yesterday and di remove the signs. For any questions or concerns, please contact the number listed below. Sincerely,. Mark Cardarelli. Supervisor of Utility Coordination and Compliance. Boston Public Works Department. 617-635-4951 Office.”
Storm Creates Mess at the Prado
“Prado park – where the Paul revere statue is – the park has all trees down and branches all over! The Halloween celebration in the North End is suppose to be here tomorrow and it’s trashed from the storm – please help!”
The original 311 post can be found here. This case was submitted and opened on October 30th, 2017. It was then closed on October 31st, 2017 with the following message: “Closed with status: Case Resolved. it is going to be cleaned today [Tuesday] oct 31.”
Remember, to report a claim with 311, you can call 311, go to the 311 website, tweet at 311, or download the app. What do you think about these 311 cases? Follow our “What’s The 311?” tag to see past week’s postings!
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I believe the homeless sleeping near the children’s day care should be dealt with swiftly however, are we really complaining about the homeless living under a BRIDGE!?
That seems so absurd for me. That is the stereotypical place a homeless person would go. Where else should they go? A residential area? People are complaining like they are sleeping inside the Elliot School.
I understand they may not be appeasing to your eye when you walk under the deliptated bridge for all of 15 seconds per week but have a little compassion.
It also seems strange to contact 311 for that, as opposed to the police or Pine Street Inn. Equating the homeless with potholes and street signs needing to be fixed is so odd.
Complaints about “the homeless” are more about the refuse they leave in their wake, not a commentary on their plight. Camping out overnight in public spaces is illegal for many good reasons, including public safety issues and the general welfare of the homeless.
I feel bad for the homeless people in our city, but there are shelters and programs in place to help the homeless. Similar to Dan’s point, I think the issue that a lot of people have with the homeless by the rink and under the bridge is the fact that there is drug activity and excessive littering occurring quite frequently in these areas. Drug activity and littering in our neighborhood should not be tolerated on any level.
Ryan…ever been to a homeless shelter? Under a bridge is usually a better and safer option. for a lot of these folks. Homelessness, drug activity and litter are all part of living in any large American city. Yes, certain levels DO need to be tolerated. It literally goes with the territory.
I’m curious about the homeless shelters. Not having heard reports about Pine St and Rosie’s can you detail something about conditions there? I know they don’t take inebriates, but about them makes a bridge under the Washington St bridge better?
Gary – couldn’t disagree more with your statement that illegal activities “need to be tolerated”. Slippery slope, my friend.
You people are making it sound like there is some traveling homeless camp setting up under the bridge. There is one guy with a few blankets. IT IS UNDER A BRIDGE!
Running them out from under the bridge doesn’t make them less homeless. Just move them somewhere else. Calling 311 will only move them to the next 311 call. Don’t expect this problem to go away by simply dialing 311.
I walk my dog along the harbor walk(which includes under the bridge where this camp is set up) the stench is unbearable. Last weekend I was walking behind a group of tourists who stopped to take pictures of the mess. I would assume this is not what how we want our beautiful waterfront to be remembered when people come to visit? Not only is the trash and smell and issue, last week I submitted a 311 to have a needle to be cleaned up behind the skating rink. What if this was stepped on by a child or a pet? This is not acceptable and needs to be addressed asap.
Although I of course feel for the homeless people of Boston I have respectfully disagree with those who are saying whats the big deal its under a bridge. Yes it is under a bridge but as others have mentioned, it is part of Boston’s historic North End walk which the city has spent quite a lot of money building and renovating for tourists and pedestrians to have a place to enjoy the waterfront. I pass this every day on my way to work and I can assure you its not one guy with some blankets. There is so much trash and feces. It is absolutely not acceptable to let this happen to any part of our city. It has nothing to do with not caring for the homeless.
Urban Cycles has abused their place in the neighborhood.. They park at least 2 vans and a large truck in resident spaces east of Hanover Street and take up most of the sidewalks in front of their store. They also chain their bicycles to the fence at the corner of Richmond and Commercial Street and use that space to organize their bike trips. They are bad neighbors and they should be made to not abuse their neighbors in this section of the North End.