August 2010 - Neighbors - lists.buenavistasocialclub.org

FW: [PSNA] Porter Square Hotel
by Ruth Ryals 30 Aug '10

30 Aug '10

Neighbors, I plan to go. Ruth From: psna-bounces(a)lists.portersquare.net [mailto:psna-bounces@lists.portersquare.net] On Behalf Of Michael McKee Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 11:53 AM To: psna(a)portersquare.net Subject: [PSNA] Porter Square Hotel I would like to invite our neighbors and members of the Porter Square community to an informational meeting this Thursday evening, 2 September, at 7:30 at the Kaya Restaurant, to discuss the hotel proposed for that site. The project that has already been approved by the Planning Board is in a position to move forward again. We are on the agenda for the Planning Board meeting on Tuesday, 7 September, and we will be updating them on the minor changes that are being proposed for the project. We would like the opportunity to meet in advance to update our neighbors on what is happening. For those who cannot attend this week, we have also asked to be on the agenda for the next PSNA meeting. We want to be clear, up front, that none of the proposed changes impact the exterior design of the building - the building height, setbacks and the rear garden remain as originally designed and approved by the Planning Board. Our overall parking need does not change and the below grade parking garage will remain as approved by the Planning Board last summer. The proposed changes actually reduce the peak-time parking and loading activities on the site as well as reduce the overall daily vehicle trips to and from the site, so besides making the project more viable, they also improve things for the neighborhood. We are proposing a small increase in the room count and to offset this by substantially reducing the size of the restaurant, so that the parking requirement for the project remains the same - at 35 spaces. We are still committed to providing the 5 extra spaces requested by our neighbors, so the approved garage for 40 cars remains unchanged. >From the point of view of our neighbors, the big benefit of all of this will be a significant reduction in the impact on traffic and parking in Porter Square. If you recall from all of our earlier discussions on this matter, a restaurant generates more traffic in a more concentrated time period than a hotel. Our traffic study identified the peak restaurant time - 7 to 10 pm - as the critical time of impact on the Mass Ave traffic. With the restaurant no longer a destination restaurant, now more of a neighborhood café, a significant amount of this traffic is simply gone. The loading needs, though never a big factor in the equation, are also reduced. The room count does go up, but the additional traffic generated by this increase is very small, especially when compared to the much larger decrease in restaurant related activity. Restaurant Size The size of the restaurant is being scaled back, from a destination restaurant seating 200, to a much smaller café/restaurant of between 60 to 80 seats, sized to support the needs of the hotel guests. It will still be located along the Mass Ave edge and the building setback to allow the sidewalk seating is still part of the plan. • The street frontage along Mass Ave will still be used for restaurant and sidewalk café seating, which remains an integral part of the design. • The café frontage will remain an attractive, welcoming, stopping spot for Porter Square pedestrians. • With the restaurant no longer a destination restaurant, the parking needs for the restaurant are significantly reduced, almost eliminated. • The vehicle trips generated during the evening rush are substantially reduced. • The loading needs for the restaurant are also significantly reduced, reducing the overall project loading needs. Hotel Room Count With the decrease in the size of the restaurant, we free up enough parking spaces to allow us to increase the room count - from 50 to 65 rooms - without negatively impacting the parking demand or count. • We are doing this by splitting suites to create more, smaller rooms. • We are NOT increasing the size of the building or the area of the building dedicated to guest rooms. • We remain within our allowable FAR. • The space freed up at lobby level by the reduction in the size of the restaurant, will be used for meeting rooms, for the use of hotel guests. These meeting rooms are an accessory use for the hotel and will not generate additional parking or loading needs for the project. Please join us, either on the evening of the 2nd, or at the next PSNA meeting. Thank you and regards, Michael McKee MTMA architects

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FW: REMINDER: State Senate Candidates Forum, Tuesday, 8/31, 7pm
by Ruth Ryals 30 Aug '10

30 Aug '10

This is an opportunity to ask some very pertinent questions. of both democratic candidates for state senator. The primary is Sept 14th. Ruth From: Mellissa Knowles de Oliveira [mailto:mellisanne@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 1:05 PM To: Avi Green; Rachael Cobb Subject: REMINDER: State Senate Candidates Forum, Tuesday, 8/31, 7pm REMINDER: State Senate Candidates Forum on Tuesday, 8/31 Dear friends, The candidates forum featuring the Democratic primary candidates in the Middlesex, Suffolk & Essex state senate district will take place this coming Tuesday, August31, from 7:00-9:15 pm at Lesley University, 1915 Massachusetts Ave. (the University Mall -- formerly Sears -- Building near Porter Square. Senator Sal DiDomenico, who won the six-way special primary election held last April to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the current legislative session, will face off against challenger Tim Flaherty, who finished second in the April ballotting, for a full two-year term. Both candidates, by the way, are Cambridge born and bred. Sal most recently served as an Everett City Councillor (where he settled following his marriage); Tim formerly served as a Norfolk County Assistant District Attorney, and currently maintains a law practice in Cambridge. The Middlesex, Suffolk & Essex district encompasses one-third of Cambridge's voting precincts, so this election is of interest to all Cambridge residents. Tuesday's forum will be the only such public meeting between the two candidates prior to the September 14 primary, the winner of which will go on to face Republican Barbara Bush of Charlestown (though no relation so far as we know to "W" et al!) in the November 2 general election. The bulk of the forum will be devoted to questions submitted by audience members at the beginning of the evening, so come early to get your questions into the mix! The forum will be recorded by Cambridge Community Television for subsequent airing on CCTV. We hope to see you at this important event! Democratically yours, Lesley Lesley Rebecca Phillips Chair, Cambridge Ward 6 & Democratic State Committeewoman, Middlesex, Suffolk & Essex District

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FW: Voter Deadlines for September 14 Primary
by Ruth Ryals 23 Aug '10

23 Aug '10

fyi From: seidel.sam(a)gmail.com [mailto:seidel.sam@gmail.com] On Behalf Of Sam Seidel Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 10:54 AM To: Seidel, Sam Subject: Voter Deadlines for September 14 Primary Info and dates about the upcoming Sept. 14 primary -- Sam Seidel ======================= On primary day, September 14, candidates will be nominated for state-wide offices, the U.S. House, the Massachusetts House and Senate, and a number of other offices. The polls will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM. The last day to register to vote in the primary or, if you have moved recently, to change your address to vote at your new polling place is: Wednesday August 25. For your kids going to college, or other newly eligible voters, mail-in voter registration forms are available - in Cambridge, get them at the City Clerk's Office (City Hall), Cambridge Post office, Cambridge Public library, or the Cambridge Election Commission. The last day to request an absentee ballot for the primary is 9/13/2010.For an absentee ballot application: <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103622514584&s=3049&e=001HOKVuMhHsCrFy7meN8Ev awUKfcU4MOTWqqHDsKPQRMxnZHMi75ixVTAEW38qwnSyP4fKV2fe5nXr-GGVP-4IQYEc2UHLrSYu vsVA9Rbm6vDMixTePGvNZXvCtmJ5tMmG2K0QlQypWO6ltr6wO0PmikKVq92-kjsp9ZTiVEjnysVM Qad7un1geTTtr8S2HdHrHJWyt0uCozI=> http://www.cambridgema.gov/CityOfCambridge_Content/documents/Absenteeballota pp.pdf You may fill out an absentee ballot application for a family member. For an absentee ballot application for a family member: <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103622514584&s=3049&e=001HOKVuMhHsCp-xTZ2Sdn7 wkrvlr9r7zOk2VKweR8cp1uiEj-cfLTwlNnksQNQSOsfJ6q2u22lGSEgL8AUEaq-TCScWCuOeNrg gijWfqFsJp6QKoAiMpYrVdAb8YZI7venH093_e76HMtAAuWZneUGDZONoGqM7jf2HhjIhsjL3jfk R_3bwApJU2-nZj99qVnzXfFW2Ww3ojA=> http://www.cambridgema.gov/CityOfCambridge_Content/documents/absentee_family memb.pdf .To confirm where you vote: <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103622514584&s=3049&e=001HOKVuMhHsCoTGC4DVHog 3zO7BLsjjMwj1GnDo346p_Jt94RUjv5WDTQ_O1uHpuL_gwY2UiIlbfWwPTab-e5h5vU3nnm2ywrZ LTSWBF-s36HRCRTSKGS2CRsLT-6BnGRG0LyZ8Y8l-jBHC5H86lmZPZY1OV5YdNLg> http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php For more information: Cambridge Election Commission 51 Inman Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 Phone: (617) 349-4361 Monday: 8:30 AM - 8 PM Tuesday -Thursday: 8:30 AM.- 5 PM Friday: 8:30 AM - Noon Election day is November 2.

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Cambridge Recycling - August Update
by Ruth Ryals 22 Aug '10

22 Aug '10

I can't figure out where all the containers are to be kept until taken to the curb. Are they supposed to be stored outside or inside? How does an old person handle a 65 or 95 gallon "toter"? Anyone have any insight? Ruth Begin forwarded message: From: "Mail, Randi" <rmail(a)cambridgema.gov> Date: August 19, 2010 2:23:26 PM EDT Subject: Cambridge Recycling - August Update **************************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Free Recycling Toters for Residences Beginning October 25, Cambridge recycling is going single stream! This means that residents can mix clean bottles, cans, paper and cardboard in one recycling bin. The new recycling trucks will accept cardboard of all sizes and more materials will be accepted. Flatten or nest boxes when possible. 1-5 unit residences will get free recycling toters on wheels between October 12-22. Toters are easy to move to the curb and help you recycle more and trash less. Single family homes will get 1 small toter, 2 family homes will receive 2 small toters and 3-5 unit residences will receive 2 large. The small toter is 65 gallons and measures 44"H x 25"W x 28"D. The large toter is 95 gallons and measures 45"H x 26"W x 35"D. To change your order, please contact DPW at 617.349.4815 or recycle(a)cambridgema.gov by September 1st. Visit www.cambridgema.gov/recycle for more details. Sign up for a Recycling Tour The DPW has organized tours of the Charlestown facility, operated by Casella Recycling, the City's processor. Casella has invested millions into this facility to convert their sorting technology for single stream. Single stream starts October 25 in Cambridge. It means that residents can mix clean bottles, cans, paper and cardboard together in one recycling bin. To see a 6 minute video of the recycling process, visit our website <http://www.cambridgema.gov/TheWorks/departments/recycle/singlestream.html.> . City employees and Cambridge residents are invited. 25 people can sign up for each, which last about 2 1/2 hours including your questions. We'll meet at DPW (147 Hampshire St) and carpool. Let us know if you can drive and how many people you can take. Emailjrebecchi(a)cambridgema.gov or call x4815 to sign up. Wednesday, September 29: Meet at DPW, 1:30pm SHARP. Thursday, October 28: Meet at DPW, 8:30am SHARP. Thursday, November 18: Meet at DPW, 8:30am SHARP. Volunteer! The City is excited about the new single stream recycling program that starts October 25. We would love your help getting the word out to help make it a success including: . Ensure posters are up through October in your neighborhood at multi-family buildings, community centers, supermarkets, laundromats, etc. . Talk to other residents at farmers markets, services at your house of worship, block parties, cultural events or other neighborhood gatherings. . Volunteer at an upcoming event: Area Four Community Pride Day (9/11), Urban Ag Fair (9/19), Danehy Park Day (9/25), <http://www.harvardsquare.com/> Oktoberfest (10/10) Please reply to recycle(a)cambridgema.gov today if you can help out. For posters <http://www.cambridgema.gov/TheWorks/departments/recycle/pdffiles/SSRPoster. pdf> , stop by DPW or send your mailing address. We will host two info sessions on single stream recycling at DPW on September 13 & 27 from 6pm-8pm. Stop by to learn more, ask questions and pick up posters! **************************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Feel free to forward this update to your friends & family in Cambridge. If you would like to be taken off this list, just let me know. Missed recycling? Please simply call DPW at 617-349-4800 by the 12 noon the day after collection. Ms. Randi Mail Director of Recycling Cambridge Dept of Public Works 147 Hampshire Street Cambridge, MA 02139 <http://www.cambridgema.gov/recycle> www.cambridgema.gov/recycle The Recycling Division's mission is to encourage people to consume less, reuse and donate materials and recycle what cannot be eliminated or reused!

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Somerville Avenue Closures
by Ruth Ryals 21 Aug '10

21 Aug '10

Apparently, Somerville is close to finishing all of the work. ********************************************* Begin forwarded message: From: psna-request(a)lists.portersquare.net Date: August 21, 2010 4:40:20 PM EDT To: psna(a)lists.portersquare.net Subject: PSNA Digest, Vol 21, Issue 5 Reply-To: psna(a)lists.portersquare.net The City of Somerville has distributed the following message regarding street closures for construction on Somerville Avenue. Thanks to Astrid Dodds for passing this along. It will be nice to see the Somerville Avenue work completed at last. This is Jackie Rossetti from the City of Somerville with important information regarding overnight work being conducted on Somerville Avenue. >From Sunday, August 22nd through Friday, August 27th, repaving work will be conducted during the hours of 7:00 pm ? 6:00 am. Road closures will apply in the following areas while the work is completed: Sunday 8/22/10: Porter Square to Elm St. Monday 8/23/10: Elm St. to Central St. Tuesday 8/24/10: Central St. to Church St. Wednesday 8/25/10: Church St. to Union Sq. Thursday 8/26/10: Make-up Day for Rain Finish Uncompleted Work Finish Side Streets On each day, No Parking signs will be posted, and no vehicle traffic will be allowed in paving zones. Limited driveway access will be available, and residents in affected areas are asked to park their vehicles outside of the work zone for that day. For more information, please call 311 during normal business hours. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this important community improvement program.

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Buena Vista Social Club Block Party-Sept. 26th
by Ruth Ryals 20 Aug '10

20 Aug '10

We are planning the annual BVSC Block Party, and the best date looks like September 26th, to allow most of us to get back from our summer travels and to get most of the school preparation behind us. **************************************************************************** ************************* I am keeping the list of who is coming, how many and what they are contributing. I don't have everyone's address/email/phone number. Please help me fill in the missing info, and let me know if I have missed someone, or have someone on the list who has moved on. Jim and I have a grill, a couple of tables and a bunch of chairs. We will also bring some meat for grilling. We can always use another grill, many more chairs and a few more tables. Also let us know if you can bring a side dish, desert, or anything to share. I think Mark and Jody will supply the sound system, and maybe ferrets! Finally, we would love to have some help setting up and cleaning up at the end. Please DO NOT PARK on Buena Vista Park from Upland to Cambridge Terrace on late Sunday afternoon. We will block off just that portion of the street and put our grill, tables and chairs where the cars would normally be. See you there! Ruth Ruth A. Ryals 115 Upland Rd. Cambridge, MA 02140 617-547-6453 617-834-4007 cell rryals(a)comcast.net

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FW: Cambridge Nursery School - notice for neighborhood email list, please post?
by Ruth Ryals 20 Aug '10

20 Aug '10

Anyone have a space to rent/donate? -----Original Message----- From: Margot Welch Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 1:05 PM To: Alan Harwood Cc: janet(a)cambridgenurseryschool.org Subject: Fwd: Cambridge Nursery School - notice for neighborhood email list, please post? Cambridge Nursery School is looking for one parking place - they've located two of the three they need - only 5 days a week, duing working day. It's an enticing proposal - one could donate the space for a tax deduction (or some fraction thereof) - or let them know if you have something available. Hope someone can help. Contact Janet or Miriam by email or phone. Margot Begin forwarded message: > Dear Neighbors, > > I am writing on behalf of Cambridge Nursery School, a cooperative nursery school > in the neighborhood. We are proud of the fact that our nursery school has been > here, on Hillside Place, since 1928, working with children and families from in > and around Cambridge. > > For many years we have had an informal arrangement with the City of Cambridge, > which allowed our small staff to park on the street. Now that informal > arrangement has come to an end. Which is why I write to you today. > > We are hoping to find neighbors that are willing to rent us driveway space for > one car, Monday-Friday, from 8am to 2:30 pm, when school is in session > (September - mid-June), at a to be negotiated rate (cash or tax deductible > donation). > > If you are interested in exploring a rental arrangement, please don't hesitate > to contact me or Miriam Marcus by phone or email at your earliest convenience: > > Janet Kovner > Director, Cambridge Nursery School > t. 617-547-7288 > e. janet(a)cambridgenurseryschool.org > Miriam Marcus > Treasurer, Parent Board > t. 917-673-7862 > e. miriam_marcus(a)yahoo.com > > Thank you for your time and consideration. > > Best Regards,Janet Kovner

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FW: Fresh Pond Public Meeting September 14th
by Ruth Ryals 19 Aug '10

19 Aug '10

fyi From: seidel.sam(a)gmail.com [mailto:seidel.sam@gmail.com] On Behalf Of Sam Seidel Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2010 11:12 AM To: Seidel, Sam Subject: Re: Fresh Pond Public Meeting September 14th FYI, and please share with friends and colleagues as well. Sam Seidel Do You Enjoy Fresh Pond and Care About How We Use and Share the Reservation? Error! Filename not specified. Error! Filename not specified. Error! Filename not specified. We need you to come and share your thoughts! Please join your neighbors and the City of Cambridge Water Department staff at a public workshop to discuss current Fresh Pond Reservation usage issues and opportunities going forward. Tuesday,September 14, 2010 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM Light refreshments will be provided. West Cambridge Youth Center 680 Huron Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138 This will be the first in a series of meetings about shared use of Fresh Pond. Those who want to be involved in a more active role during this process are urged to attend! For More Information Contact: Deb Albenberg Email: <mailto:fpr@cambridgema.gov> fpr(a)cambridgema.gov Call: 617-349-6489 Or visit the project website: <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103623993465&s=4006&e=001Go4HLsWRjacAOTui5XZC xQexOdeOaWoJSGUr8lyUfFNdwKZDL-Ime3QM2tZo239BT5MF_q_QocGgBRP9XBWRlWjlECrZMRFP Cz7ETtgbLG1TnD4qQVzJ4LP-HYahGDLV> cbuilding.org/freshpond If this email was forwarded to you and you would like to receive email updates on this project, please contact Meridith Sciarro at <mailto:msciarrio@cbuilding.org> msciarrio(a)cbuilding.org Forward email <http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?m=1101649018839&ea=hfairman%40com cast.net&a=1103623993465> <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?v=001nkQbX5l1Qs8xwWxmcsJxobRZSsDaA DGK7SpuDrxQtbwvfKtFyRUn6w%3D%3D&p=un> Error! Filename not specified. This email was sent to hfairman(a)comcast.net by msciarrio(a)cbuilding.org. Update Profile/Email Address <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?v=001nkQbX5l1Qs8xwWxmcsJxobRZSsDaA DGK7SpuDrxQtbwvfKtFyRUn6w%3D%3D&p=oo> | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?v=001nkQbX5l1Qs8xwWxmcsJxobRZSsDaA DGK7SpuDrxQtbwvfKtFyRUn6w%3D%3D&p=un> T | Privacy Policy <http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp> . <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=news09> Email Marketing by <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=news09> Error! Filename not specified. Consensus Building Institute | 238 Main Street . Suite 400 | Cambridge | MA | 02142 Error! Filename not specified.

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FW: Neighbors: a message to circulate among Buena Vista folks
by Ruth Ryals 19 Aug '10

19 Aug '10

Sounds like a good idea. Ruth From: Melissa Ludtke [mailto:melissa.ludtke@gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2010 9:44 AM To: rryals(a)comcast.net Subject: Neighbors: a message to circulate among Buena Vista folks Ruth: Sending you a message I received from a friend of mine who lives on Rindge Ave in Cambridge -- her daughter goes to school with my daughter -- and she is the director of the Chinese Progressive Association in Boston. Seems like this might be an initiative that a lot of folks would like to know about. I am not sure I know how to circulate it through the Buena Vista Park listserv....so I am sending it to you, hoping you will spread the word. Lydia Lowe -- the person who sent this e-mail to me -- can be reached at: lowe.lydia(a)gmail.com Melissa Ludtke 30 Buena Vista Park 617-354-1728 ************************************ Hello. Through my work at the Chinese Progressive Association, working with the statewide Green Justice Coalition, we have launched a weatherization project which has several goals--helping the environment through energy savings, helping working families save money, and helping unemployed workers get good jobs. Recently, we have worked with the painters' union to train a dozen unemployed and low-wage workers from our community to do air sealing and insulation work, working with the Aulson Company, a construction firm which plans to hire our graduates as union pre-apprentices with benefits to weatherize Chinatown homes. While we are waiting for our Chinatown weatherization project to work through several layers of bureaucracy and start up, we hope to get our training program graduates hired and working as soon as possible. If you have thought about getting a free energy audit and then getting your home insulated and weatherized, you could help us to create jobs for these workers! The MassSave program provides free energy audits and then subsidizes homeowners to do air sealing and insulation or other energy-saving measures for the home. If you are interested, you can request an energy audit by contacting MassSave (see www.masssave.com <http://www.masssave.com/> ). After receiving your energy audit and recommendations for energy-saving measures, you can help us create jobs for our training program graduates by asking the Aulson Company to do the weatherization work on your home. If your home is already insulated, please help us to spread the word to others! If you'd like to find out more about the program, give me a call at 617-259-1503 (wk) or 617-661-9120 (hm). Lydia

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Free to good home- 5 ft. spruce tree
by Ruth Ryals 16 Aug '10

16 Aug '10

Call me, or come by if you are interested. Ruth A. Ryals IBCG Limited, LLC 115 Upland Rd. Cambridge, MA 02140 617-547-6453/0848 fx 617-834-4007 cell rryals(a)comcast.net

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