Advocates: Ramps poorly installed
By DAVID TABER July 24, 2008
Photo by Bill Allan The curb ramp recently reconstructed at the corner of Centre and Green streets, shown here just after it was made, is out of compliance with Massachusetts Architectural Access Board standards unless the City is prepared to raise the height of the street by 5 inches, according to the Disability Consortium, Inc. The groups says another 13 reconstructed ramps are also out of compliance for various reasons.
City: Contractor will have to make ramps meet accessibility standards
CENTRE/SOUTH ST.— Almost one-third of the new curb ramps installed this summer on Jamaica Plain’s main thoroughfare are not compliant with state standards, according to a recent survey by the Disability Policy Consortium (DPC).
If the city confirms that the 14 ramps are non-compliant they will have to be rebuilt at the contractor’s expense, Tim McCarthy of the City Public Works Department told the Gazette.
The standards, enforced by the state Architectural Access Board (AAB) are more stringent than those required under the federal Americans With Disabilities Act.
Senate candidates disagree on housing
By DAVID TABER July 25, 2008
FOREST HILLS—Sonia Chang-Díaz, state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson’s Democratic primary challenger for the Second Suffolk seat, came out this week in opposition to Wilkerson’s stated position on affordable housing in new development planned for Forest Hills.
Gateway plans get finalized
By JOHN RUCH July 25, 2008
Illustration courtesy Pressley Associates/Department of Conservation and Recreation This drawing shows the new fence, shrubbery and trees proposed for the median strip on the Arborway between Murray Circle and the Casey Overpass in the Gateway to the Arborway plan. They would replace the current chain link fence.
The state is wrapping up its plan to make part of the Arborway better for pedestrians and bicyclists—and more attractive for everyone—following a final design presentation last week.
The “Gateway to the Arborway” plan began this spring as a fast-moving, results-oriented process focused on relatively small-scale improvements to the Arborway between the Casey Overpass and Murray Circle. It is called the “Gateway” plan because the overpass can be considered an entrance to the greenest part of the historic parkway.
A law firm for the people
By JOHN RUCH July 25, 2008
Harvard clinic offers low-cost legal help
CENTRAL JP—Fighting an eviction. Starting a business. Selling music on the Internet.
A lawyer would be a big help with any of those efforts. But for many low- and moderate-income people, hiring an attorney is far too expensive. Getting legal representation from Harvard Law School experts or a major downtown law firm might be downright unimaginable.
First Baptist Church rebuilding hits snags
By DAVID TABER July 25, 2008
Settlement with furnace company will support the project
JP CENTER—The reconstruction of the First Baptist Church of Jamaica Plain officially began in May, but work on the first phase of the plan has gotten off to a slower start than the congregation had hoped for.
Children’s home plan moves ahead
By JOHN RUCH July 25, 2008
S. HUNTINGTON AVE.—The Home for Little Wanderers has officially notified the city about its plan to rebuild its entire Jamaica Plain campus.
‘Ain’t no stopping them’
By JOHN SWAN July 25, 2008
Sorella’s celebrates 25th anniversary
HYDE SQ.—When sisters Ellie and Antoinette “Tony” Elias first opened Sorella’s Restaurant on Centre Street at the Hyde Square rotary, friends asked them if they were crazy to go into such a tough area. Now, 25 years later, they just smile at the thought of those considerations as their popular eatery flourishes, helping make Hyde Square a destination point for residents all over the city.
Phased out: Herb’s TV to close
By DAVID TABER July 25, 2008
SOUTH ST.—After 40 years at its 68 South St. location, Herb’s TV Service will close its doors forever Aug. 1.
Potentially toxic bacteria discovered in the Muddy
By DAVID TABER July 25, 2008
They went to try to get a read on how effective efforts to clean up last month’s mineral oil spill on the Muddy River had been, but Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) staffers got more than
Hair salon looks to open at former bakery spot
By SANDRA STOREY July 25, 2008
JP CENTER—A new hair salon, not a restaurant, is planning to occupy the former Sweet Finnish spot at 761 Centre St.