Council looks to keep residents abreast of construction news

In an effort to encourage community input on new construction projects, the Boston City Council's Planning and Economic Development Committee yesterday discussed ways to better notify neighborhood residents of upcoming projects to avoid confusion and complaints.

Authorities and residents offered recommendations to the Council on ways to make the development process smoother for everyone.

Residents said they are often unaware of projects until construction first begins.

"This lack of notification sends people through the roof," said Councilor Jerry McDermott (Allston, Brighton).

The councilors suggested that construction companies send letters to neighborhoods that will be affected by a project, outlining any inconveniences people may face.

They also suggested properties under construction be marked with a sign and phone number residents can call with questions.

"Construction can be disrupting to people," said Councilor John Tobin (Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury). "We are trying to get more information into people's hands."

Monday November 27
10:00 – Boston City Council Meeting 11/15
1:00 – Environment Hearing on eliminating exemption to noise ordinance for
construction in residential areas (Live)
3:00 – Public Safety Hearing re: security of shipments to and from BioLab 10/30 (1:54)

Tuesday November 28
10:00 – City & Neighborhood Services ...   more »

The City of Seattle, Washington is considering following the model of Boston and some other cities across the United States in granting the Mayor control of appointees to the city's School Committee. This past Monday, The Seattle Times wrote about Seattle Mayor's Greg Nickels efforts and looked back to Boston as the first city to do this, in the early 1990s. Councillor Tobin commented on Boston's results in the piece.

Boston City Councilor John Tobin, who leads the council's Education Committee, said he often gets calls from frustrated parents who can't contact School Board members.

"There's little room for debate and discussion" with the appointed board, he said. "I'd like to broaden it so there's more neighborhood representation."

Councillor Tobin has repeatedly sponsored efforts to increase the visibility and interaction of the public with the Boston School Committee, including resolutions unanimously passed by the City Council urging the School Committee to broadcast its meetings on local television. Councillor Tobin has also sponsored legislation to have School Committee members appointed by City Council district to ensure better city-wide representation and accountability. Currently, there are a number of Council districts with no representative on the Committee.   more »

This past Tuesday, the Cape Cod Times ran a story on Councillor Tobin's proposal to devote 1% of the state's 5% meals tax to local aid for the city or town in which the money was generated. Councillor Tobin recently sent letters out to 40 cities and town governments in the Commonwealth to explain his plan and seek support.

''If we are going to talk about the state being a partner with the municipalities, that includes us,'' [Tobin] said. ''We have to take a step back. We need friends. We need strength in numbers across the state to make that argument.''

Back in August, The Boston Globe ran an editiorial on this proposal as well.

Note: The full article is featured after the fold as the Cape Cod Times only grants free access to their articles for 7 days.   more »

He could be a contender
Tobin discussing higher ambitions by Matt Viser, Globe Staff | November 14, 2006

He appeared recently with an American Idol star, judged a citywide vocabulary contest, hosted his own costume gala. Councilor John Tobin suddenly is showing up at high-profile events all over town and inserting himself in high-visibility issues that have implications far beyond his district of West Roxbury and Jamaica Plain.

   more »

Monday November 20
10:00 – Public Safety Hearing on various grants for Police Department 10/30
10:30 – Education Hearing on assessment of English Language Learners 5/9 (2:59)
2:00 – Planning & Eco Development Hearing on community notice and community
input into local development projects (Live)

Tuesday November 21
10:00 – ...   more »

Monday November 13
10:00 – Public Safety Hearing on various grants for Police Department 10/30
11:00 – Public Safety Hearing to review City’s emergency preparedness 6/5 (5:01)
4:00 – Government Ops Hearing on registering labs in Boston 6/6

Tuesday November 14
10:00 – Public Safety Hearing on security at Massport ...   more »

City Councillor John M. Tobin, Jr. holds district office hours in different locations each month.

Councillor Tobin’s November district office hours will be held on:

• Friday, November 17 at Starbucks, 1810 Centre Street in West Roxbury from, 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.

• Saturday, November 18 at El Oriental de ...   more »

Monday November 6
10:00 – Public Utilities & Cable Hearing on satellite dish placement 10/20 (1:10)
11:30 – Boston City Council Meeting 11/1
2:00 – Public Safety Hearing on various grants for Police Department 10/30
3:30 – Government Ops Hearing on registering labs in Boston 6/6

Tuesday November 7 ** ...   more »