June 2009 - Neighbors - lists.buenavistasocialclub.org

Re: [Neighbors] Any one want to go with me tonight? NeighborhoodNine meeting date changed
by rryals＠comcast.net 30 Jun '09

30 Jun '09

Thanks Hayley, and this is not so much for you, but when no one comes out from Upland and BV, we don't get the attention and improvements we deserve. Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T -----Original Message----- From: hla(a)comcast.net Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:29:00 To: Ruth Ryals<rryals(a)comcast.net> Subject: Re: [Neighbors] Any one want to go with me tonight? Neighborhood Nine meeting date changed Hi Ruth Sorry Grace did not nap today and I have to get her to bed before another day of gymnastics camp ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ruth Ryals" <rryals(a)comcast.net> To: neighbors(a)buenavistasocialclub.org Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 4:36:25 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [Neighbors] Any one want to go with me tonight? Neighborhood Nine meeting date changed Dear Neighborhood Nine Residents, Thank for your interest in the upcoming Neighborhood Nine Study Update, due to a number of meeting conflicts the meeting has been rescheduled, please see below notice: NEW MEETING DATE TUESDAY June 30, 2009 Please join us at the second community meeting for the Neighborhood Nine Study Update Thursday, June 25, 2009 6:30 pm – 8:45pm Graham and Parks School – 44 Linnaean Street What will be discussed? ð Next steps in the neighborhood study update process ð Review of discussion and recommendations from the second meeting The purpose of the discussions will be to explore the recommendations in greater depth, to refine the recommendations for the study update, and to prioritize short-range and long-range planning goals. These topics were among the major issues raised at the second meeting: 1. Economic Development: • Massachusetts Avenue Retail Corridor? 1. Traffic and parking: • What are problem areas? • What are some of the ways these problems can be addressed in the short range or long range? Please contact me at 617-349-4648 or ethorne(a)cambridgema.gov if you have any questions. We appreciate any help you can provide in spreading the word to other neighbors. I hope to see you there! – Elaine Thorne, Neighborhood Planner. Microsoft brings you a new way to search the web. Try Bing™ now --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Richdale Ave Community" group. To post to this group, send email to richdale-ave-community(a)googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to richdale-ave-community+unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/richdale-ave-community?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- _______________________________________________ Neighbors mailing list Neighbors(a)buenavistasocialclub.org http://mailman.actwin.com/mailman/listinfo/neighbors

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Any one want to go with me tonight? Neighborhood Nine meeting date changed
by Ruth Ryals 30 Jun '09

30 Jun '09

_____ Dear Neighborhood Nine Residents, Thank for your interest in the upcoming Neighborhood Nine Study Update, due to a number of meeting conflicts the meeting has been rescheduled, please see below notice: NEW MEETING DATE TUESDAY June 30, 2009 Please join us at the second community meeting for the Neighborhood Nine Study Update Thursday, June 25, 2009 6:30 pm 8:45pm Graham and Parks School 44 Linnaean Street What will be discussed? ð Next steps in the neighborhood study update process ð Review of discussion and recommendations from the second meeting The purpose of the discussions will be to explore the recommendations in greater depth, to refine the recommendations for the study update, and to prioritize short-range and long-range planning goals. These topics were among the major issues raised at the second meeting: 1. Economic Development: * Massachusetts Avenue Retail Corridor? 2. Traffic and parking: * What are problem areas? * What are some of the ways these problems can be addressed in the short range or long range? Please contact me at 617-349-4648 or ethorne(a)cambridgema.gov if you have any questions. We appreciate any help you can provide in spreading the word to other neighbors. I hope to see you there! Elaine Thorne, Neighborhood Planner. _____ Microsoft brings you a new way to search the web. Try Bing <http://www.bing.com?form=MFEHPG&publ=WLHMTAG&crea=TEXT_MFEHPG_Core_tagline_ try%20bing_1x1> now --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Richdale Ave Community" group. To post to this group, send email to richdale-ave-community(a)googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to richdale-ave-community+unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/richdale-ave-community?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

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FW: [PSNA] Lesley Porter Overlay District adopted
by Ruth Ryals 24 Jun '09

24 Jun '09

Finally. Now the real work begins! Craig Kelly was the sole dissenting vote. Ruth -----Original Message----- From: psna-bounces(a)lists.portersquare.net [mailto:psna-bounces@lists.portersquare.net] On Behalf Of John Howard Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 8:20 AM To: psna(a)portersquare.net Subject: [PSNA] Lesley Porter Overlay District adopted On June 22 the Cambridge City Council voted 8-1 to create a Lesley Porter Overlay District. This new overlay district rezones Lesley University's Porter Square campus, including the former North Prospect Congregational Church site, to allow Lesley to bring the Arts Institute of Boston to Porter Square. It limits what Lesley could eventually build on the parking lots behind and across Massachusetts Avenue from University Hall, although Lesley has not proposed any specific plans for those sites. It also has provisions to require open space and to encourage ground floor retail. The City Council also granted landmark status to the church, meaning that any alteration to the church's exterior, or relocation of the church on its lot, will require approval by the Historical Commission. Lesley University has submitted a related memorandum of understanding which commits them to working with neighbors on construction mitigation, providing courtesy parking during snow emergencies, ensuring adequate parking during events, contributing to beautification along Massachusetts Avenue between Harvard and Porter Squares, giving the public access to Lesley facilities such as an art library, and long-term engagement with the neighborhood. This is the outcome of nearly three years' negotiation by Lesley University, City of Cambridge planning staff, neighborhood associations including PSNA and Agassiz Baldwin, abutters, and other concerned citizens, to develop an acceptable rezoning plan. Discussion by the City Council included the usual questions about traffic and parking, impact on immediate abutters, construction mitigation, worry that economic problems could cause the project to be suspended halfway through, retail issues, and open space. Many these concerns were addressed by amendments worked out in an intensive dialog between Lesley, the City's planning staff, and neighbors and abutters over the last several weeks. Most of the councillors praised the civil tone of the dialog, the dedication of both supporters and opponents, and the hard work of all participants, and called for continuing engagement of all parties. The next major step in the process will be for Lesley to develop a specific design for the Arts Institute of Boston project, for submission to a special project review before the Planning Board as well as Historical Commission review. That will take a while. There is lots more coming, but at the moment we can hope for a respite. John Howard _______________________________________________ PSNA mailing list PSNA(a)lists.portersquare.net http://lists.portersquare.net/listinfo.cgi/psna-portersquare.net **************************************************************************** ****************** Cambridge City Council gives green light to Lesley expansion ________________________________________ By Jillian Fennimore Wicked Local Cambridge Posted Jun 23, 2009 @ 04:42 PM Last update Jun 23, 2009 @ 04:44 PM ________________________________________ Cambridge - After hearing close to three hours of passionate public comment, city councilors overwhelmingly endorsed Lesley University's proposal to puff out its Porter Square campus. People packed inside City Hall's Sullivan Chambers Monday night spilled into the hallway as residents fervently spoke both in favor and against the school's plans to create a "Lesley/Porter Overlay District" that will rezone the university's properties for future projects, turn a former church into a library, and relocate a major art school to Mass. Ave. "I've never walked away from a zoning process where everyone has been satisfied," said City Councilor Marjorie Decker. "There have been compromises that have been made." Councilors passed the petition - 8-1 - with a list of amendments and commitments for future projects, including lowered building heights, increased open space requirements, potential for ground floor retail, a ban on building dormitories, and an additional $500,000 from Lesley for neighborhood improvements in exchange for special permits. City Councilor Craig Kelley cast the lone dissenting vote, arguing that he was uncomfortable supporting a proposal with uncertain parking plans, unclear control over future special permit applications, and fear for unfinished construction projects. Monday's vote concludes a nearly three-year discussion between developers, abutters and members of a city-appointed Lesley Neighborhood Working Group, on what the new zoning changes should consist of and allow. The majority of residents say they look forward to the relocation the Art Institute of Boston, which Lesley purchased in 1999, from its former location in Kenmore Square. The new 100,000-square-foot AIB complex, with two underground floors for classrooms and studios, is slated to be built on the lot where the North Prospect Church currently stands. But interested abutters and councilors say the conversation will not end here, adding that future meetings on building design, construction mitigation, traffic and parking studies are still on the table. Lesley's other plans for their new overlay district include constructing future properties with certain on the site of University Hall - formerly known as the Sears Roebuck building - and its rear parking lot, along with the two adjacent parking lots. Despite some opposition, the North Prospect Church - dating back to 1845 and originally located in Harvard Square - has been proposed to be slightly altered and moved closer to the sidewalk on Mass. Ave. turned into a library with an art gallery for the university. City councilors unanimously voted on Monday to uphold a Planning Board recommendation to make the church a historical landmark. Any future alterations to the church would require approval from the Historical Commission. Next steps for Lesley include moving forward with designing the Art Institute of Boston project that will be reviewed both by the Planning Board and Historical Commission sometime this year, according to Lesley spokesman Bill Doncaster. "I hope they change their name when they come to this side of the river," joked City Councilor Tim Toomey about the art school

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The meeting re Upland/Newell last night
by Ruth Ryals 24 Jun '09

24 Jun '09

Neighbors, The meeting last night was small and frustrating for me. What the city proposes to do is continue the paving and sidewalk replacement from Raymond to Huron. For some reason, Newell, which is practically an extension of Upland at the bend is not currently in the plan/budget to repave. However, the Newell and side streets there from were represented. No one from the Huron junction or nearby (Huron is not part of this project either). The city proposes to put curb extensions on both sides of Upland before the bend at Newell and put in a crosswalk and handicapped curb cuts, with the bumps signally the street is imminent (for visually impaired). Much of this is required by law now. Same thing on Upland just before it T's into Huron. The frustrating part was the endless discussion about the virtues or evils of the curb extensions. It really shouldn't be an issue at either spot, as the roads are one way, and way, way too wide now. So they would square the corner on the Mass Ave/Huron side of Upland (it is curved off now to make the useless wide bend). And, of course, those of us, like myself, who turn right on Newell need room to turn, which should still be ok with a width of 20 feet (after the curb extensions). However, the lady on the corner nearest Huron wants none of the curb extension (not because she is against them)-she wants nothing to change. Even if they only square the corner off, she did not want it planted (she might have to tend it) or made larger (she might have to shovel 4 more feet). Never mind that it is a rare opportunity to beautify as well as rationalize that end of Upland, and that could be a large attractively done area for the neighborhood. It was no to everything. Except that the new corner space is not just hers. It belongs to the neighborhood, and could make it much more pleasant, or starkly ugly, with all concrete. I know for some it is an issue, that while the city will plant it, they ask the neighbors to tend it. It is usually done in pretty self-sufficient plantings. I am trying to be creative, thinking a bench, and small bushes, etc. but she wants none of it. I have tried today to reach Juan Avendano to talk more about getting more neighborhood input (the crowd was thin, most had left before they counted noses, and her voice was the loudest). I know that with the community garden at Raymond Park, and talking to the rest of the neighbors, someone will be happy to "host" that corner, as I do on my section of Upland. I am frustrated that in their haste to get the design buttoned up and the street done, the city will blow this opportunity to do it right. They also propose to move the stop sign on Newell (where it joins Upland, and which no one can see, no one obeys) to Upland (before the bend). Only issue there is that many want both stop signs. City won't do that, I don't think. No one seems to be bothered by a stop sign on Upland, which is logical as it joins a through street at a T. This is the pull & tug every street, every project faces. More than you wanted to know, but if you know folks up that way, would you introduce me? Ruth

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Meeting TONIGHT on Upland and Newell intersection and repair of upper Upland Rd.
by Ruth Ryals 23 Jun '09

23 Jun '09

Neighbors, I apologize if I did not get the word out on this meeting tonight. I will go, and write a report, but anyone who gets this message, has the interest, and can come, please do! Ruth -----Original Message----- From: richdale-ave-community(a)googlegroups.com [mailto:richdale-ave-community@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Bill Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 1:39 PM To: Richdale Ave Community Cc: javendano(a)cambridgema.gov Subject: [Richdale Ave] Upland Road and Newell Street meeting tonight Greetings- Below is a meeting notice that went out a few weeks ago to neighbors regarding a community meeting to discuss the intersection of Upland Road and Newell Street. The meeting is tonight at 6:30 at the Graham and Parks School cafeteria. I just become aware of your Richdale Avenue listserv and wanted to make sure you were informed of the meeting. Please do not hesitate to contact Juan Avendano or myself with any questions. Contact information is below. Thank you. Bill Deignan Transportation Program Manager Community meeting to discuss the design of Upland Road and Newell Street intersection June 23, 2009 Upland Road from Raymond Street to Huron Avenue is scheduled for reconstruction in the fall 2009/spring 2010, and City staff would like to review the proposed changes to the intersection of Upland and Newell which were discussed with the community in 2005. The reconstruction of Upland Road, from Massachusetts Avenue to Raymond Street was completed in the spring of 2008 and included several traffic calming elements to reduce vehicle speeds and enhance pedestrian safety. These improvements were developed through an extensive community process completed in 2005 in which the entire length of Upland Road from Massachusetts Avenue to Huron Avenue was discussed. The focus of this meeting will be to review the changes proposed at Upland and Newell through the 2005 community process and to discuss any other concerns. This proposal includes squaring off the corner to shorten the pedestrian crossing distances and slow vehicles turning the corner of Upland, as well as moving the stop signs from Newell Street to Upland Road. Please attend the meeting or contact us with questions or comments (see below). Come to the meeting to share your ideas. You may also contact Juan Avendano with your questions or comments. Juan P. Avendano -Traffic Calming Project Manager City of Cambridge- Community Development Department 344 Broadway- Cambridge, MA 02139 - (617) 349-4655 TTY (617) 349- 4621 javendano(a)cambridgema.gov Upland Road Community Meeting When: Tuesday June 23, 2009 6:30- 8:30 PM Where: Graham And Parks School - Cafeteria 44 Linnaean Street, Cambridge Additional assistance The City of Cambridge Community Development Department does not discriminate on the basis of disability. Community Development will provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative format, and reasonable modifications in policies upon request. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Richdale Ave Community" group. To post to this group, send email to richdale-ave-community(a)googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to richdale-ave-community+unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/richdale-ave-community?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

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meeting notice for 6/25 for Neighborhood Nine Study
by Ruth Ryals 17 Jun '09

17 Jun '09

You should all have gotten notice in the mail, but in case you didn't, here it is. This meeting should focus on larger neighborhood issues/planning. Ruth Begin forwarded message: Please join us at the second community meeting for the Neighborhood Nine Study Update Thursday, June 25, 2009 6:30 - 8:45 pm Graham and Parks School - 44 Linnaean Street What will be discussed? * Next steps in the neighborhood study update process * Review of discussion and recommendations from the second meeting The purpose of the discussions will be to explore the recommendations in greater depth, to refine the recommendations for the study update, and to prioritize short-range and long-range planning goals. These topics were among the major issues raised at the second meeting: 1. Economic Development: * Massachusetts Avenue Retail Corridor? 2. Traffic and parking: * What are problem areas? * What are some of the ways these problems can be addressed in the short range or long range? Please contact me at 617-349-4648 or ethorne(a)cambridgema.gov if you have any quesitons. We appreciate any help you can provide in spreading the word to other neighbors. I hope to see you there! --Elaine Thorne, Neighborhood Planner The City of Cambridge does not discriminate on the basis of disability. The City will provide auxiliary aides and services, written materials in alternative format, and responsible modifications in policies and procedures to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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Last chance to be counted on the Lesley-AIB Project
by Ruth Ryals 17 Jun '09

17 Jun '09

Neighbors, This is yet another letter of support for the Lesley-Art Institute of Boston project at the site of the North Prospect Congregational Church on Mass Ave at Porter Square, to join the support letters of the Porter Square Neighborhood Association, the Neighborhood Study Group and, of course, the letters that many of you and I have written. If you have not been counted, try to stop by and sign the letter of support on the bench at my Buena Vista side door. I will make sure the letter reaches the City Council Ordinance Committee meeting today, and is in the informational packet for the final City Council vote on Monday the 22nd. Thanks again! Ruth From: Kathleen Born [mailto:kathyborn@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 10:29 AM To: Council(a)CambridgeMA.GOV Cc: joshposner(a)comcast.net; Ruth Ryals; eileenrudden(a)comcast.net; basking(a)comcast.net Subject: Lesley Overlay District June 17, 2009 To the Honorable City Council: I want to voice my support for the proposed Lesley Overlay District. It is my understanding that the Zoning Amendment as originally filed is going to be further amended before adoption to increase setbacks from abutting residential areas. >From my point of view, the "church" property on Mass Ave has been inappropriately zoned for many years as a low density residential area. The proposed Overlay District has the advantage of pairing this corrective re-zoning with new height limits for the Lesley-owned parking lots on the opposite side of Mass Ave. I believe that the arrival of the Art Institute of Boston will add a positive new flavor to Porter Square and that the influx of new people will bolster the retail establishments in the area, as well as hopefully generate new art-related businesses. I am aware that there are neighborhood concerns about the placement of the relocated former church building on the new Lesley development site. I understand that these concerns are focused on vistas and lines of sight from various streets and vantage points. These are legitimate concerns, but not within the purview of the City Council which does not have design review jurisdiction. I also support the Landmark Designation by the City Council for the "church" building. This will mean that the final site design, in particular the placement of the "church" and alterations to it, will have a full design review by the Cambridge Historical Commission. It appears that the current design for the site is quite conceptual in nature, and thus open to the kind of refinement which is typical of the Historical Commission process. Sincerely, Kathleen Born -- Kathleen Leahy Born, AIA, LEED AP 3 Walnut Avenue Cambridge, MA 02140 617-492-0437

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Cat Adoption Night
by hla＠comcast.net 15 Jun '09

15 Jun '09

Sorry for the short notice - just got this from another listserv - in case anyone was looking For more information, or if you cannot make a scheduled adoption date and would like to make an appointment, call Kitty Connection at 781-393-9995. Kitty Connection is having Special Adoption Hours. There are many cats young and old that need a forever home Monday, June 15 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Pet Supplies Plus 630 The Fellsway (Wellington Circle) Medford, MA Adoption donations will be reduced to $50.00. Kitty Connection is helping to rescue many cats who will be euthanized if they cannot be adopted out or put into foster homes. In order to find room for all these cats, we must get our current cats adopted.

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FW: Angus the Cat went lost
by Ruth Ryals 12 Jun '09

12 Jun '09

Neighbors, This is a formal APB for an unnamed missing large black long-haired cat with white paws! Please call Jim with any info. Or me, if I can be helpful in getting him home. Ruth Ruth A. Ryals 115 Upland Rd. Cambridge, MA 02140 617-547-6453 617-834-4007 cell rryals(a)comcast.net From: JDS [mailto:jadusm@comcast.net] Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 12:51 PM To: Ruth Ryals Subject: Angus the Cat went lost Dear Ruth: My large black long-haired cat with white paws went out on Wednesday, June 10th and has not returned. He has seldom ventured further than Mimi's yard. Would you be so kind as to put out an APB on him. He unfortunately never sat for his portrait. Best , - Jim --------------------------- Jim Smith, 26 Cambridge Terrace 617-876-8765 jadusm@comcast,net

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St. James Church Food Pantry - Food Drive - Saturday 13, 10am to noon
by Ruth Ryals 11 Jun '09

11 Jun '09

Neighbors, Ward 10 of the Cambridge Democratic Committee is collecting non-perishable food this Saturday am for the St. James Church Food Pantry (Mass Ave and Beech St). Please go through your own pantry or make a quick trip to the grocery store to provide a bag or box of food (with your name on it) for those among us who are not so fortunate. The flyer which is reproduced below describes how to schedule a pick up. Alternatively, I will have a bunch of stuff on my covered porch at 115 Upland Rd for early Saturday am pickup, and you are welcome to leave items there. Ruth Ruth A. Ryals 115 Upland Rd. Cambridge, MA 02140 617-547-6453 617-834-4007 cell rryals(a)comcast.net *************************************************************************** Give Food to the St. James Episcopal Church's Helping Hand Food Pantry in Porter Square! And do it the Easy Way! St. James Episcopal Church on Beech Street in Porter Square operates a food pantry that serves those who have little food. The Ward 10 Democratic Committee will be collecting non-perishable food for the church's Helping Hand Pantry on Saturday, June 13, from 10 am to noon. If you have extra cans, packages or jars of food that you are not using, this is a great opportunity to trim your shelves and give to a good cause. Examples of needed items are: Tuna, Peanut Butter, Cereals, Rice, Pasta, Canned Corn, Canned Beans. All you need to do is contact us and we'll stop at your house (assuming you are in the Porter Square area) on Saturday, June 13, between 10 am and noon, pick up the items, and deliver them to St. James. Email Larry Field, lfield1007(a)aol.com, with your name, address, and any details about where we can pickup the items (e.g., ring the bell, they will be on the porch, etc). Thank you for your generosity!

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