THE BOSTON GUARDIAN Mail Delivery Is About to Spike

The Boston Guardian December 4, 2020 Vol. 5 Issue 15 Mail Delivery Is About to Spike By Justin Roshak

One holiday tradition remains unchanged this year. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is recommending that citizens mail their cards and ship their packages as early as possible. It is also urging citizens to mail as much as they can from home. For delivery by Christmas, First Class cards, letters, and packages should be mailed by December Dan Mullin Was 18 at the latest, and Priority mail by December 19. Only Priority Mail Express items can be expected Mister “Smiles” to arrive by December 24 if mailed the day before. Mail volume is expected to spike beginning By Trea Lavery his way, he would try to make a December 7, with the week of December 14 to 21 joke of it or say were blessed with predicted to be the busiest for mailing, shipping, One of the things people friends and good health, so he and deliveries, according to the USPS website. mention most when discussing wouldn’t let it consume him.” Nevertheless, Postal Service representatives are Dan Mullin is his smile. Mullin, a well-known real projecting confidence in their timetable. “He had a sense of humor estate broker and Beacon Hill “As far as anticipating shipping delays, we’re second to none,” said Suzanne resident, died at home at 78 on not, at this point,” said Steve Doherty, Corporate Ianella, a longtime friend and Thanksgiving Day after a six-year Communications Specialist for the USPS’s coworker of Mullin. “He loved fight against melanoma. Northeast Area. to laugh. When things didn’t go Continued on Page 2 Continued on Page 2 Let There Be Light!

Photo credit: Downtown BID Arts Being Showcased In Downtown Windows By Trea Lavery Downtown Crossing can still experience their holiday magic Photo credit: Susan Cole Kelly Classic holiday shows like just by strolling past some of At least the darkest year in modern Thursday by Mayor Marty Walsh. The Mall lights The Nutcracker and A Christmas the neighborhood’s previously history can end with a little light as the were the inspiration of philanthropist Ted Cutler Carol may have been cancelled empty storefronts. Commonwealth Avenue Mall, the Public Garden 11 years ago. They are funded by about 200 local this year, but visitors to Continued on Page 2 and the Boston Common were illuminated on residents. The Boston Guardian 2 | December 4, 2020

Mail Delivery steadily” for both permanent and attributed to an increase in online front of the building throughout boxes, print labels, and ship Continued from Page 1 temporary positions, Doherty said. shopping. He anticipates a further the holiday season. packages all from their own homes. By mid December he expects flurry of cards and letters, as people In addition to the usual tips Package thieves, so called “porch that “we’ll put on a couple of extra seek out tangible personal connec- about maintaining a clear path to pirates”, will be a particularly “This is our season. It’s not like hundred thousand employees” in tions in the darkest, loneliest part the door and keeping dogs inside, pernicious problem this year, we haven’t done this before,” he the Northeast alone. Hiring will of a dark and lonely year. 2020 brings additional safety Doherty said. He advised residents added, though he acknowledged continue well into the holiday Some accommodations are recommendations. to be as watchful as possible toward that, “This year’s definitely not season. This year, the annual already being rolled out. Sunday The Post Office is encouraging scheduled deliveries. typical. It’s expected to be a record holiday rush looks more like delivery began November 29 in residents to mail from home as Doherty added a final note of season.” business as usual. high volume locations. Other much as possible. It expects that wisdom, timeless words that have Consequently, the USPS is “We’ve seen an upswing in steps are more creative. Allston’s a record 500,000 people will been passed down and ignored gearing up for the holiday rush. packages since the pandemic Post Office closed last year, but a use Click N Ship, which allows from generation to genera- “We’ve been hiring pretty began,” Doherty said, a trend he mobile Post truck will deploy in customers to order Priority Mail tion,“shop early.”

Boston and what a great contribution that the castle.” Nearby at 467 Washington Street, Huntington Theatre Company has installed Downtown Windows they make.” Commonwealth Shakespeare is presenting a a fantastical New Years’ Eve-themed piece at Continued from Page 1 Cambridge-based theatre group Revels 35-minute video projection of an abridged 481 Washington Street has designed an installation that highlights performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas The Downtown Crossing decorating As part of its Downtown Holiday the medieval props and costumes normally Carol. Steve Maler, artistic director for the also includes 25 decorated Christmas trees, Magic program, the Downtown Business used for their holiday production, Christmas company, said that passerby can stay for five and Santa Claus will be in the window of Improvement District (BID) has introduced Revels, located at 395 Washington St. The minutes or the whole production. Primark on weekends through December holiday-themed installations by several design includes dragons, lords and ladies and “We wanted to do something that was 20 to speak to children on a microphone, theatre and arts organizations in the windows a flickering fireplace. more narrative and featuring as close to observing social distancing guidelines. of Washington Street and Arch Street. “When I was a kid, you would go live performances as we can get right now,” Sansone said that the reception to the “Right now, all of the workers are downtown and you would see the Maler said. holiday windows has been very positive. either furloughed or not able to work,” Jordan Marsh and Filene’s windows, “Part of our mission is all about free “We haven’t even completed the installa- said Rosemarie Sansone, president and and it was the same scene year after year,” and accessible programming. For us, the tion process, and people are taking photos of CEO of the BID, of the members of these said Heidi Hermiller, costume designer for ability to safely share this great work of the work being done,” she said. organizations. Revels. art with people in this crazy time was sort “It’s a wonderful activity, because it’s all “This is an opportunity to do what “I wanted people to be able to see the of the obvious solution.” Boston Ballet has outdoors, and we’re encouraging people to they do best; to put on a production for richness of the costumes up close because designed a window at 101 Arch Street which be outdoors. The whole downtown area, the public to view and to remind the public usually we’re at the distance of the stage. I highlights some of the props and set pieces including Downtown Crossing, will really of how important theatre is to the city of wanted it to be like we’re inviting you into from its annual Nutcracker production, and be a place for people to visit this year.”

The Boston Guardian The Boston Guardian is published on Fridays. ©2020 Guard Dog Media, Inc. Dan Mullin and generous people,” said Harry Collings, President another longtime friend of Mullin’s, who Robert Whitcomb Continued from Page 1 worked with him to fundraise for AIDS Editor/Publisher Reporters Contributors Action during the 1980s AIDS crisis. “He David Jacobs Mannie Lewis Trea Lavery was always helpful with a stranger and made Associate Editor Ian Stevenson Justin Roshak Mullin worked for 25 years as a real estate him feel like he was special. I’ve never been Amy Sokolow Gen Tracy agent before opening his own company, friends with anybody that was so caring and

P.O. Box 171558, Boston, MA 02117 Telephone: (857) 265-3022 Fax: (857) 990-3128 Dan Mullin Real Estate, which sells luxury had such a wide variety of friends.” Email: [email protected] Like us on Facebook@thebostonguardian Follow us on Twitter@bostonguardian residential properties in Back Bay, the South Those friends are far-reaching, as The reproduction in whole or part, of any information contained herein and prior is forbidden with- End, Beacon Hill, the Waterfront, and the evidenced by a recent Zoom call for Mullin’s out the express written permission of the publisher. Ladder District. Ianella, who met Mullin birthday on October 31, which had over in 1962 and is another broker with the 300 participants. Mullin was very social, company, said that he was always one of the often opening his home to guests, and fairest in the business. celebrating holidays in style. “Even with brokers outside our office, “For years, he always celebrated he would include people,” Ianella said. “If Thansksgiving during the day with family, somebody helped him, he would make and then he would head to his house [in sure they got some remuneration. He Provincetown] and prepare a Thanksgiving was incredibly fair, and that’s why he was dinner celebration on that Satuday evening so successful, because his reputation was for anywhere from 50 to 60 people,” said incredible.” Bill French, another lifelong friend and Paul Whaley, a broker with The Whaley business associate who often attended these Ring Team, said that when he started parties. “We would have a marvelous time. in the real estate business, Mullin acted He loved entertaining.” as a role model, showing him what an Between spending time in his two homes ethical real estate agent looked like. Whaley in Beacon Hill and Provincetown, Mullin especially admired Mullin’s constant was passionate about travel, even taking a charitable giving. cruise between New Zealand and Australia Jewelry and watch repair Mullin was active with many charities, during his battle with cancer. However, including Provincetown’s Fine Arts Work Ianella says, the most important thing to 142 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116 Center, AIDS Action, The Friends of Caritas him was always his family, especially his (617) 267-7371 Good Samaritan Hospice and Huntington many nieces and nephews. [email protected] Theater Company. He was also an active “He’ll be remembered eternally,” she said. member of St. Cecilia’s parish. “I know that he put a special mark on so “He was one of the most kind, caring many people.” December 4, 2020 | 3 The Boston Guardian

WHERE GREAT TASTE IS IN STYLE always At Arlington and Boylston Streets across from Boston’s Public Garden | 617.426.9500 | theheritageonthegarden.com The Boston Guardian 4 | December 4, 2020 Crime & Punishment Overnight POLICE LINE DO NOT CROSS District 4: 650 Harrison Avenue, 617-343-4457 Monthly District A-1: 40 New Sudbury Street, 617-343-4627 Parking Pass Starting the Day walking down Burbank Street when the police Veteran reporters keep a bottle of scotch saw him and established eye contact. After a brief in their desk drawers to facilitate the evening chase, the dude was apprehended and admitted $173 creative process. Others do the opposite. Three to his crime. Unlike George Washington who men made off with a bottle of Jack Daniels admitted to cutting down a cherry tree and Mon-Fri enter after 2 pm exit by 9:30 am + Sat & Sun enter/exit anytime. and one of Vitali vodka on the morning was rewarded for his honesty, this guy will be of November 23 from the Star Market on summoned to Boston Municipal Court. Motor Mart Garage Huntington Avenue. Perhaps we can learn Civilized Thugs 201 Stuart Street, Boston, MA 02116 from them by starting the day with an Nothing like receiving a radio call about a www.motormartgarage.com (617) 482-8380 [email protected] expensive buzz. person with a gun at the Copley Place Mall After the Buzz at 100 Huntington Avenue in the afternoon What do you do after starting your day with before Thanksgiving. A security guard reported a Jack Daniels and vodka buzz? You head up overhearing two men arguing. One of them to REI at 401 Park Drive and grab a Magma reached into the waistband of his pants and sleeping bag. Regrettably, our thief was spotted pulled out what may have been a gun or a leaving the store and dropped his new bed as knife and suggested they take their “discussion” he fled. outside. Consideration of place and people’s An Honest Thief karma is important in dispute resolution. Mornings seem best for stealing. On Who Pays Cash for Parking? November 24 at 10:43am, police responded On the morning after Thanksgiving, D4 to a radio call about a shoplifter at Urban officers responded to a report of vandalism at Outfitters at 361 Newbury Street. The guy was the parking lot at Dartmouth and Newbury nondescript wearing a blue and red beanie, Streets. Seems two guys wearing black and a pink sweatshirt and camouflaged pants. busted open one of those payment machines. (Forget larceny. Call the fashion police!) Guess Guess what. Nobody pays cash anymore; he needed two “Champion” sweat suits at $140 parkers use their credit cards and, in the future,

ai160573459811_31NOL_BostonGuardianAd_Final.pdf 1 11/18/2020 4:23:18 PM each for a black-tie dinner. bit coins. This is an obvious reminder that The perp headed to the Fenway and was crime does not pay.

DECEMBER LIGHTING SCHEDULE

1 st YMCA 16th Team IMPACT 2 nd MSPCC 17 th Elizabeth Stone House 3 rd Parkinson's Foundation 18th Massachusetts Project 351 4 th Children's Advocacy Center 19th New England Philharmonic of Suolk County 20th Boston Debate League C 5 th American Lung Association 21 st Esplanade Association M 6 th Catching Joy 22 nd Ron Burton Training Village Y Prudential Tower is lighting up the city 7 th National Brain Tumor Society 23 rd Boston Bruins Foundation th th CM 8 MGH Fund 24 New England Donor Services every night this December to celebrate th th MY 9 Reid's Rebels 25 CHRISTMAS 10 th HANUKKAH 26 th Victim's Rights Law Center CY the work of our local nonproﬁts. 11 th FriendshipWorks 27 th Rescuing Leftover Cuisine CMY 12 th Herren Project 28th Victory Programs K 13 th StrongHER 29 th Samaritans, Inc. 14th One Mission 30th RESPOND, Inc. 15 th The Junior League of Boston 31 st FIRST NIGHT Share your tower photos & tag @PruBoston

prudentialcenter.com December 4, 2020 | 5 The Boston Guardian Beacon Hill Stroll Is Coming With Changes

Photo credit: Courtesy of Anthony Samarco BPDA Examining West End Urban Renewal By Ian Stevenson a steward of development. Urban renewal As the Boston Planning and Development areas, which date from federal initiatives in Agency (BPDA) reviews its urban renewal the mid-20th Century, give cities enhanced areas, one neighborhood is not operating on powers to control zoning, claim land, and the same timeline. The West End, a working- restrict housing costs. class quarter notorious for being razed in the While 14 of the city’s urban renewal middle of the 20th Century, is on a different areas will need to be extended by the City schedule. Council in 2022, the West End’s original Photo credit: Gen Tracy On December 10, the BPDA will host a 1956 plan, written by the Boston Housing By Trea Lavery Zoom meeting to discuss the area’s building Authority, stipulates that the restrictions be the usual festivities may be disappointed. restrictions. As one of 16 remaining urban renewed automatically every ten years unless The annual Holiday Stroll, sponsored The event will be held from 12 to 5pm renewal areas designated by the city, the a majority of the neighborhood’s property by the Beacon Hill Business Association Saturday, December 5 instead of the usual West End meeting is the last in a series of owners and the Council agree to change the (BHBA), will proceed this year in spite of Thursday evening. events to improve the city’s reputation as plan. COVID-19, although visitors expecting Continued on Page 8 Continued on Page 8

Virtual Community Meeting

Urban Renewal Community Meeting

Thursday, December 10 Zoom Link: bit.ly/3fzhS0W 6:00 PM Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 161 968 9873 Serving Your Needs for Over 70 Years

Event Description: The Boston Planning and Development Agency invites the the West End and surrounding neighbors for a community meeting to meet members of its Urban Renewal Team and to hear updates to the Urban Renewal z Best stocking stuffer store Action Plan and Land Disposition Agreement Inventory regarding the z Grommet unique gifts & innovative products West End Urban Renewal Plan Area. z All kinds of cooking and baking supplies z Firewood & Duraflame logs z Benjamin Moore paints & supplies How to Participate: z All types of light bulbs This workshop will be hosted online, using Zoom. You must register z Cleaning & maintenance supplies using the link above, then you will receive a con irmation email with instructions for joining the meeting. Translated materials, Monday, Thursday: 6am to 7pm interpretation services, and disability accommodations may be Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8am to 7pm Saturday: 8:30 am to 6 pm requested by contacting us before 12:00 PM on December 1, 2020 at Sunday:12 pm to 5pm [email protected] or [email protected]. Thursday, Christmas Eve: 8 am to 3 pm Contact: Closed on Christmas Day Christopher Breen Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 Please call. 617.918.4202 | [email protected] We are happy to help you.

bostonplans.org @bostonplans 617-367-9046 Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary www.charlesstsupply.com Fenway The Boston Guardian 6 | December 4, 2020 New Vision for the Muddy Is Seeing the Light of Day

By Justin Roshak Emerald Necklace Conservancy. to recreational use such as kayaking. Visions for a Muddy River The State Department ofRenders by Landing Studio show free of debris and pollution, and Transportation (MassDOT) plans a gravel field replaced by an open Parks and Gardens flowing freely into the Charles were to replace a bridge in that area. stream and path. At the Muddy’s unveiled last Thursday, November While still in the early design stage, mouth, a new bridge would Prepare for Winter 19. this has created an opportunity permit pedestrian traffic, boating, By Trea Lavery The Muddy River connects to “daylight” the Muddy River, and views of Cambridge and the Members of the Fenway Victory to the Charles River between said H. Parker James, one of Charles. A MassDOT study on Gardens have begun cutting back Charlesgate West and East, under the founders of the Charlesgate daylighting the Muddy River is As the weather begins to get perennial plants that will grow Storrow Drive. It currently chugs Alliance. The daylighting process underway, and the Department has colder, gardeners throughout the back next year and removing dead through underground culverts would allow an historic bridge to not announced whether it intends Fenway are preparing their plants annuals that won’t grow back and described as “decrepit” by Karen once more traverse a free-flowing to support the idea. for the winter months after an also changing their soil. Mauney-Brodek, president of the stream, which would itself be open Continued on Page 8 unusual year due to COVID-19. Continued on Page 8 127 Saint Botolph St

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Ask about our Healthcare Heroes discount! 10% o your purchase, just show your ID badge. The Boston Guardian 8 | December 4, 2020

West End Council in 2016, it has created a added. Once residents are made “PDAs make the zoning much “renewal” that Boston promised Continued from Page 5 new website where residents can see aware of the restrictions in their more specific, so anytime a change their neighborhood. After low-in- if their home is managed by a Land neighborhood, “they may have in use happens, they have to go back come residents were pushed out Disposition Agreement (LDA), concerns about the LDAs being and get approval,” Jay Livingstone, in the late 1950s, much of the The West End’s next auto-renew- which restricts property use. “We’re lifted.” Despite the urban renewal the state representative for Suffolk housing construction that followed al will occur in 2027. trying to take something that is restrictions, some elected officials County’s 8th District, told the became upscale. “Despite what happened confusing to the public, that is are concerned the city’s ability to Guardian. Without as much affordable in the 1950s, [West Enders] muddled in paper documents, and offer exemptions on large develop- “That could be helpful for the housing “you end up with a lot love where they live now and coalesce all of that information, ments hamstrings the efficacy of public process, but it can also of rich white people and not a lot they’re very protective of it,” Chris digitize it, and put it on the web,” zoning restrictions. create the situation that existed of diversity, and you end up with Breen, who manages the BPDA’s Breen said. In 2016, a 44-story apartment with respect to the last Equity not a lot of family housing because urban renewal areas, told the In the West End, LDAs limit building at the former Garden [development], where everybody they’re just not building it,” Duane Boston Guardian. the development of existing open Garage site received approval in the neighborhood doesn’t like Lucia, director of the West End While he is currently focused on spaces, changes to affordable from the BPDA despite significant a project and it gets approved Museum, told the Guardian. planning for the neighborhoods housing requirements, and other neighborhood opposition. anyway.” Though large developers often whose agreements expire in 2022, stipulations. The residential tower is being Livingstone said that sunsetting pay for “mitigation,” Lucia said the Breen said the meeting will inform If the urban renewal designation built on the site of a Planned the urban renewal area in the spending primarily goes to public the neighborhood about the expires, so will the LDAs. Property Development Area (PDA), which West End would have an “unclear works rather than to alleviating the impact of complex and opaque owned by Mass General Hospital means the developer, Equity impact” and that “it’s something we “social impacts” of development. zoning laws. that is currently designated for Residential, was granted an should think about more closely in “What you get is no schools, no Since the BPDA received hospital use only, for example, exemption to local zoning, includ- 2027.” For longtime West Enders, parks, no community centers. It’s a a six-year extension from the could be sold to anyone, Breen ing the urban renewal zoning. many feel they are yet to see the dysfunctional system.”

Muddy director of Watershed Resilience more open, accessible park along to improve Charlesgate and the has allowed volunteers to clean the at the Charles River Watershed the river. A play area and dog park Muddy. river on a weekly basis. Continued from Page 6 Association. are both planned, plus shared-use Since spring, the Emerald On land, the Charlesgate Alliance The most truly polluted is Stony paths. An existing grove and patio Necklace Conservancy has provid- provided funding to Project Place, Meanwhile, advocacy has spun Brook, although the Muddy space would be refurbished, and ed social-distancing signage to a nonprofit that creates work and into high gear. A total of 33 organi- has the highest concentration of new trees planted. Construction in encourage safe park use, as a time training opportunities for people zations have endorsed a letter to sediment. E. Coli contamination Charlesgate could begin in either when use by locals has soared. experiencing homelessness. Governor Baker in support of the remains a problem in the Muddy, early spring or fall 2022, depend- In August, the Muddy Water Participants were paid to steward project. Mande said. ing on the length of the permitting Initiative installed a “watergoat”, the Charlesgate park for the past Infamous for living up to its Meanwhile, plans to improve the process. a floating filter that captures trash six months. That program will be name, the Muddy River is the Charlesgate area are maturing. Nor have organizers been and other debris. It was positioned suspended over the winter due to second biggest polluter of the Planners would remove a inactive: 2020 was a busy year near Ipswich Street, between rising costs, but will hopefully be Charles, said Pallavi Mande, former non-structural wall to create a for the many groups working Charlesgate and the Fens, and revived next year, organizers said. Parks and Gardens without a lot of outdoor space. This gave gardeners should plan to order early, as the done in the spring anyway. Veikley explained them somewhere to be outside and relax and large number of people working from home that some plants are pruned and leaves are Continued from Page 6 forget about the news the challenging things and taking the time to garden meant that swept off of the lawn to prevent damage to that were taking place during the summer.” they sold out of popular items quickly. the grass, but seed heads on plants that have Elizabeth Bertolozzi, president of the Since they can’t hold in-person gardening “We’re telling folks to be a little more them and the rest of the leaf litter is left alone group, said that the gardening season this workshops, Bertolozzi added that the group prepared and do more planning now, instead during the cold months. year was very different, because they couldn’t has had some virtual ones throughout the of waiting until the spring,” she said. “Anything that’s healthy and has seeds on organize their usual large social gatherings of year, and now that the growing season is Public parks are preparing for the winter, as it, we keep, because the overwintering birds volunteers. over, she has been sharing information with well. At Ramler Park, much of the fall garden still hop around on the ground and eat seeds, Instead, she said, most of the group’s 400 other gardeners on ways to make the most of work is usually performed on student service and when there’s early migrating birds in the members have largely been working on their their time at home. days with volunteers from the surrounding spring and there’s nothing much to eat, they own. “Overwhelmingly, the gardeners have One way she has suggested is using “winter colleges and universities, but those have been have the seeds,” she added. “We leave a lot of said to me how much they really valued sow jugs,” or planting seeds inside of plastic cut back, said Freddie Veikley, president of the leaf litter on the ground for overwinter- having this space to be outside,” Bertolozzi milk jugs and leaving them outside to Friends of Ramler Park. Some work has ing beneficial insects like bumblebees. This said. germinate when they are ready. Bertolozzi been done by individual gardeners, but is all part of providing some habitat for the “A lot of our folks live in small places and has also heard from seed suppliers that luckily, much of the park’s annual clean-up is city.”

Holiday Stroll While some stores will have promotions or events highlighting Continued from Page 5 specific designers or merchandise, they will not offer food or beverages. It will be missing the typical music, All customers will be required to wear tree lighting and pictures with Santa masks and the number of customers in Claus, and instead will focus on each shop at a time will be limited. highlighting the local businesses on The annual Holiday Stroll usually Charles Street. features bell ringers, carolers and refresh- “The idea behind it is to still have ments, and Charles Street is closed to a bit of holiday cheer and support traffic to allow for pedestrians to roam local businesses,” said BHBA safely. Ringenburg said that the event is president Ali Ringenburg. “We just usually very busy, with people coming want to do something to mark the from all over to attend, which is why oncoming holiday season and to remind the BHBA has made the decision to cut people to patronize the independent back to encourage social distancing. “It’s local shops.” really just a safe stroll,” she said. December 4, 2020 | 9 The Boston Guardian South End Better Than Santa Two SoWa Buildings Prepare for the Future

By Ian Stevenson A few blocks away at 540 Harrison Avenue, the Power Station, a former power As Boston braces for a long winter, two plant built in 1896, is undergoing major properties in the South End are preparing for renovation. Used as a venue for several years, a post-COVID world. A luxury condomini- holes on the structure’s facades have now um building on Shawmut Ave. in the South been enclosed by large windows and doors. of Washington (SoWa) neighborhood The refurbishment is also adding a new floor, is continuing construction after a delay a kitchen, indoor bathrooms and second and while the Power Station, an event space, is third floor spaces to host meetings and serve undergoing renovation. as offices for the building’s owners, GTI The construction of a 13-story condomini- Properties. um building on 100 Shawmut Avenue In addition, the owners are applying to the was delayed this spring by several months. city this month for a liquor license for the Initially scheduled to be completed on building. Though these amenities won’t be November 30, construction on the building available to the public anytime soon, the site Santa brings toys but State Representative Aaron Michlewitz who represents part of the South End stopped from mid-March through the end of will be ready once Boston reopens. can help bring state funding and support for small businesses. Michlewitz toured the neighborhood just before Thanksgiving to ascertain what more help is needed. May due to the city’s COVID lockdown. The “Right now, science is telling us we building is now scheduled to be completed can’t have events,” Jeff Gates, a partner at in March 2021. restaurant owner Aquitaine Groupe who is “We will be continuing to work on the managing the renovation of the property, South Enders Preparing exterior of the building through the next said at Tuesday’s meeting. “But when we can, several months,” Patrick Noone, a senior whatever the protocols are, we’re going to For Holiday Package Thefts development associate at real estate firm The learn them, train [our staff] and we’re going By Ian Stevenson Davis Companies, said at an East Berkeley to provide a safe atmosphere for our guests.” the Worcester Square Neighborhood Neighborhood Association meeting on At the meeting, several residents expressed Association, noted he has had at least five Tuesday night. concern that future events held at the space Amid this year’s pandemic and economic packages stolen from outside his home The building’s 138 units are for now for would be noisy and would last late into the woes, Boston residents have another this year. Part of the problem, according sale and can be viewed by appointment. The night. problem to worry about, package theft. to residents, is that many packages are left building’s realtors, Advisors Living, would “This is, believe it or not, a residential Though the issue is a nationwide problem, unprotected on front stoops. As a result, not disclose to The Boston Guardian how neighborhood,” said Judith Klau, who lives thefts are particularly common in the South Barney said he orders through the Postal many units have sold so far. across the street from the space. End, where neighborhood leaders expect Service whenever possible, as his postal the number of stolen packages to increase worker has a key to his building. throughout December. “It seems [the thieves] are waiting “We’re now in high season,” Steve Fox, somewhere, know the pattern of certain chair of the South End Forum, a coalition delivery trucks and follow them,” he said. of neighborhood groups, told The Boston Jana Eggers, another South Ender, said Guardian. “From just before Thanksgiving she recommends people purchase a “smart to New Years is the most intense package lock,” which allows homeowners to provide theft period of the year.” special key codes to delivery people which “In the last two weeks it’s been unbeliev- can be reset or turned off as needed. able,” noted Betty Edwards, director of Since thefts can happen quickly, police are communications for the Concord Square encouraging residents to call 911 immedi- Neighborhood Association. ately if they see a package nabbed. Two Since COVID-19 has reduced in-store weeks ago, District 4 police Captain Steven shopping, gift orders and holiday decora- Sweeney personally stopped a package thief tions are even more likely to be arriving after hearing a 911 report from his squad on doorsteps this month, offering lots of car, according to Fox. “People are generally opportunity for “porch pirates,” as they are correct in their assumptions that something sometimes called. doesn’t seem right, so your best bet is to At the same time, the pandemic has left call 911 and let us figure it out,” said Sgt. many people out of work and without DeLeo. He said that police add reports of sufficient means to support themselves or thefts to their patrol log so that problem their families, which may induce some to areas receive more attention. Despite the turn to theft. “From my experience these department’s emphasis on calling 911, thieves are not coordinated and generally some residents have taken to confronting sell the stuff on the street,” said Sgt. Paul the thieves. “I think people are so frustrated DeLeo, an officer with District 4. “If now, they just want to take things into their someone approaches you on the street own hands and get back their packages,” selling merchandise and it’s a really good Edwards said. Sometimes, what a thief deal, odds are it’s your neighbor’s stolen finds may be difficult to resell. “A package package.” South Enders report seeing was stolen from my doorstep on Berkeley empty boxes left in alleys or on sidewalks. street,” wrote one South End resident on Robert Barney, president of the Claremont Facebook. “I’m sure whoever did it was Neighborhood Association, said that four of disappointed to find out it was a couple of the five condominium units in his building fruit fly traps.” have had packages stolen in 2020. Ometimes there’s a little poetic justice in Desmond Murphy, vice president of that,” Fox said. August 14, 2020 | 9 TheThe B Bostonoston G Guardianuardian 10 | December 4, 2020 Let’sLet’s (Try(Try to)to) ForgetForget 20202020 December 4, 2020 | 11 The Boston Guardian

BREWSTER & BERKOWITZ Coldwell Banker’s #1 Boston Team REAL ESTATE 117 PINCKNEY STREET | $3,295,000

Prominently and beautifully situated just up from Charles Street and below Louisburg Square this historic 1830 Federal style townhouse has wonderful proportions and light throughout. Renovated and restored from top to bottom this 4 bedroom, 4 bath home is comfortable and easy to live in. The great room is on the second floor with good ceiling height, 2 fireplaces, wet bar and has wonderful sunlight flowing from the large bay window looking down Cedar Lane Way. The first floor consists of a chef’s kitchen which leads out to a private fenced off patio. Also on this level is a family room and dining room both with fireplaces. Above is a master suite with 21 Pinckney Street- Beacon Hill Townhouse a large bathroom and walk in closet. There is an inviting private deck off the master suite with room for dining This lovely yellow clapboard house stands out situated amongst the brick and relaxing. On the top floor are 2 additional bedrooms facades on a tree lined family street. Set back, the home, built c. 1804, has with lofted beamed ceilings and a shared bathroom. The finished lower level includes the 4th bathroom, workshop a unique off street orientation. A charming front garden leads to the front or bedroom and storage. One garage parking. entrance with a center staircase. Windows on all four sides fill the house with WHALEY | RING TEAM sunlight highlighting beautiful architectural details. The current owners have Paul Whaley 617-460-4238 | Charlie Ring 617-699-2597 recently renovated much of the home over the past few years. Enhancements Iliyan Padinkov 617-678-6400 | Lilly Frohlinger 508-523-6347 | Brian Gagnon 617-733-3983 include: a new kitchen, central a/c, a new alarm system, heat, electrical, Tiana Brandano 781-771-5551 | Rob Von Stein 203-526-6672 bathroom, roof, and structural upgrades. $2,650,000 www.ColdwellBankerHomes.Com [email protected] ~ 617-367-0505 399 Boylston street, Boston MA 02116 | 617-266-4430 ©2020 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and visit our website www.brewberk.com the Equal Opportunity Act.

One Island, 14 homes, infinite memories.

Weekly rentals available this summer! Nightly rentals available throughout the year. (508) 901-9877 [email protected] www.thecopleygroupnantucket.com The Boston Guardian 12 | December 4, 2020

Assisted Living I Memory Care Independent Living Independent Living I Assisted Living

Let your winter worries melt away... With spacious apartments and stunning common areas for dining, socializing and wellness activities, you’ll find everything you need —and want— for a winter retreat.

Stay for a month or until spring in a fully furnished apartment!

• Concierge Services • Complimentary Town Car and Chauffeur • Restaurant-Style Dining • Cultural, Education & Social Programs • State-of-the-Art Fitness Center • Heated Saltwater Pool*

*One Wingate Way and Needham Locations

To schedule your tour at To schedule your tour at Wingate To schedule your tour at Wingate One Wingate Way, call: Residences at Needham, call: Residences at Boylston Place, call: 781.394.9209 781.423.3134 617.244.6400 235 Gould Street, 235 Gould Street, 615 Heath Street, Needham, MA 02494 Needham, MA 02494 Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

WingateHealthcare.com