By Plamena Pesheva
Recycle Day Grows In Popularity
By Plamena PeshevaDOWNTOWN CROSSING – Businesses and non-profit organizations have to set up their own recycling system, because the city does not sponsor them.
In 2006, Suffolk University students expanded their recycling program. Emerson College started a program in 1996, and in September 2006, it opened a green building dormitory, Piano Row. About 65 percent of the city’s large residential buildings have a recycling program, said recycling staff technical assistant Beth Gardner; and student recycling on college campuses is increasing. College officials said raising awareness is still the biggest challenge with recycling.
Emerson College’s green building is a Leadership Energy Environmental Design certified building, which means it uses strategies for sustainable development, water savings, energy efficiency, and indoor environmental quality. A video on the college’s website said Piano Row is energy efficient because the paint used in the building doesn’t contain chemicals that pollute the air. Water efficiency comes from half-flush toilets and low-pressure showers. Water savings comes from reusing rain water.
Jonathan Satriale, the journalism -technology manager at Emerson, said while the school recycles paper, there is a need for more can and bottle recycling bins. Emerson also has a reverse vending machine that takes recyclables. Satriale said student awareness is the biggest challenge.
"You can tell by how much Coke bottles are thrown out," he said. "Would they recycle if they could or are they oblivious about it?"
Suffolk University’s recycling program was expanded in 2006 because of student initiative to become more active.
Erica Mattison, coordinator for campus sustainability, said they started to put recycling bins next to every trash can. The school’s three dormitories have recycling on every floor.
She said recycling has increased over the last two years. In 2006, Suffolk only recycled 5 percent of its waste. In 2007, it recycled 15 percent. This year, the university recycled 30 percent of their waste.
Mattison said people are not familiar with how to recycle.
"We’ll be reaching out to new students and commuter students," she said. Commuter students make up 75 percent of the school’s population.
Mattison said most people want to recycle; but they lack a convenient way to do so.
Beth Gardner, a recycling staff technical assistant who manages the city’s larger residential buildings, said each part of the city has one recycling day, which is the same day as trash pick up. Some areas might have more than one trash day, but recycling is still picked up once a week. All recycling materials go to the Material Recovery Facility, which is owned by FCR Recycling, in Charlestown.
A 2003 law requires all large buildings to have recycling programs. Gardner said a tenant’s request is needed before they can make recycling mandatory.
"I work with a lot of building managers," she said. "It’s hard to get the owner to cooperate."
Generally, most large buildings get notified to start recycling after a tenant’s request. If they don’t start recycling after 30 days, a fine of $100 is issued for a first-time violation. Afterward, the fine is $300 every week.
First Boston Strike Brings Benefits To Janitors
By Plamena Pesheva
DOWNTOWN CROSSING – When thousands of Boston-area janitors went on a three-week strike in September 2002, they demanded higher wages and better health care. Almost six years later, while cleaning the Park Street T station, Dominican Republic native Jose Lapaz remembered the strike but was reluctant to speak about his work conditions out of fear for losing job.
In 2002, Unicco, one of the cleaning companies said it would be impractical and unprofitable to give all janitors full-time jobs and health insurance. They did not return phone calls when contacted to comment on the effects of the strike.
John Guzman, Service Employees International Union’s lead organizer of the service center, said conditions for the workers have been improving. They have received full-time jobs and health insurance. The overriding issue in the dispute between the janitor’s union and 30 cleaning companies was health insurance, which was also tied to the demand for full-time jobs. As of Jan. 1, 2009, janitors at 12 bigger buildings will become full-time workers and receive family health insurance.
On Sept. 1, 2007, the union came up with a new contract for the janitors in which they received three sick days per year. He said he hopes by 2012, when the contract expires, the workers get six sick days.
Most of the janitors are immigrants from Latin America. With the 2007 contract, workers have been given a six-month period during which they can renew their work visas, temporary protective status or work authorization before they can return to work. During the period of acquiring legal status, the workers lose their sick days, Guzman said.
Guzman said the 2002 strike has been effective because it was the first strike in Boston and it got attention.
"Workers can have rights on their jobs and be treated with dignity and respect," he said.
He said the strike helped workers get paid $13.25 an hour where as before they earned about $10 an hour.
"I would like to see [janitors] get more sick days," Guzman said. "And if separated from employment, I would like to see them get paid."
Even though the strike helped janitors get more benefits, Guzman said some people were not happy with the changes. He said they wanted higher wages and more sick days.
"For us not to drive industry out of here, we take little pieces at a time," he said.
Guzman said he hopes the new contract will provide more benefits.
"Hopefully the next contract will be a new cake and we’ll go from there," Guzman said.
DOWNTOWN CROSSING – When thousands of Boston-area janitors went on a three-week strike in September 2002, they demanded higher wages and better health care. Almost six years later, while cleaning the Park Street T station, Dominican Republic native Jose Lapaz remembered the strike but was reluctant to speak about his work conditions out of fear for losing job.
In 2002, Unicco, one of the cleaning companies said it would be impractical and unprofitable to give all janitors full-time jobs and health insurance. They did not return phone calls when contacted to comment on the effects of the strike.
John Guzman, Service Employees International Union’s lead organizer of the service center, said conditions for the workers have been improving. They have received full-time jobs and health insurance. The overriding issue in the dispute between the janitor’s union and 30 cleaning companies was health insurance, which was also tied to the demand for full-time jobs. As of Jan. 1, 2009, janitors at 12 bigger buildings will become full-time workers and receive family health insurance.
On Sept. 1, 2007, the union came up with a new contract for the janitors in which they received three sick days per year. He said he hopes by 2012, when the contract expires, the workers get six sick days.
Most of the janitors are immigrants from Latin America. With the 2007 contract, workers have been given a six-month period during which they can renew their work visas, temporary protective status or work authorization before they can return to work. During the period of acquiring legal status, the workers lose their sick days, Guzman said.
Guzman said the 2002 strike has been effective because it was the first strike in Boston and it got attention.
"Workers can have rights on their jobs and be treated with dignity and respect," he said.
He said the strike helped workers get paid $13.25 an hour where as before they earned about $10 an hour.
"I would like to see [janitors] get more sick days," Guzman said. "And if separated from employment, I would like to see them get paid."
Even though the strike helped janitors get more benefits, Guzman said some people were not happy with the changes. He said they wanted higher wages and more sick days.
"For us not to drive industry out of here, we take little pieces at a time," he said.
Guzman said he hopes the new contract will provide more benefits.
"Hopefully the next contract will be a new cake and we’ll go from there," Guzman said.
After The Fall Of The "Green Monster," The Greenway Parks Open
By Plamena Pesheva
DOWNTOWN CROSSING – When the Big Dig tore down the elevated Interstate 93 in 2005, the city started to build the mile-long Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. This spring and summer will be the first test of foot traffic along the area. Businesses have an opportunity to connect the city by attracting new customers to an area long under construction.
The four parks, stretching from the North End to Chinatown, were completed in November 2007, but final touches are still being added.
The cost for the design and construction by the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority was $40 million.
"You couldn’t see across the street because of the giant green posts," said Scott Shoer, bar manager of Lobby restaurant on Broad Street. "[The Greenway] is gonna be great for business. It opens up the Financial District to the Waterfront."
He said it will open up tourism by connecting the two areas. Tourists who stay at the hotels, such as the Intercontinental Hotel, along the Waterfront have easy access to the city and more options of things to do.
"It completes the whole package," said Louise Lu, desk receptionist at Intercontinental Hotel. She said since the city finished the construction, she has seen a positive effect. Lu said in the summer she expects visitors to use the parks outside the hotel.
Nancy Brennan, executive director of The Greenway Conservancy, which is responsible for the parks’ maintenance, said the parks are the most important public parks in Boston to open in the last 30 years.
"[The Greenway] visually and physically connects the neighborhoods to the center of the city and the newly cleaned Boston Harbor to Boston’s center," she said. "Public transportation will make all this accessible to the metropolitan residents."
Brennan said local businesses are optimistic about the Greenway. She said when the weather turns warm, the parks and restaurants will be filled with people.
She said the parks are different from others because they are technologically sophisticated. There are five different fountains controlled by four different computer systems. She said the computers control the velocity. They can lower the height of the water when it is windy.
Niamah Murtagh, bartender at Biddy’s Earlys, said she has not seen any changes in business since the construction finished. She hopes more people get to know this part of the city.
Andrea Riahi, a law firm employee on Summer Street, said the parks are beautiful.
"They are nice to come out to and have greenery among the concrete," Riahi said.
DOWNTOWN CROSSING – When the Big Dig tore down the elevated Interstate 93 in 2005, the city started to build the mile-long Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. This spring and summer will be the first test of foot traffic along the area. Businesses have an opportunity to connect the city by attracting new customers to an area long under construction.The four parks, stretching from the North End to Chinatown, were completed in November 2007, but final touches are still being added.
The cost for the design and construction by the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority was $40 million.
"You couldn’t see across the street because of the giant green posts," said Scott Shoer, bar manager of Lobby restaurant on Broad Street. "[The Greenway] is gonna be great for business. It opens up the Financial District to the Waterfront."
He said it will open up tourism by connecting the two areas. Tourists who stay at the hotels, such as the Intercontinental Hotel, along the Waterfront have easy access to the city and more options of things to do.
"It completes the whole package," said Louise Lu, desk receptionist at Intercontinental Hotel. She said since the city finished the construction, she has seen a positive effect. Lu said in the summer she expects visitors to use the parks outside the hotel.
Nancy Brennan, executive director of The Greenway Conservancy, which is responsible for the parks’ maintenance, said the parks are the most important public parks in Boston to open in the last 30 years.
"[The Greenway] visually and physically connects the neighborhoods to the center of the city and the newly cleaned Boston Harbor to Boston’s center," she said. "Public transportation will make all this accessible to the metropolitan residents."
Brennan said local businesses are optimistic about the Greenway. She said when the weather turns warm, the parks and restaurants will be filled with people.
She said the parks are different from others because they are technologically sophisticated. There are five different fountains controlled by four different computer systems. She said the computers control the velocity. They can lower the height of the water when it is windy.
Niamah Murtagh, bartender at Biddy’s Earlys, said she has not seen any changes in business since the construction finished. She hopes more people get to know this part of the city.
Andrea Riahi, a law firm employee on Summer Street, said the parks are beautiful.
"They are nice to come out to and have greenery among the concrete," Riahi said.
Commuter School Builds More Dorms, But Housing Is Still Limited
By Plamena Pesheva
DOWNTOWN CROSSING – The thud of a hammer vibrates through the newly built dorm. At 10 West St., Suffolk University’s third dorm construction continues after students moved in this year for the second semester. Freshmen Victoria Ursch and Yvonne Beaudreau walked by the old elevator up the winding stairs to their second floor room.
"I like it a lot," Beaudreau said. "It is newer and the rooms are bigger."
The new residence was built because of the growing number of students at Suffolk. It accommodates 274 undergraduates in apartments and suites. It has a gym, a lounge area, a pool table, and flat screen TVs in the fitness room and lounge. The top eighth floor, which is still under construction, will be finished for the fall semester.
The commuter school’s first dorm at 150 Tremont St. opened in 1996, and the second one at 10 Somerset St. opened in 2003.
"We lack a lot of housing," Ursch said. She said on-campus housing is only for freshmen and sophomores. Juniors and seniors can be wait listed, but since it is not guaranteed, they have to live off-campus.
After being wait listed, junior Garrett Hauck now lives at 150 Tremont St. Hauck said living in an apartment off-campus can be expensive.
"I think it evens out in the long run," he said.
Students said Suffolk tuition will increase by 7 percent next year. They are unhappy about the high housing prices.
"The problem with Suffolk housing is that it is very, very expensive," sophomore Christina Loridas said. "The food in the in-building cafeterias is also not very good, and the choices are limited."
Ashley Gordon, coordinator for public affairs at Suffolk, said until recently the university hasn’t had enough housing for students. She said they have enough dorms for all the students but they are planning another dorm, the details of which she could not discuss.
The Boston Redevelopment Authority approved the dorm at 10 West St.
"The increased presence of students will add an additional vibrancy to the Downtown Crossing area and provide support for the retail business," the authority said in a statement.
"I like [the new dorm] because we are in the middle of the city," Ursch said.
One proposal by Mayor Thomas M. Menino was to build the dorm in Beacon Hill, but residents objected because of fear it would bring too many students into the residential neighborhood. Instead it was built in the Downtown Crossing area.
"Suffolk students will greatly add to the vitality of this area and ensure that it remains lively at all hours of the day," Menino said. On Jan. 9, 2008, he attended the opening of the dorm. Students were able to move in on Jan. 12, 2008.
"Suffolk got full community support," said Jessica Shumaker, spokeswoman for the BRA.
In a BRA press release, the mayor said he is happy to have the university join the Downtown Crossing community.
DOWNTOWN CROSSING – The thud of a hammer vibrates through the newly built dorm. At 10 West St., Suffolk University’s third dorm construction continues after students moved in this year for the second semester. Freshmen Victoria Ursch and Yvonne Beaudreau walked by the old elevator up the winding stairs to their second floor room."I like it a lot," Beaudreau said. "It is newer and the rooms are bigger."
The new residence was built because of the growing number of students at Suffolk. It accommodates 274 undergraduates in apartments and suites. It has a gym, a lounge area, a pool table, and flat screen TVs in the fitness room and lounge. The top eighth floor, which is still under construction, will be finished for the fall semester.
The commuter school’s first dorm at 150 Tremont St. opened in 1996, and the second one at 10 Somerset St. opened in 2003.
"We lack a lot of housing," Ursch said. She said on-campus housing is only for freshmen and sophomores. Juniors and seniors can be wait listed, but since it is not guaranteed, they have to live off-campus.
After being wait listed, junior Garrett Hauck now lives at 150 Tremont St. Hauck said living in an apartment off-campus can be expensive.
"I think it evens out in the long run," he said.
Students said Suffolk tuition will increase by 7 percent next year. They are unhappy about the high housing prices.
"The problem with Suffolk housing is that it is very, very expensive," sophomore Christina Loridas said. "The food in the in-building cafeterias is also not very good, and the choices are limited."
Ashley Gordon, coordinator for public affairs at Suffolk, said until recently the university hasn’t had enough housing for students. She said they have enough dorms for all the students but they are planning another dorm, the details of which she could not discuss.
The Boston Redevelopment Authority approved the dorm at 10 West St.
"The increased presence of students will add an additional vibrancy to the Downtown Crossing area and provide support for the retail business," the authority said in a statement.
"I like [the new dorm] because we are in the middle of the city," Ursch said.
One proposal by Mayor Thomas M. Menino was to build the dorm in Beacon Hill, but residents objected because of fear it would bring too many students into the residential neighborhood. Instead it was built in the Downtown Crossing area.
"Suffolk students will greatly add to the vitality of this area and ensure that it remains lively at all hours of the day," Menino said. On Jan. 9, 2008, he attended the opening of the dorm. Students were able to move in on Jan. 12, 2008.
"Suffolk got full community support," said Jessica Shumaker, spokeswoman for the BRA.
In a BRA press release, the mayor said he is happy to have the university join the Downtown Crossing community.
Homeless People Are Getting Kicked Out On The Streets
By Plamena Pesheva
DOWNTOWN CROSSING – Jason, 33, sat on the floor by the entrance of the emergency shelter at the Boston Rescue Mission. He was holding a bandage on the right side of his head. He had just gotten stitches but was still bleeding. The night before, at another homeless shelter, he defended a woman from being struck in the head with a brick.
After coming back from duty in Iraq in November 2005, Jason said he started abusing drugs and has been homeless for two years.
"I got back from Iraq and after seeing too many people dying and getting killed I started abusing drugs," Jason said.
The number of homeless people in the city has increased by almost 4 percent since last year. And this year the state Department of Transitional Assistance cut the money for emergency shelters to provide the homeless housing.
Mike Way, director of the Boston Rescue Mission on Kingston Street, said emergency shelters are not part of the city’s budget. What they receive depends on how much money the city has from other programs that could be used for overflow beds. Way said out of the 78 overflow emergency beds at the Rescue Mission, 50 beds will be cut in April.
"It sucks for these guys," Jason said, referring to the people in the emergency homeless shelter.
He is waiting to receive his disabilities benefits from the government. He suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and knee injuries.
Way said the Department of Transitional Assistance is making an effort to provide permanent housing, but he is unsure if cutting the budget for emergency shelters is the most effective way.
"Hopefully there will be other programs that will make emergency shelters unnecessary," Way said.
John Samman, president of the Boston Rescue Mission, said there is not enough money for housing and other programs.
Five years ago, the Department of Transitional Assistance operated the emergency shelters all year long. The Rescue Mission’s emergency shelter received $20,000 a month for two to three months over the winter. This year the program will last from Dec. 2007 until April 2008 because the city did not want to see people on the streets. The emergency shelter program will be permanently cut on April 15.
According to the homeless census in December, there are 6,901 homeless people in Boston. Compared to the census from 2006 the number of homeless families has increased by 17 percent and children by 21 percent. The number of homeless adults has decreased by almost 5 percent and the street count by 40 percent.
In a statement, Mayor Thomas M. Menino said a decrease in the number of homeless people living in the streets and fewer adults in emergency shelters is because more individuals are in permanent housing.
"This is terrific news," he said. "Housing is the solution to homelessness."
Samaan said the problem with the one day homeless count is that it is inaccurate. According to the 2008 census, the number of homeless individuals has decreased, but Samaan said it might be because the shelter received money two days before the count and people did not have enough time to hear about it and use the facilities. The beds weren’t filled, so the city thought the numbers had decreased.
Samaan said the waiting list for housing is long, which makes it hard to meet all of the demands of the homeless population. He said there is not enough permanent housing for homeless people who have finished self-sufficiency programs.
"There is no one bullet that can end homelessness," Samaan said. "You have to keep on investing in successful programs."
DOWNTOWN CROSSING – Jason, 33, sat on the floor by the entrance of the emergency shelter at the Boston Rescue Mission. He was holding a bandage on the right side of his head. He had just gotten stitches but was still bleeding. The night before, at another homeless shelter, he defended a woman from being struck in the head with a brick.After coming back from duty in Iraq in November 2005, Jason said he started abusing drugs and has been homeless for two years.
"I got back from Iraq and after seeing too many people dying and getting killed I started abusing drugs," Jason said.
The number of homeless people in the city has increased by almost 4 percent since last year. And this year the state Department of Transitional Assistance cut the money for emergency shelters to provide the homeless housing.
Mike Way, director of the Boston Rescue Mission on Kingston Street, said emergency shelters are not part of the city’s budget. What they receive depends on how much money the city has from other programs that could be used for overflow beds. Way said out of the 78 overflow emergency beds at the Rescue Mission, 50 beds will be cut in April.
"It sucks for these guys," Jason said, referring to the people in the emergency homeless shelter.
He is waiting to receive his disabilities benefits from the government. He suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and knee injuries.
Way said the Department of Transitional Assistance is making an effort to provide permanent housing, but he is unsure if cutting the budget for emergency shelters is the most effective way.
"Hopefully there will be other programs that will make emergency shelters unnecessary," Way said.
John Samman, president of the Boston Rescue Mission, said there is not enough money for housing and other programs.
Five years ago, the Department of Transitional Assistance operated the emergency shelters all year long. The Rescue Mission’s emergency shelter received $20,000 a month for two to three months over the winter. This year the program will last from Dec. 2007 until April 2008 because the city did not want to see people on the streets. The emergency shelter program will be permanently cut on April 15.
According to the homeless census in December, there are 6,901 homeless people in Boston. Compared to the census from 2006 the number of homeless families has increased by 17 percent and children by 21 percent. The number of homeless adults has decreased by almost 5 percent and the street count by 40 percent.
In a statement, Mayor Thomas M. Menino said a decrease in the number of homeless people living in the streets and fewer adults in emergency shelters is because more individuals are in permanent housing.
"This is terrific news," he said. "Housing is the solution to homelessness."
Samaan said the problem with the one day homeless count is that it is inaccurate. According to the 2008 census, the number of homeless individuals has decreased, but Samaan said it might be because the shelter received money two days before the count and people did not have enough time to hear about it and use the facilities. The beds weren’t filled, so the city thought the numbers had decreased.
Samaan said the waiting list for housing is long, which makes it hard to meet all of the demands of the homeless population. He said there is not enough permanent housing for homeless people who have finished self-sufficiency programs.
"There is no one bullet that can end homelessness," Samaan said. "You have to keep on investing in successful programs."
Cars Tresspass On Pedestrian Streets
By Plamena Pesheva
DOWNTOWN CROSSING – A silver BMW with Massachusetts plates drives down Winter Street and makes a left onto Washington Street Maneuvering between the pedestrians, the young driver slows down. It is illegal to drive on Washington Street, Winter Street or Summer Street because they are pedestrian only streets but the policeman in the booth a block away didn’t enforce the rule.
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Shumaker said the majority of businesses are supporting the plan, but businesses question how deliveries will be handled.
DOWNTOWN CROSSING – A silver BMW with Massachusetts plates drives down Winter Street and makes a left onto Washington Street Maneuvering between the pedestrians, the young driver slows down. It is illegal to drive on Washington Street, Winter Street or Summer Street because they are pedestrian only streets but the policeman in the booth a block away didn’t enforce the rule."I’m just going to park out here," the BMW driver Mike said. He quickly drove away after a reporter told him what he was doing was illegal.
"He got lucky," Downtown Crossing store employee said.
The fine is $100 ticket for those driving through illegally.
Randi Lathrop, Boston Redevelopment Authority project manager, said the police is in charge of enforcing the rules that no cars without a permit enter those streets.
The Authority is negotiating a plan to make the area around One Franklin a pedestrian zone by leveling the streets and getting rid of the sidewalk and expanding the current pedestrian zone.
Jessica Shumaker, a spokeswoman for the BRA, said because sidewalks still exist, pedestrians are hesitant to walk on the streets, which then encourages cars to drive on the streets.
"The project is more than just a pedestrian destination for shoppers," Shumaker said referring to the One Franklin redevelopment project. "We are looking to attract new retailers."
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Shumaker said the majority of businesses are supporting the plan, but businesses question how deliveries will be handled.Lathrop said businesses will have to change how they operate. Deliveries will have to happen during certain times, before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
The Authority plans to install electronic bollards, series of posts preventing vehicles from entering an area, that will allow only for deliveries during certain times and emergency vehicles.
While the BRA finishes the design, a date of completion has not been set. Shumaker said goal is to start the project before the new One Franklin redevelopment project is completed in 2012.
Because there are three stops around the Downtown Crossing, Shumaker said the project won’t create a problem of too many people using public transportation.
"I don’t see it impacting the T negatively," she said.
Mr. Begirone, cashier for the Garage at Rowes Wharf, said the plan to make the area pedestrian only is a good idea. He said many people walk in Downtown Crossing and often do not see the cars.
"It is my view it doesn’t affect the garage; it affects the people who work in Downtown Crossing," Begirone said.
Pi Alley Parking Garage, at 275 Washington St, refused to comment on how it could affect their business.
"I don’t think we’ll be affected at all," said Seanna Weiss, Macy’s aesthetician. She said she sees a lot of cars driving through illegally.
A New Kind Of Crime In Your Backyard
By Plamena Pesheva
As Crime Rates Go Down and People Feel Safe In The Neighborhood, GPS Devices Get Stolen
DOWNTOWN CROSSING -- Crime has dropped by 24 percent last year from 2006.
"We’d like to think we’ve helped," said a police spokesman Officer James Kenneally.
Kenneally said the crime rates have gone down mainly because the police have increased foot patrols in the area.
"It is the neighborhood with the lowest crime rates," said Rosemarie Sansone, president of theDowntown Crossing Association.
Officer Thomas Lema said in an e-mail that police have been targeting drug dealers, many of whom have been identified as homeless, around Boston Common.
"As a result of the drug arrests and displacement of others associated with this type of crime," Lema said, "we have seen a reduction in the numbers of assaults and robberies that are crimes associated with drugs."
Denise Henrahan, a substance abuse councilor at the Kingston House which is a homeless shelter, said many of the homeless at the shelter abuse drugs and have committed crimes.
"They tell me what I want to hear," Henrahan said. "They try to do good."
Police reported a 36 percent increase of thefts in Downtown Crossing from motor vehicles in 2006. According to a police report for District 1(Downtown), 171 GPS devices were stolen from motor vehicles in 2007.
Officer Kenneally said GPS systems are stolen because they are easy to get and are wanted because of their high value. He said the police are trying to raise awareness and educate people not to leave them in their cars.
"That’s an invitation for trouble," Kenneally said.
Kate Crawford, who has worked at the Downtown Crossing Association for two years, said she has not seen GPS devices being stolen.
"It’s a matter of people not taking proper precautions," Crawford said.
In the first two months of the year crimes such as robbery, larceny and car theft have dropped by 87 from the same time last year. Crimes such as rape, aggravated assault and burglary have increased by 37 crimes. Even though crimes have increased, the police report shows that the crime in A-1 Downtown Area has decreased by 49 crimes.
As Crime Rates Go Down and People Feel Safe In The Neighborhood, GPS Devices Get Stolen
DOWNTOWN CROSSING -- Crime has dropped by 24 percent last year from 2006.
"We’d like to think we’ve helped," said a police spokesman Officer James Kenneally.
Kenneally said the crime rates have gone down mainly because the police have increased foot patrols in the area.
"It is the neighborhood with the lowest crime rates," said Rosemarie Sansone, president of theDowntown Crossing Association.
Officer Thomas Lema said in an e-mail that police have been targeting drug dealers, many of whom have been identified as homeless, around Boston Common.
"As a result of the drug arrests and displacement of others associated with this type of crime," Lema said, "we have seen a reduction in the numbers of assaults and robberies that are crimes associated with drugs."
Denise Henrahan, a substance abuse councilor at the Kingston House which is a homeless shelter, said many of the homeless at the shelter abuse drugs and have committed crimes.
"They tell me what I want to hear," Henrahan said. "They try to do good."
Police reported a 36 percent increase of thefts in Downtown Crossing from motor vehicles in 2006. According to a police report for District 1(Downtown), 171 GPS devices were stolen from motor vehicles in 2007.
Officer Kenneally said GPS systems are stolen because they are easy to get and are wanted because of their high value. He said the police are trying to raise awareness and educate people not to leave them in their cars.
"That’s an invitation for trouble," Kenneally said.
Kate Crawford, who has worked at the Downtown Crossing Association for two years, said she has not seen GPS devices being stolen.
"It’s a matter of people not taking proper precautions," Crawford said.
In the first two months of the year crimes such as robbery, larceny and car theft have dropped by 87 from the same time last year. Crimes such as rape, aggravated assault and burglary have increased by 37 crimes. Even though crimes have increased, the police report shows that the crime in A-1 Downtown Area has decreased by 49 crimes.
Street Vendors Concerned About Their Future
By Plamena Pesheva
DOWNTOWN CROSSING – A black minivan has replaced Gabriel Ruiz’s pushcart on Winter Street. He is one of the vendors who has had to give up carts in front of the building since Filene’s Basement closed temporarily in Sept. 2007 and the One Franklin redevelopment project started in Downtown Crossing.
The 39-story mixed-use project will bring a hotel, office, retail and residential space, as well as a new location for Filene’s Basement in the lower four levels. The anticipated completion date is Jan. 2011.
Rosemarie Sansone, president of the Downtown Crossing Association, said some establishments do not want the vendors outside their buildings.
"The developer [of the new project] has said that they don’t want any pushcarts directly in front of the building," Sansone said.
Vendors have raised questions about what will happen to them after the project is complete. James Adler, president of Boston Skyline, has been a vendor for 24 years. He said the new project is great for the city and businesses, but he is unsure of how it will affect him.
He said the Downtown Crossing Association, which was created by The Boston Redevelopment Authority, used to provide them with storage facilities, uniforms, uniform pushcarts and cart repairs.
Adler said the vendors have been on their own since 2000.
"They are not doing much rather than collecting revenue and getting approval to be in front of the buildings," Adler said.
He said vendors need to meet with the BRA and the city to discuss the issues. Mayor Thomas M. Menino has publicly said he favors keeping the pushcarts in Downtown Crossing.
"The problem is Downtown Crossing Association, whom we’ve paid millions to, isn’t helping us," Adler said. "Even though the mayor is a strong supporter, it seems they are not interested in our best interest going forward."
Sansone said the vendors are challenged to keep their businesses alive, but are encouraged by the changes. After the completion of the project, more people will be attracted to the area, which would increase their ability to do business.
"My goal is to work very closely with vendors to succeed," Sansone said. "It is my job to make sure the program runs smoothly, and that we offer them all of the professional tools we have."
The sidewalk around the new building will be leveled, which will make it only a pedestrian street. Sansone said the pushcart vendors will be in the middle of the street or in another location on Franklin, but they will not be in front of the building.
She said the association is providing opportunities for vendors. They are concerned about stabilizing the vendors, providing product diversification, and looking at their appearance to attract customers.
"I believe we can find a happy solution," Sansone said.
She said the city is very supportive of the program as well as the colleges in the neighborhood such as Emerson College and Suffolk University.
Gabriel Ruiz, who owns Boston Red Dogs, has been a vendor for 17 years.
"Downtown Crossing for me is the best place to work," Ruiz said. "And Downtown Crossing is the only place to give you a chance to work all year round."
Ruiz expects the redevelopment project to bring a lot of positive changes to Downtown Crossing, but he is unsure if those changes will be better for the street vendors.
"We are an easy target," Ruiz said.
DOWNTOWN CROSSING – A black minivan has replaced Gabriel Ruiz’s pushcart on Winter Street. He is one of the vendors who has had to give up carts in front of the building since Filene’s Basement closed temporarily in Sept. 2007 and the One Franklin redevelopment project started in Downtown Crossing.The 39-story mixed-use project will bring a hotel, office, retail and residential space, as well as a new location for Filene’s Basement in the lower four levels. The anticipated completion date is Jan. 2011.
Rosemarie Sansone, president of the Downtown Crossing Association, said some establishments do not want the vendors outside their buildings.
"The developer [of the new project] has said that they don’t want any pushcarts directly in front of the building," Sansone said.
Vendors have raised questions about what will happen to them after the project is complete. James Adler, president of Boston Skyline, has been a vendor for 24 years. He said the new project is great for the city and businesses, but he is unsure of how it will affect him.
He said the Downtown Crossing Association, which was created by The Boston Redevelopment Authority, used to provide them with storage facilities, uniforms, uniform pushcarts and cart repairs.
Adler said the vendors have been on their own since 2000.
"They are not doing much rather than collecting revenue and getting approval to be in front of the buildings," Adler said.
He said vendors need to meet with the BRA and the city to discuss the issues. Mayor Thomas M. Menino has publicly said he favors keeping the pushcarts in Downtown Crossing.
"The problem is Downtown Crossing Association, whom we’ve paid millions to, isn’t helping us," Adler said. "Even though the mayor is a strong supporter, it seems they are not interested in our best interest going forward."
Sansone said the vendors are challenged to keep their businesses alive, but are encouraged by the changes. After the completion of the project, more people will be attracted to the area, which would increase their ability to do business.
"My goal is to work very closely with vendors to succeed," Sansone said. "It is my job to make sure the program runs smoothly, and that we offer them all of the professional tools we have."
The sidewalk around the new building will be leveled, which will make it only a pedestrian street. Sansone said the pushcart vendors will be in the middle of the street or in another location on Franklin, but they will not be in front of the building.
She said the association is providing opportunities for vendors. They are concerned about stabilizing the vendors, providing product diversification, and looking at their appearance to attract customers.
"I believe we can find a happy solution," Sansone said.
She said the city is very supportive of the program as well as the colleges in the neighborhood such as Emerson College and Suffolk University.
Gabriel Ruiz, who owns Boston Red Dogs, has been a vendor for 17 years.
"Downtown Crossing for me is the best place to work," Ruiz said. "And Downtown Crossing is the only place to give you a chance to work all year round."
Ruiz expects the redevelopment project to bring a lot of positive changes to Downtown Crossing, but he is unsure if those changes will be better for the street vendors.
"We are an easy target," Ruiz said.
Dance The Time Of Your Life
By Plamena Pesheva
DOWNTOWN CROSSING – Valerie Wilder, executive director of Boston Ballet, has performed around the world. Unlike companies in Europe, where the government fully sponsors the arts, the United States government does not. Wilder does whatever she can to find money for Boston Ballet.
"You are always around very creative people," Wilder said. "You are in contact with people and it’s exciting."
Wilder, appointed executive director in 2002, leads the fourth largest ballet company in North America raising money and building its endowment. Under Wilder’s direction, the contributed income has increased.
"She is the supporting system we need," said Brynn Hale, outreach manager for CityDance.
Recently, the company came back from a six-week tour in Spain.
"We were a hit," Wilder said. "They embraced the company, which was exciting."
Previously Wilder served as the executive director of the National Ballet of Canada from 1996-2002.
Wilder’s interest in the performing arts started while living in Japan when her parents took her to her first ballet show at age 4. After the show she said she told her parents:
"This is what I’m going to do for the rest of my life."
She started going to ballet classes at age 7.
At age 2, Wilder moved to Japan with her parents. She realized she would have to leave Japan and get better training. At 15, she traveled by herself from Japan to the Royal Ballet School in London.
In 1970, Wilder joined the National Ballet of Canada in Toronto as a dancer, where she danced for more than 10 years and traveled around the world.
While still a dancer in Canada, Wilder was chosen by other dancers to be on the National Ballet Board of Directors. Wilder said she stopped dancing after starting her own business of advising dancers. She said it wasn’t hard for her to leave dancing, because she did the same work and worked with the same people.
"I didn’t miss [dancing] because I stayed involved," she said.
She was a financial advisor to dancers, among whom was Erik Bruchn, a male dancer. Wilder called him "one of the best."
One of the major challenges is finding money for the Boston Ballet. Unlike companies in Europe and Canada, where the government funds the arts, in the United States the money comes solely from tickets and donations.
This year Boston Ballet is performing "The Nutcracker,""Romeo and Juliet," "Swan Lake" and two contemporary programs.
DOWNTOWN CROSSING – Valerie Wilder, executive director of Boston Ballet, has performed around the world. Unlike companies in Europe, where the government fully sponsors the arts, the United States government does not. Wilder does whatever she can to find money for Boston Ballet.
"You are always around very creative people," Wilder said. "You are in contact with people and it’s exciting."
Wilder, appointed executive director in 2002, leads the fourth largest ballet company in North America raising money and building its endowment. Under Wilder’s direction, the contributed income has increased.
"She is the supporting system we need," said Brynn Hale, outreach manager for CityDance.
Recently, the company came back from a six-week tour in Spain.
"We were a hit," Wilder said. "They embraced the company, which was exciting."
Previously Wilder served as the executive director of the National Ballet of Canada from 1996-2002.
Wilder’s interest in the performing arts started while living in Japan when her parents took her to her first ballet show at age 4. After the show she said she told her parents:
"This is what I’m going to do for the rest of my life."
She started going to ballet classes at age 7.
At age 2, Wilder moved to Japan with her parents. She realized she would have to leave Japan and get better training. At 15, she traveled by herself from Japan to the Royal Ballet School in London.
In 1970, Wilder joined the National Ballet of Canada in Toronto as a dancer, where she danced for more than 10 years and traveled around the world.
While still a dancer in Canada, Wilder was chosen by other dancers to be on the National Ballet Board of Directors. Wilder said she stopped dancing after starting her own business of advising dancers. She said it wasn’t hard for her to leave dancing, because she did the same work and worked with the same people.
"I didn’t miss [dancing] because I stayed involved," she said.
She was a financial advisor to dancers, among whom was Erik Bruchn, a male dancer. Wilder called him "one of the best."
One of the major challenges is finding money for the Boston Ballet. Unlike companies in Europe and Canada, where the government funds the arts, in the United States the money comes solely from tickets and donations.
This year Boston Ballet is performing "The Nutcracker,""Romeo and Juliet," "Swan Lake" and two contemporary programs.
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