MAXFIELD & COMPANY (617) 293-8003 REALEXPERIENCE ESTATE • EXCELLENCE FAULKNER HOSPITAL EXPANSIONMAKE EVERY PLANS, DAY PAGE, EARTH 10 DAY Vol. 30 No. 8 28 Pages • Free Delivery 25 Cents at Stores BOOK YOUR Jamaica Plain POST IT Call Your Advertising Rep Printed on (617)524-7662 Recycled Paper AZETTE 617-524-2626 G MAY 14, 2021 WWW.JAMAICAPLAINGAZETTE.COM Barros, Santiago help stuff gift MOTHER’S DAY LILAC WALK AT ARBORETUM bags for senior mothers as part of ‘I Remember Mama’ event BY LAUREN BENNETT VOAMASS’s Shiloh House on Parley Vale, a place for women JP-based nonprofit Volun- recovering from substance abuse teers of America of Massachu- disorder and behavioral health setts (VOAMASS) held its 26th conditions. annual ‘I Remember Mama’ VOAMASS offers programs event on May 8, but this year, and services for behavioral the event looked a little different. health, veterans, seniors, and The program is typically a re-entry services for formerly brunch held at a hotel for around incarcerated individuals. 200 senior mothers who live in “As a candidate for mayor public housing in Boston, but of Boston, it’s really important this year, because of the pan- that we learn what’s happening demic, volunteers and mayoral in the community, and more im- candidates John Barros and Jon portantly,” what else can be done Shown above, several friends in the Arnold Arboretum joined Santiago created 200 gift bags to support residents, John Barros Acting Mayor Kim Janey, and her mother Phyllis, for a Lilac that were delivered to the women said at the event. “The ‘I Remem- Walk on Mother’s Day, May 9. Shown to the right, Rev. Mariama instead. The event took place at Continued on page 8 White-Hammond, the recently-appointed chief of environment, energy and open space, takes pause to stop and smell the wonderful fragrance of the lilacs in the Arnold Arboretum on Mother’s Day, May 9. ROSLINDALE BUSINESS TOUR District 6 candidates respond to questions in forum hosted by JP Progressives; NAACP Boston BY LAUREN BENNETT candidates on April 28. So far, a series of questions by modera- candidates include Kendra Hick- tors Wynndell Bishop of NAACP JP Progressives and NAACP slk, Kelly Ransom, and Mary Boston hosted a candidate forum Tamor. for the District 6 City Council The candidates were asked Continued on page 2 E-13 police present April crime overview BY LAURA PLUMMER meeting. One chart examines Part One The meeting is an opportunity crime data. Part One crimes are On Thursday, May 6, District for members of the public to ask more serious in nature, and don’t E13 of the Boston Police Depart- questions of local law enforce- include crimes such as vandalism ment hosted its monthly virtual ment. At every meeting, E-13 offi- police and community relations cers provide local crime statistics. Continued on page 3 PHOTOS BY JEREMIAH ROBINSON/MAYOR’S OFFICE La policía de JP presenta los datos de delincuencia de abril Acting Mayor Kim Janey and Councilor Ricardo Arroyo took a BY LAURA PLUMMER reunión mensual de relaciones En cada reunión, los oficiales business walk through Roslindale Square on Thursday, May 6, entre la policía y la comunidad. de E-13 brindan estadísticas de to help promote local business and the Main Streets program. El jueves 6 de mayo, el Dis- La reunión es una oportuni- delitos locales. Un cuadro ex- It was one of several business walks she’s taken in the last trito E-13 del Departamento de dad para que el público haga pre- month. See more photos and stories on pages 14-18. Policía de Boston presentó su guntas a las autoridades locales. Continued on page 3 2 • JAMAICA PLAIN GAZETTE • MAY 14, 2021 Jamaica Plain’s Gerry Wright receives national volunteer service award STAFF REPORT ceived the National Association legacy of parks and landscapes and commitment to promoting ment to educating diverse audi- for Olmsted Parks’ (NAOP) Car- that revitalize communities and and protecting the Olmsted leg- ences about the legacy of Freder- Gerry Wright, long-time oline Loughlin Volunteer Service enrich people’s lives. acy. In presenting the award, ick Law Olmsted.” Among those Jamaica Plain resident, parks Award. The D.C. based organi- Wright was recognized at a NAOP CEO and Chair Anne in attendance also paying tribute supporter and social and envi- zation works to advance Freder- virtual ceremony held April 30 Neal Petri cited Mr. Wright’s ronmental justice advocate, re- ick Law Olmsted principles and for his extraordinary dedication “Unique and creative commit- Continued on page 3 quality rental and home own- terms of making these options zoning to lessen barriers to land “I think that bringing people Forum erships” for families, first gen- available and teaching folks use. together is truly one of the most eration college graduates, and what is the path to home own- Kelly Ransom, who works for important parts of this job,” Ta- Continued from page 1 young professionals. ership as well.” the Madison Park Development mor said, and “listening to all Mary Tamor said that “we Kendra Hicks said that Bos- Corporation, said that Madison the voices of those who surround Boston, JP youth activist Melissa have to do what we can to make ton “need[s] a housing plan that’s Park has “a program that the city us.” She said that she has visit- Beltran, and Ed Burley of the lending more available,” and going to be based on our resi- could easily model,” that includes ed more than 85 Boston Public JP Progressives, ranging from to “utilize beautiful old public dents’ actual needs.” She also a $50,000 down payment for peo- Schools and has gotten a “sense housing to education to public buildings.” She said that she spoke about the importance of ple in the program looking to own of what’s happening in commu- safety. has attended more Boston Plan- building environmentally friend- a home. She said the program nities.” Candidates were asked what ning and Development Agency ly housing that is “inclusive for has been successful and will be When it comes to public safety policies they would propose “to (BPDA) meetings recently, and families and young profession- expanded. and the police budget, candidates ensure affordability and high “I think we can do far more in als,” as well as changing the She also said that having a were asked how public safety 100 percent affordable zoning should be reflected in the police overlay district would also in- budget and responsibilities. crease the amount of affordable Tamor said that there is an housing in the city. “opportunity to reimagine; rein- The candidates were also vent policing as we know it. We asked about small business relief really need to have some really as the city continues its recovery robust conversations about what from the COVID-19 pandemic. needs to happen…who goes on “We need to start being hon- what calls.” est about the fact that small Hicks said that it comes down business owners and restaurants to “what, and specifically who, are in need of a bail out,” Hicks we’re investing in,” and looking said. She said making the pro- at the police budget from a fiscal cesses easier for folks, especially responsibility standpoint. for those whose first language Ransom brought up what isn’t English, would be helpful. she called the “Three O’s: over- Tamor said it’s “heartbreak- worked, overtired, and over- ing to see how many business- time.” She said that with the es have closed.” She said her large amount of construction family members “are small busi- happening in the district and ness people,” and said that more across the city, there are “police grants are necessary to help out details working overtime when struggling businesses. Addition- they could be doing other things. ally, she said that it’s important These could be reallocated to to “make sure that Main Streets [the Inspectional Services De- is helping everyone in the way partment.” She added that “I do that they should.” not think we should be making You do so much good. Making Ransom said that as a former traffic stops on minor infrac- restaurant industry employee, tions.” a difference. Employing people. she said that offering “one on During the lightning round, You’re doing amazing things. one technical and financial as- when candidates were asked if And we’re grateful to be along sistance” for both existing busi- they support the reallocation of with East Boston Savings Bankwith East Boston Savings for the ride. nesses and ones that are trying BPD funds for investment in to get off the ground. the community, both Hicks and When asked how they will Ransom said yes, and Tamor said “legislate for the entire district,” no. When asked if they support Hicks said that “while some of a “hard cap on Boston Police De- our challenges may differ, we’re partment overtime, Tamor said all grounded in similar issues.” no, and Hicks and Ransom said She said that by having many yes. voices at the table, the city is As part of the lightning round, “more likely to find solutions.” candidates answered other yes or Ransom said that “I recognize no questions on topics like police that the platform of a Boston issues, safe injection sites, and City Councilor” is “incredibly education. powerful,” as the spotlight is of- The full video with each can- ten turned on them. “I don’t want didates’ answers to all questions NMLS # 457291 Member FDIC | Member DIF 800.657.3272 EBSB.com that…on me; I want it to be on can be found on the JP Progres- Facebook.com/EastBostonSavingsBank the people of this district,” she sives Facebook page.