The Boston Guardian

June 26, 2020 Vol. 5 Issue 4 U.S. Census Count May Hurt Boston By Jim Morrison

In 2010, only 64% of Bostonians were accounted for in the census. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has made people much harder to find

Photo: BPD Photo: and count and if Boston’s neighbor- hoods are undercounted, that means less federal funding through 2030. A-1 Captain As a result of the last census, Boston lost a congressional seat. State Repreasentative Jay Livingstone said Fong Retires he doesn’t think that would happen again, but significant federal funding By Jim Morrison is at risk. “The Census Bureau had a robust BPD District A-1 Commander Captain plan to go door to door to encourage Kenneth Fong retired last week after 33 people to fill out the forms,” he years on the job, including more than said. “They were going to attend the five years at the helm of a busy area that typical summer community events. includes downtown, Beacon Hill, the Some people have left their home North End and Charlestown. in the city and are staying at second Fong’s successor has not been named, houses. Census reporting nationwide but Boston Police Deprtment (BPD) is is under what you would expect due expected to announce one soon. to the pandemic.” Continued on Page 2 Photo: Census Bureau Continued on Page 2 Boston Colleges Arm Their Cops hosted earlier this month by Sen. William Brownsberger and Reps. Chynah Tyler, Jay Livingstone and Jon Santiago, potential reforms of the Boston Police Department were discussed. An attendee, recalling Berklee’s decision to arm college police officers in 2017, with little community input, then asked

Photo: Boston Preservation Alliance Boston Preservation Photo: “Can we have a discussion about disarming [campus] police forces?” Berklee’s police department Local Buildings Get started arming their officers in June 2017 before local residents Preservation Awards were notified of the change. A By Mary Ellen Gambon public meeting to discuss the move for creatively modernizing was held months after firearms Four historic downtown their structures without losing were distributed. Although buildings were among those their sense of significance. The By Catherine McGloin Berklee apologized for their lack of honored by the Boston theme of the awards focused on guns, during a recent community community engagement, residents Preservation Alliance with 2020 buildings as storytellers. Fenway residents questioned the meeting with local politicians. were outraged by their actions. Preservation Achievement awards need for campus police to carry During a virtual town hall Continued on Page 6 Continued on Page 2 The Boston Guardian 2 | June 26, 2020 U.S. Census higher numbers. where they spend most of their time. federal law and cannot be used by any other “Since COVID-19, the population “Unfortunately, taking a census during an federal agency or court. Continued from Page 1 has dropped drastically in the Whittier epidemic is not going to find people where “Getting an accurate count is critically condos, where I live,” he said. “It seems they live,” he said. “If the other neighbor- important,” she said. “Every form completed And what about the tens of thousands of like it’s down by around one third. I’m hoods are in the same boat, some of our brings in $2,400 in federal funds. There are college and university students that left when sure it’s true of the rest of the West End. I districts could combine into one. I think it’s around 35,000 to 40,000 people living in the schools were closed March 15 before the haven’t seen a school-aged child in the West just going to be a disaster.” the Fenway.” census began? How many will come back and End for six weeks. When the epidemic broke Fenway CDC community organiz- That amounts to about $1 million in lost fill them out claiming residence in Boston, out, everyone with kids moved to their er Jaya Aiyer is also very concerned revenue annually for every 400 people not not their home town, by the October 31 vacation homes and many likely filled the about that neighborhood being accounted for in the census. As of June 15, deadline? No one knows. forms out there.” undercounted since it is home to so many there had already been 936 COVID-19 Joe McDonald, long-time West End Census data impacts things like representa- renters, people of color, low-income people, related deaths in Suffolk County (which resident and civic leader said someone from tion, federal funding and business planning. non-English speakers and young children, all includes Revere, Winthrop and Chelsea). the Census Bureau called him a month ago McDonald said when people who spend people who have traditionally been difficult Mayor Walsh’s office did not respond to a with concerns that so far, his neighborhood most of the year in Boston, but claim to be to count. request for comment. had dramatically lower census concerns than residents of their vacation communities, they She said some residents don’t fill the forms The U.S. Census can be completed in expected. With all the new construction are unwittingly diverting federal aid away out because they fear the government, even 13 different languages by phone (844-330- over the last ten years, they expected much from Boston, leaving fewer resources for though personal census data is protected by 2020) or online at www.2020census.gov.

College Guns any impact of an event that happens employs 49 officers, serving a Fong Retires on campus,” said Davis, who spent 21 community of 40,000 to 50,000, Continued from Page 1 Continued from Page 1 years as an officer and chief of police in according to Colin Riley, Boston Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. University’s executive director of media In 2015 the NUPD was criticized relations. Boston University Police Fong could not be festival,” he said. “He Police and public safety departments for arming some of their officers with Department (BUPD) officers are also reached for comment, but had just been appointed at Berklee did not respond to requests semi-automatic rifles. “This is a step trained to municipal police standards in a statement he said, and he was just walking for comment. backwards for community policing and carry firearms. All officers receive “Throughout my career, around talking to people. “There’s a very serious conversation and encourages mistrust and fear,” firearms training in the police academy the community has always Shortly after that, he about how much force do we need to wrote Councilors Tito Jackson and and qualify twice annually. been at the forefront of my appeared before the West be using to respond to problems in Josh Zakim in a letter to Northeastern’s BUPD officers protect the univer- philosophy an efforts. If I End and Beacon Hill our society generally, and the answer President Joseph Aoun. sity’s communities and properties have learned anything in neighborhood groups. is probably less,” said Brownsberger. In defense of his decision five years “mainly through education and my career, policing efforts Whenever there was a “I do think that there’a militarization ago, Davis said “In responding to prevention,” said Riley, and “are are enhanced, strengthened problem he was very thing that can go too far … but the active events in a densely populated the first responders to incidents on and nurtured through thoughtful and approach- notion that you wouldn’t have any campus, accuracy over distance is campus, including any acts of terror strong community relation- able. He will be missed. arms among college police forces is just essential.” He said these long or active shooter incidents, ensuring ships. Undoubtedly the city Whoever succeeds him will probably not a viable idea.” guns do not fire at a faster rate than prompt emergency response time to is safer when we all work have big shoes to fill.’ Campus police are often the first handguns, but give highly trained critical incidents.” together.” “Captain Fong has been department to respond to incidents officers to ability to respond swiftly Students and community members Community leaders in a great leader in the field of that may require the use of firearms. “If and with greater accuracy in an recognize campus police departments’ the district had nothing but public safety,” Downtown a very serious incidence occurs would emergency. necessary role in ensuring the safety praise for Captain Fong. Boston Business President you want a police officer to show up During a semester, NUPD officers of everyone within their jurisdiction, George Coorssen, and CEO Rosemary without mace or a baton or a gun?” protect about 25,000 students and but hope for better and continued cofounder of the Sansone wrote in an said Tyler. Brownsberger suggested staff across Northeastern’s 80-acre engagement. Downtown Boston email. “His dedication and that response times would increase if campus, Davis said. While he gave Hannah Nivar, a senator on Residents Association commitment to his profes- colleges and universities were to rely no precise number of how many Northeastern’s Government said he worked with Fong sion and this neighborhood on municipal departments, asking officers have access to long guns, he Association, hopes student voices will through his involvement will be missed. He was a residents “Do you want police to be said “It’s not everyone and its not feature more prominently in future in many civic organizations true partner and someone able to respond or are they going to be a small component. It’s enough people discussions about changes to on-cam- since he took over District I could count on every dependent and waiting for the Boston of our contingent so that we could pus policing. “The conversation from A-1 in 2014 and considers day, no matter what time. police to arrive when somebody goes respond capably and quickly to any 2015 regarding arming NUPD officers him a friend. On behalf of everyone nuts and starts shooting up a place?” event.” must not die,” she said. “It is necessary “Generally, I consider the at the Downtown Boston Ensuring rapid response in an NUPD employs 65 officers and that the conversation surrounding Boston Police Department BID we wish him much emergency is central to Northeastern is a full service department, nation- disarming campus police in 2020 the gold standard of police success on his next chapter University Police Department ally accredited and trained to the incorporates the voices of our students, departments across the and a huge thank you for all (NUPD) Chief of Police Michael same standards as municipal police specifically elevating the voices of our country,” he said. “They’re he did.” Davis’ decision to arm his officers. departments. minority students … it is time for respectful of everybody. Paula O’Keefe, a “Anything that we do in terms of Another large university presence Northeastern administration to listen Captain Fong was just long-time Beacon Hill having a capability is really us trying in Fenway is Boston University, and take action accordingly.” that for A-1. He made it a resident, volunteer and to reduce the response time to mitigate whose dedicated police department “Unfortunately there’s not panacea better place to be. I’ve lived activist said Fong stood here,” said Davis, adding he welcomes here in the center of it for out among the five or six a constructive conversation with the close to 50 years. We’ll miss previous A-1 commanders Northeastern community. “It’s really him. He’s just a wonderful she has worked with. about building trust over time.” human being.” “I will miss him a lot,” she “We should examine closely the State Representative Jay said. “He always responded equipment all police, including Livingstone said Fong’s to the neighborhood. The university police, are using, eliminate hands-on approach made officers who worked for military equipment, and figure him a particularly effective him really respected him. out what is appropriate for each leader. The neighborhood loved department,” said Livingstone, who “The first time I met him. He held everybody represents part of Fenway. “I look Captain Fong was at together. He was a good forward to this public discussion.” the West End children’s captain and a good man.” June 26, 2020 | 3 The Boston Guardian Residents Not Included In Bike Lane Planning By Mary Ellen Gambon district.” “Also, there is no chance for public A controversial bike lane along comment by either residents or business Washington Street involved input from owners at a time when the traffic pattern local businesses but not the residents. is being disrupted by the COVID-19 Rishi Shukla, a founding member of the pandemic.” Downtown Boston Residents Association On the day of the downtown protest (DBRA), looked out his window last in memory of George Floyd, Coorsen Monday morning. He saw the new bike described a traffic jam on Washington lane, striped in fluorescent green, packed Street because cars couldn’t pass the bus. with double-parked cars, blocking the flow Resident Tony Ursillo said the city has of street traffic. made “pretty good efforts to arrange for “I think that the outreach effort has public meetings,” but for the last three been lacking, and this isn’t the first time,” months, they were put on hold because of he said. “If there were a draft pick of a the COVID-19 pandemic. city department to improve, it would be “I hope the city will find creative ways the Boston Transportation Department to involve the public, perhaps through (BTD).” online streaming of meetings with the When there was outreach for a meeting, opportunity to contribute via questions there was only a day’s notice, he said. For and comments or traditional in-person a meeting at Caffe Nero last fall, Shukla meetings that might limit capacity by added he was told by Rosemarie Sansone, having small socially distanced groups Photo: Greenway Conservancy executive director and CEO of the attend in specific time slots throughout the Downtown Boston BID (DBID). meeting,” he said. Shukla sees the lanes impacting Uber On the other hand, BTD representatives Greenway Installs and Lyft drop-offs and commercial said there had been community outreach delivery, creating a crunch. efforts made since the fall planning process. DBRA cofounder George Coorsen said “The City made a good faith effort to More Public Art there “was no opportunity for residents reach out to the DRA several times,” BTD to weigh in on a neighborhood traffic representative Vineet Gupta said. By Mary Ellen Gambon Director Jesse Brackenbury. “We welcome plan that would benefit everyone in the Continued on Page 4 visitors to stroll the length of The Greenway, Bostonians can escape from quarantine life enjoying the artworks and the gardens, while at the Rose Kennedy Greenway, where two respecting the public health guidelines as the new art exhibits sponsored by the Greenway Commonwealth reopens.” Conservancy were installed that explore Another exhibit that will be imminently cultural heritage. installed is by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Mexican-American master folk artist Shonibare. The Conservancy commissioned Catalina Delgado-Trunk’s commissioned his Wind Sculpture (SG) V, which will be work, Global Connections: Mesoamerican exhibited in a garden on The Greenway, just Myths, the Domestication of Nourishment, north of Dewey Square. Twenty-two feet and its Distribution, was unveiled in early tall, it features a new variation of the classic June. The papel picado or cut-paper artist batik Shonibare uses in his works. has drawn images of her cultural heritage, Batik, which is regarded as an African which have been enlarged to a monumental cloth, is used as a metaphor in his art for scale, reproduced on vinyl and affixed onto global commerce. In this wind sculpture, it the Greenway’s 30-foot Light Blades. appears to capture the breeze and freeze it at a The Albuquerque resident combines time in our history where we have been indigenous, European, Asian and African globally halted by the coronavirus, awaiting influences in her work. Situated near a time for freedom. the Rings Fountain at Milk Street, the “The commissioned artists engage with historical legends and stories about the a globalized world and its complexities,” balance of nature will be illuminated with said Lucas Cowan, curator and director of color-changing lights. Her exhibition will Public Art for the Greenway Conservancy. be complemented by signage with historical “These artworks help us think about interpretation. issues of cultural identity, immigration “With so many museums and galleries and interconnectedness.” The two new closed, this is great timing for Boston to have pieces join three others currently on display such an important installation outdoors for along the 1.5-mile stretch that spans from people to enjoy and stay safe,” said Suzanne Chinatown to the North End. They have Schultz, the CEO and founder of Canvas been in commission for more than a year Fine Arts in Boston. and were brought to fruition despite the “In this extraordinary time, when the financial obstacles imposed by COVID-19. public is longing to experience beauty and The Greenway Conservancy is the nonprofit joy but few arts venues are able to be open, responsible for the management and care of we think it is more important than ever to The Greenway. The majority of the public bring these world-class artists’ works into the park’s annual budget is provided by private park,” said Greenway Conservancy Executive sources. The Boston Guardian 4 | June 26, 2020

into an alley to hide, Mr. “Badbreath” took victim found out on June 17 when applying to his business over to 7-Eleven on Dartmouth the state for help. We pray for two things: that where he was holding an unopened bottled our victim can get money quickly and that of the CVS brand mouthwash. The police our impersonator ends up wearing a prisoner Crime & observed him in a semi-lethargic state and costume. unable to stand. Boston EMS was called and took the man to Tufts Medical Center for Fashionably undressed unishment evaluation. The officers dutifully returned the In the early morning of June 20, police P mouthwash to CVS. responded to a call about a man possibly on drugs taking off his clothes at 587 Boylston Safer in Bulgaria? Street. The suspect was acting erratically and Europeans must be infinitely more trusting unable to calm down. EMS arrived and took District 4: 650 Harrison Avenue, 617-343-4457 than Bostonians. A resident of Bulgaria was this poor soul to Tufts Medical Center for District A-1: 40 New Sudbury Street, 617-343-4627 dining at Eataly in the Prudential Center on treatment. June 15 where she left her purse on a table where she was sitting and stepped away for a Trying to be well dressed On All Fours off for $298.90 of deodorant. Just coinciden- moment. Can you image? Her purse together On June 21, police officers responded to a No, we’re not dealing with dogs, cats or tally, the thief had a gray duffel bag on wheels. with handbags and her backpack were gone call for shoplifting at Target on Boylston Street coyotes. Imagine exiting your apartment on If you find this guy, call the police, but from when she returned. in the Fenway. Upon arrival, the officers were Queensberry Street in the Fenway on June upwind. Video footage showed a bald male in a grey told by store security that the female suspect 15 and finding your Subaru resting on four sweater grab it and walk away. The victim was stealing clothes from the men’s section and cinderblocks. Do you think that tires are More Wheelies was able to track her cell phone to a nearby has been a regular sticky fingers. Ms. Klepto overrated or that there is some kinky thief on Also on June 15, a poor guy at 263 Beacon Starbucks on Newbury Street where police was apparently super focused and did not like the loose? Street notified the police that someone had found that the suspect had changed his clothes being disturbed by our men in blue. When The tires were found at the intersection poured white paint all over his black BMW. and left them in the bathroom. approached, she became uncooperative and of Queensberry and Kilmarnock Streets. We’re starting to think that wheels of all kind Every thief knows to blend into his aggressive, shouting out “You can’t touch me” Hopefully, there is a surveillance camera in Boston should be banned. environment and that people dress differently and “don’t put your hands on me”. One would somewhere that captured this larceny. We’ve Having a Dirty Mouth on Newbury than on Boylston. The victim guess she had a proprietary shopping list heard of bringing burglar tools to a crime, but Ok, so the Fenway CVS specializes in cancelled her credit cards and her green card, because she refused multiple requests to show cinderblocks? deodorant while the location at 587 Boylston not that the thief needs a work permit in his what was in her two shopping bags and any Street across from Copley Square features profession. of the officers’ questions. The police did see What a stinker! mouth wash to steal. On June 16, a man in Want to be someone else? folded clothing in her bags with the price tags Could it be the Queensberry tire thief his fifties wearing a dark sweater, blue hospital On Halloween, yes. Regrettably, there’s a still on the items.Our professional shopper worked up a real sweat? Later that same day, pants but with no shoes grabbed a bottle of plague of impersonators out there filing for might divulge her secrets when she appears the CVS at 1249 Boylston Street was ripped mouthwash and fled. Rather than running unemployment using false identities as a poor before a judge in Roxbury district court.

Residents Continued from Page 3

“I sent an email to (Shukla) in December partner.” and asked to come out and make a presen- Sansone said the BTD was engaged with tation in January or February, but he never the BID. She attended several meetings, responded.” including one at Caffe Nero. Coffee hours were advertised on the BTD “Some people are cautiously optimistic website as well, he added. but wondering how bus lanes and bike Stefanie Seskin, BTD Active lanes will cohabitate together,” she said. Transportation Director, added that “I think the city is trying to do all it community outreach happened during can to make sure that the people will be the Connect Downtown project planning able to navigate better, especially with the process last fall. pandemic. There’s a need for better transpor- “We are more than willing to revisit tation routes and systems, especially since things,” she said. “We want to get people people aren’t going to be relying on the T as used to the changes. We want to be a trusted much as they were.” Don’t Be Left Out on the Street

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Please call. We are happy to help you. 617-367-9046 www.charlesstsupply.com Photo: The Esplanade Association By Jordan Frias and help the park to reflect Boston’s diversity, Greater Boston’s diversity.” Diversity was on the docket during a virtual Although the organization is “a relatively annual meeting last Tuesday by members of small nonprofit” that had a $2.5 million BREWSTER & BERKOWITZ the Esplanade Association (TEA). operating budget last year, he said it can work Given recent events, TEA’s Executive “to create some economic opportunities” for REAL ESTATE Director Michael Nichols began the meeting underrepresented communities. with a discussion on diversity, equity and Fitness programming was also mentioned inclusion, which led to the need to diversify as a way to draw a more diverse crowd to the the association’s board and staff and expand Esplanade. economic opportunities at the park. Nichols explained how a World Dance Plans include expanding arts and culture Series was unfortunately postponed this year programming at the Esplanade that reflect due to COVID-19. the diversity of Boston. Potentially bringing “[It] would have included six different in diverse food vendors was also discussed. styles of fitness from around the world, free Nichols said the board is looking for ideas and open to the public,” Nichols said. for new programs “that will further diversify Continued on Page 8

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Preservation Awards World War II, the building kept unique features including 41 different room Public COVID-19 Continued from Page 1 types, an original wall of mailboxes and concrete floors. Testing has started The Myles Standish Hall in Kenmore Street art bursting with color graces the Square, for example, currently a Boston lobby, depicting scenes and characters University dorm was once a posh hotel from Boston’s past. By Catherine McGloin This is the only testing site in Fenway. A that hosted everything from galas to In contrast, the Revolution Hotel’s spokesperson from the Boston Public Health speakeasies. Babe Ruth, Rev. three-story building showcases objects The Fenway Community Health Center Commission said mobile testing sites have Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and invented in the region, from a basketball (FCHC) opened the first dedicated testing filled availability gaps and that neighborhoods Howard Stern were among its guests. to the telephone to Bose headphones, site in Fenway last week, almost three months requiring dedicated testing facilities have been “The fact that Boston University took painted in white for dramatic effect. after Governor Charles Baker declared a prioritized. The City of Boston is currently on this restoration project rather than The Whitney Hotel on Beacon Hill public health emergency in Massachusetts due offering COVID-19 testing in 20 locations argue for replacement, particularly within transformed a parking lot and the 1908 to COVID-19. across the city. a neighborhood undergoing dramatic Jeffries House into an elegant four-story For over a month the makeshift testing site According to Rep. Jay Livingstone, who change and loss of historic fabric, makes red brick building that blends into the in the car park at McKinley High School, represents part of Fenway, “The City has an important statement about the historic character of the neighborhood. behind FCHC’s building on Boylston Street, reported that Fenway had the highest number importance of preservation and about It is modern without being obtrusive, has been opened to registered patients. Now, of cases for a neighborhood without any sustainability,” said Greg Galer, executive flanked by decorative trees. anyone who has coronavirus symptoms, been testing site.” director of the Boston Preservation “The Whitney Hotel is both richly exposed to someone with known coronavirus Patients do not have to be tested in the Alliance. modern and elegantly contextual,” Galer or who is living in a group setting, such as neighborhood they live in, said a BPHC “Older buildings such as Myles Standish said. Also recognized was the Cathedral of a nursing home or shelter, where there have spokesperson. Jaya Aiyer, a community Hall are ripe for transformation, retaining the Holy Cross in the South End. A home been confirmed cases, can be tested at this site. organizer at Fenway CDC, praised the services the history that happened within their for two centuries for Boston’s immigrant “We’re excited about that because we think being offered by Fenway Health and the City’s walls and holding firm to the historic Catholic communities as well as devout we’ll see a whole lot more people by opening response. “I would say the City of Boston has context of the surrounding neighborhood residents, the church needed an overhaul it up to the entire community,” said Janet done a pretty good job of sharing information while meeting the university’s needs.” to hold its growing population. Mulligan, FCHC’s executive director of and making sure residents are in the know”. Most of the granite from the facades of When the interior was painted with nursing. Staff at FCHC started out “rather conserva- the first and second-floor walls was used in creams and whites to lighten the space, Testing is by appointment only, and patients tively,” said Mulligan, testing only patients the restoration process. The building also hidden architectural details were discov- undergo screening via telehealth services and employees, because they wanted to ensure was made energy efficient and accessible. ered on the walls that are now highlighted before they are allotted a slot. It is free, regard- their systems ran smoothly, patients received In the South End, The Revolution in red and gold. less of your immigration status, and FCHC the right level of care and they had enough Hotel also experienced a metamorphosis, Other buildings are in Roslindale, accepts MassHealth and Medicaid. They have personal protective equipment to keep the site transforming from the former YWCA Roxbury and the North End, as well as a federal grant money to pay for those who are running. built in 1953. Originally designed to Boston lighthouse. The award ceremony uninsured, said Mulligan. Continued on Page 8 house women joining the workforce post will be held on Thursday, October 15. YOU COUNT! FENWAY COUNT!

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Go to my2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020 June 26, 2020 | 7 The Boston Guardian In the South End No Social Distancing For the Homeless

Rushing Defends The Lincoln Statue By Jordan Frias the attention of Boston Bruce Bolling wanted it Mayor Martin J. Walsh. gone. Rushing still argues The image of Abraham But the debate over for it to remain where it is. By Jordan Frias Lincoln standing over a the statue isn’t a new “We certainly should not Large gatherings, such as the one by the freed slave in Park Square one, and while there is be talking about moving A fenced off lot near the Woods Mullen Interstate 90 and 93 Connector, could pose downtown has been under some agreement about its it first, the first discussion shelter in the South End drew a large a problem in an attempt to contain a virus some scrutiny in recent troubling imagery there is we should have is how do gathering recently, causing concern for those that has killed 10 homeless people and days. debate around its future. we engage people in this looking to encourage more social distancing infected many more throughout the city. A petition to remove the Former State Representative art … you don’t move this among the homeless population. The fenced off Woods Mullen lot, located Emancipation Memorial Byron Rushing who when the whole population As the weather warms up and the state at 794 Mass Ave, serves as a temporary or Freedman’s Memorial represented the South doesn’t know anything,” begins to slowly open up in the midst of comfort station, equipped with handwash- from Park Plaza and Eliot End said he was involved Rushing said. a pandemic, health officials said they are ing stations, portable bathrooms and signage Street has gained over 8,000 in discussions to keep the seeing a rise in street activity in the Mass Ave reminding people to stay 6 feet apart. signatures and has gotten statue when City Councilor Continued on Page 8 Melnea Cass area. Continued on Page 8 127 Saint Botolph St Coldwell Banker’s #1 Boston Team

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Perfectly located in front of one of Union Park’s gorgeous water fountains, this stunning 2 bedroom, 1 bath duplex home has a warm and inviting layout with 2 incredible outside spaces. There is a private entrance from the newly planted front garden which leads to a gracious entry foyer. On the upper level is the master bedroom with original woodwork and full bathroom. The living area for this home is split with a dining room and kitchen upstairs overlooking the 2 story living room. A deck off Available for immediate move in the kitchen provides nice entertaining space. On the lower level is a spacious living area with fireplace, 2nd 1 bedroom apartment, in unit laundry bedroom and a large walk in closet that could be turned into a 2nd bathroom if so desired. A private brick patio $3,375 per month surrounded by mature plantings completes this one-of- a-kind residence which feels more like your own house Situated between the Back Bay and South End, Saint Botolph having the 2 private entrances rather than a condo. One assigned parking space is included. Street is one of Boston’s most noteworthy streets. WHALEY | RING TEAM Off Street parking available for rent. Paul Whaley 617-460-4238 | Charlie Ring 617-699-2597 | Iliyan Padinkov 617-678-6400 Lilly Frohlinger 508-523-6347 | Brian Gagnon 617-733-3983 | Tiana Brandano 781-771-5551

www.ColdwellBankerHomes.Com 399 Boylston street, Boston MA 02116 | 617-266-4430 617-247-3070 [email protected] Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2020 Coldwell Banker Realty. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. www.thecopleygroup.com The Boston Guardian 8 | June 26, 2020 No Social Distancing BPHC said they are working to address the Ideally, he said he would like to see more potties there, there is nurishment there, there issue and a spokesperson confirmed that the homeless people socially distant and wearing is a safe environment.” Continued from Page 7 Woods Mullen lot is owned by the BPHC. masks, but Fox admits the comfort station Though “no one gets a free pass,” contin- Attempts to draw more people to the model is working as planned. ued Fox, “These people presented less of a Another lot at 1010 Massachusetts Ave., Proctor Street lot are underway to reduce “The postcard view of the comfort risk to the general population and to each the Proctor Street lot, was set up to serve the congestion at the Woods Mullen lot, a station tends to misrepresent the purpose other” since the city has “been so aggressive same purpose, but has seen a lot less traffic. BPHC spokesperson said. Service providers and effectiveness of the effort” to work in terms of testing and quarantining those A spokesperson from the Boston Public at the lots will continue to encourage better with a challenged population, added Fox, who had the virus for 14 days.” Health Commission (BPHC) said the lots personal hygiene and social distancing. who sits on the mayor’s Mass/Cass 2.0 Task The discussion now, he said, has to be on are meant to reduce the number of people on However, some were spotted not wearing Force. the creation of temporary and supportive the street since daytime services in the area masks at the Woods Mullen lot. This could He said the lot model is widely supported housing for the fall and winter months when are closed due to COVID-19. be a cause for concern in addition to close by neighbors and offers safety and supports temperatures begin to drop. He said the The nonprofit organization, the Boston contact with others amid a pandemic. to those struggling with substance use discussion is being had by providers but not Health Care for the Homeless Program, Stephen Fox, chair of the South End disorders and in need of a place to stay. by elected officials. working with the population declined to Forum, said people on the streets and in “The problem that we’re facing is the “I think we need to rethink what we are comment on whether this type of crowding lots “is less of a concern” than crowding in homeless don’t have alot of options instead going to do on how we house shelter clients,” poses a danger amid a pandemic and would shelters, which he described as “beds lined of public spaces and alleyways, which bring he said “. … We’re going to be faced with a not provide a reason for its decision to not up where people are generally confined” and their own sorts of problems,” he said. “At crisis with the lack of both temporary and comment. separated by plastic curtains. least in the comfort stations there are porta supportive housing very soon.”

Lincoln Statue but arrives at a different conclusion. came to the actual depiction of the TEA Diversity Esplanade, which currently Fernandez, an associate dean for artwork, which portrays Lincoln consists of three murals on Continued from Page 7 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion as a paternal white savior, in his Continued from Page 5 pump houses along the park, at Boston University Wheelock opinion. will also be an area where the He is advocating for a large College of Education and Human “It’s not just a debate about He estimates that the program board hopes to recruit more scale discussion on the history of Development, refers to the piece as the relative merits or demerits of would have seen 200 to 300 works of art by diverse artists. the statue which was purchased “a phenomenal teaching tool that Abraham Lincoln, the President, people “working out, side by Nichols said the three current by Moses Kimball in 1879 and belongs in a museum.” the man, it’s also about this other side on the Esplanade, represent- murals were done all by women. presented as a gift to the city. “When you look at the depiction figure who’s at his feet … [Lincoln’s] ing all that’s wonderful about An event that typically draws “I think the statue is more of Lincoln towering above this story has been well told … But Boston.” artists and producers of color important than an immediate man you understand that from the whose story we haven’t really told “We’re committed to trying each year, known as GroundBeat, personal reaction to it, and I artist’s perspective really this man is the figure down below him,” he to preserve as much of that new a free riverfront music series that think you need to talk about that that’s down below is just a prop,” said. program this year as possible, was held last year in the Hatch immediate personal reaction. I am Fernandez said, adding that the Fernandez said the proper venue and as soon as it’s appropriate Shell, may go virtual this year, ready to do that,” Rushing said. freed slave is stripped of his dignity for the statue would be a museum, bringing that program back to according to the association’s He said it would be a huge and humanity. which he said could provide better the Esplanade.” Chief of Staff Kelsey Pramik. mistake and a missed opportunity “And that frankly has white gaze context and allow more scrutiny. In terms of education and The program, sponsored to not talk first about the statue’s all over it,” he added. Rushing added that maybe it public art, Nichols said the by The Boston Foundation history before decisions are made. Unlike Rushing, Fernandez does could work in an art museum but association plans include “a and Mass Cultural Council, But the petition, created by not agree with the notion that it should not be stowed away in more multifaceted telling of the is described as an effort to Boston resident Tory Bullock, is providing context is a solution storage. Esplanade’s story,” which would showcase a wide range of calling for the removal not the to the issue if it’s kept in a public Walsh’s office is open to a provide more information on musical styles and promote local relocation of the statue, which space. community discussion on the the indigenous population that arts in the park, according to the Rushing said he is absolutely “There is no plaque that can be issue and is engaging with the Arts lived in the area and cherished association’s website. opposed to. put there that will provide dignity Commission on the options he has. the river, which was known to Lastly, the association plans to “I can understand people being to the man ... It doesn’t matter Rushing admits he might not them as the Quinobequin River. use funds to broaden its outreach opposed to having it in public what words you put on there, that have chosen the artist Thomas Ball “These are stories that the to successfully advertise all of the unexplained, and I’m assuming that person is still frozen in that position to design the memorial with the way Esplanade Association would benefits of the park beyond the that’s what this really means … we at Lincoln’s feet. There’s no way it came out “but that’s part of the like to more deeply understand, downtown area. should be able to tell the story of the around that except to remove the story.” “We can go move it, right, help the public understand For the association itself, the statue where it is, that’s my proposal statue from that public space,” he and never talk about it again or we … that this land has a long board has begun working on for going forward,” he said. said. could talk about it and decide after and storied history that is steps that will lead to a more But Raul Fernandez, a Boston Both Rushing and Fernandez that conversation what we should worthy of a narrative that we diverse staff and board in the University lecturer has been arguing recognize that the statue is a do with it,” Rushing said. “So I tell right along with the work future. for the statue’s removal since the replica of the original that stands have no problem with [Bullock]. of [Frederick Law] Olmsted “We’re eager for this challenge, deadly Charlottesville rally in 2017. in Washington, D.C., which was And I have no problem with having and Charles Eliot and Arthur we’re excited about the work that Rushing said Fernandez has financed by freed slaves in 1876 a conversation, I have no problem Shurcliff in the park. And so our we’ve done at this point and we written an incredibly researched years after Lincoln’s assassination. with an eventual move, if that’s organization is committed to look forward to reporting back piece on the monument, referring Fernandez said it is clear that what after people have studied the telling these stories in the years with more specifics on some of to a Medium article, on “all of the those black men and women did history of this thing people decide ahead,” Nichols added. these elements in the weeks and things that people should know” not have a seat at the table when it to do.” The public art series on the the months ahead,” Nichols said.

COVID-19 Testing with nasal swabs necessary to conduct the people to come for medical care. “We’re going to watch closely what the Continued from Page 6 test. Currently, about 15 people a day are demand is,” said Mulligan. “As soon as we could procure the swabs being tested between 8 a.m. and midday, Mulligan said FCHC is considering we needed, the PPE we needed and get Monday to Friday. Mulligan said she’s offering nearby colleges and universities “It took that long because we couldn’t the agreement with Boston Public Schools expecting patient numbers to go up. They testing services if and when students return get our hands on the supplies that were and the City of Boston, we actually moved have the capacity to test about 48 people in the fall. They have also offered free testing necessary to do the testing,” said Mulligan. relatively quickly,” she said. It took staff just each morning, but if nurses are unable to to all of those participating in protests and Not only were they short on masks five days to set up. accommodate all patients they will consider vigils. “We are looking for ways that we can and other protective equipment, but Medical professionals hope this more extending their hours, opening in the be as helpful as we can to the community,” Quest Laboratories could not supply FCHC convenient location will encourage more afternoons and potentially on weekends. she said. June 26, 2020 | 9 The Boston Guardian LET THERE BE RED, WHITE & BLUE! At least one Fourth of July ritual is continuing this year as the Downtown Business Improvement District festoons the area with symbols of patriotism.

Photo credit: Downtown BID

& Yuri Watches NOW OPEN Monday – Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Sunday Closed Jewelry and watch repair Gift cards available at gonift.com 142 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116 (617) 267-7371 [email protected] The Boston Guardian Living Outside the Box 10 | June 26, 2020 Extend Your Home Into the Outdoors By Laura Porecca Warm summer weather is a long-awaited treat for many Bostonians who want to turn off their heat and get outside. Whether the reason is for a planned dinner party, an impromptu brunch with some friends, or just to catch a breath at the end of the day, outdoor spaces boom as the season heats up. The houses, apartments and beautiful How To Garden brownstones of Boston are often also graced with patios, balconies and roof decks. While With Little Space each serve a common purpose to extend your home’s living space into the outdoors – they Photo: Courtesy of Beacon Hill Garden Club Photo: Bob Henry all do it differently. the day. Drinking coffee by the sunrise or Gardening in the city can sometimes and they all require different amounts of sun A patio is usually a medium to large tea by the sunset can bring stress relief and be tough due to lack of space, but have no and different size containers. Take the time outdoor space located off a main area of the a sense of peace to your life, and that in turn fear – container gardening is here! This type to do your research prior to going to the house, such as the living room or dining can translate into the home. Since balconies of gardening is great for city dwellers due to nursery so you are not over-whelmed upon room. Ample space for guests and easy are smaller, less furniture is needed, but still the little space required and large range of arrival. This will also help you choose the accessibility makes a patio the perfect place be sure to make your hideout nice and cozy. potential plants, from roses to rose-mary. plants that best suit your wants and needs. to bring the fun outside. A nice dining table Perhaps a lounge chair and a small end table A pot is not necessarily a pot. One of the Keep the tags. Every plant or pack of seeds and comfy chairs are some bare necessities to is all you need to hold a book or a glass of best parts about container gardening is that will come with information about food and create a pleasant atmosphere, and you can wine to help you achieve tranquility. a pot is not the be-all and end-all. Anything light needed and potential size. Keep these so get creative with them, too. For a whimsical As if same-level extensions were not with drainage can work, from a rain boot you know what your plant baby needs. touch, decorate with bright colors. For an enough, some buildings even have rooftop to a coconut. This is the perfect time to get Plant friendships. If you are planning ultra chic look, utilize more subdued colors. decks for resi-dents to enjoy. These spaces can creative! on mix-ing plants together, make sure they A patio can be a secret space where you can range from being just a plain empty space But make sure you pot smart. Different can play nice with each other and can live in let your imagination run wild, so let it do that happens to sit on top of a building to types of pots will affect the longevity and the same environment. This will help your exactly that! You can further enhance the being a decked out – no pun intended – moisture of the soil within. Plastic or ceramic garden bloom with di-versity. ambiance of your patio with accessories and hideaway with electricity, heating and more. pots will not ab-sorb water from the soil, but But do not force too many at once. Do little touches here and there, whether or not Depending on what your roof has, play to clay and moss-lined ones will. Keep this in not try to cram too many plants – especially they serve a real purpose. While something its strengths. If there is electricity, things mind while getting ready to plant, especially different ones – in one pot. Overcrowding like a mosquito lamp or fire pit is practical like an electric fireplace and a hot tub can if you have just recently discovered your will lead to weak plants, and nobody wants and almost expected, do not limit your really enhance the feeling of luxury. For a green thumb. their greens to be strug-gling. decorating to the expected. Go beyond with deck lacking amenities, you can make a cozy Drain, drain, drain. Make sure your Make sure more mature plants get more the finishing touches, like putting down a second home by just adding some comfy pots and containers have big enough holes space. Plants that take a long time to be rug, fluffing some pillows and planting more chaise lounges and a table to sit around to in them so your soil can properly drain. ready for harvesting usually get pretty big and than just some basic potted plants. Larger share some stories and, of course, cocktails. Without this, your plants can virtually require a lot of space. Crops like tomatoes, gardens including tall trees and fancy foods Rooftops are particularly special in a drown and rot from sitting in water. squash and kale all need an adequate-sized can make your sanctuary a little more exotic, city like Boston because of the skyline or Going bigger is always a great idea. A pot to really thrive. yet still quite personal. water vistas that can be seen from the top. bigger pot means a larger amount of soil. Do not let your plants go hungry. Plain Balconies, on the other hand, are more Priceless views like this are perfect alone or In turn, more soil allows for a bigger root old soil most likely does not have enough intimate. Usually stemming off a bedroom, shared with friends or significant others. system that often leads to happier plants. nutrients to help your garden really thrive, small balconies can be the perfect place to After all, romance is often best found under Take your time researching prior to so make sure to incorporate some fertilizer find some tranquility at the start or end to the stars. shopping. There are many kinds of plants, or compost into the mix.

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Paul Gleason, Broker Paul Gleason, Manager 219 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116 • (617) 262-1470 219 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116 • (617) 262-1470 [email protected] • fairfieldrealtyboston.com [email protected] • fairfieldrealtyboston.com June 26, 2020 | 11 The Boston Guardian

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Congratulations to our everyday legends!

Join us as we celebrate the heroes who have made a positive impact during these unprecedented times. The Fenway community is grateful to our Everyday Legends today and every day!

Read more about our winners at thefenway.com/news