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.
Needle Clean-up at Lewis Wharf
This 311 user says, “Needle next to the wood fence. Thanks!”
The original post can be found here. The post was submitted and opened on March 22, 2020. The post was Closed on March 22, 2020 with the following note, “Closed with status: Case Resolved. One syringe recovered on boardwalk near north end. RA.”
Litter at 163 Endicott St
This 311 user writes, “There have been 3 cinder blocks on the sidewalk/against the building for over a month. It seems to be a safety hazard. Garbage men never take them. Can something be done?”
The original 311 post can be found here. The original note was submitted and opened on March 23,2020 and remains open as of March 24, 2020.
Abandoned Bicycle at Foster Ct
This 311 user writes, “This bike has been here for over two months and it’s impacting the parking in this lot due to its location.”
The original 311 post can be found here. The post was submitted and opened on August 8, 2019 and was closed on March 17, 2020 with the following note, “Closed with status: Case Noted. The bike was not found at this location when a team from the Boston Transportation Department went to remove it. If the problem persists or if you have any questions, please verify the address is correct and feel free to contact us through BOS:311.”
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!
Interestingly, the property that the car and bike are parked on is the “Foster Street Play Area” and it’s owned by the city’s Parks and Recreation department. I’d say the car is much more inappropriate than the bike in that location.
Cars started parking there before I moved to the neighborhood, so I don’t know the whole history. But I’d love to see that property reclaimed by the department that owns it and used for its intended purpose.
https://www.boston.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/popular-playgrounds-and-parks-boston
Adam, come on now!
We all know you hate cars but this has been a parking lot for over 30 years. Try to resist the urge to remind everyone how much disdain you have for cars just once please!
How about commenting on how dangerous the uncapped needle is. You can do it!
Agree. Is it a park or a parking lot? Can’t be both. If the city wants to leave it as a parking lot, then they need to sell it or re-title it as a parking lot.
That bike doesn’t look abandoned. Still has the wheels. I’d call it ” not yet stripped”. Sawsall cut the fence gets the whole bike.
Garbage pickup does not include cinder blocks.
Well Heather, if Cimder Blocks have been hanging aound for a month or so, they should pick it up.
If the sanitation people do not dispose of the cinder blocks the City of Boston should remove . Matter of fact if the cinder blocks have been there “for a month” the City should have already removed them.
I’m surprised that someone didn’t grab them,
The truck mechanism turns all the refuse and flattens objects like tables, mattresses and garbage before flattening it all.
The cinder block would damage this process. One needs to call a number and request that the blocks be picked up.
I’m a little confused , the person who made the 311 report claims the blocks have been there for over a month yet did not report it until March 23rd? I sort of suspect that the person who made the complaint was the person who left the blocks? Easy way to get them removed.
Same number called as for TVs?
Heather, I don’t expect them to put it in the Trash Truck & crush it, I expect the City to remove it.
Where there is a Will there is always a Way. Very Simple, not Brain Surgery involved. Thank God.
I’m not an attorney but wouldn’t the owner of the building be responsible for removing any trash?
MichaelD you are correct. According to Boston assessing online 163 Endicott St is a condo building. Cinder Blocks are construction material and I am not sure if the city will pick them up even if you make a call for a special pickup the way you need for TVs and appliances.
I have been dealing with the issue of the Foster Street Playground for many years and my parents before me, to no avail. Our property abuts the playground; our kitchen windows look directly out on to the cars, and the filthy, crumbling, collapsing surface. It has been neglected by the city for many, many years.
Here’s the story. The property is still listed as a “park” with the Parks and Recreation Department; officially called the Foster Street Park, City Park #123, and built in 1930. I played there everyday as a child. It was my backyard. As the demographics of the area changed and fewer children were playing there, the city completely abandoned the property. Cars eventually started parking there. When the city didn’t take notice, more cars parked there. After a number of years, someone apparently with connections to city hall, got neighborhood parking signs posted. I say apparently because the Public Works Department does not have jurisdiction of the property, and therefore would not post signs as a matter of their standard procedures. Still today the property belongs to Parks and Recreation which would not authorize the posting of parking signs. Yes, it would be nice if the city would restore it to a park. Fun fact, Paul Revere once owned a portion of the property. It was the site of his famous bell foundry. However, I realize that parking is a high priority. I’d have no objections if Parks and Recreation turned the property over to Public Works and, at a minimum, completely rebuild the surface which is collapsing and caving in. After that, to keep the area clean. I’m still working with the city and have been assured that this problem will eventually, after, many, many years, finally be addressed.
Fascinating. Thanks for the background and for confirming what I always suspected.
The demographics (and population) have rebounded significantly in recent years. In my opinion it would be a shame for the city to officially relinquish this space and deprive all future children the in the area the playground Mr. Petrigno enjoyed.
… quick follow up. I said that I’ve “been assured,” but nothing is assured until it’s finally resolved. I’ve heard promises many times in the past; however this time, Councillor Edwards’ office has been more attentive and responses. That wasn’t the case with city officials in the past. Time will tell.
I guess they just took the park part too literally. There’s a park in the park across the street and pool that is made for children. An unused bike trail in the background with Adam’s unused bicycle in the foreground. Maybe just a wheel now, obviously didn’t know how to lock up a bicycle. Nice looking vehicle, probably in a strip shop in Providence now. And cinder blocks which are propping up someone’s planter now. We don’t need 311, things take care of themselves. Don’t think any one wants the nasty old needle though.
T Moble I totally agree with you. There is also the Prado & Slide Park. Most children have to depend on their parents to drive them to a park & our children can walk to all the parks in the
No. End. How easy is that?