BOSTONPUBLICLIBRinv S ^ y^ l^ iiiiiiiiiiii 9999 06 16 993 )S5"uer KENMORE ASSOCIATION KENMORE NEWS. ^.^^-^^7 \jra J /<33A.A/ Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from Boston Public Library http://www.archive.org/details/kenmorenewsOOkenm : 7' PRAEdSoIlDfENTF- HoQOSson KENMORE AaerlcanCoaputerCroup, Inc. BOAU)OFDIRECTORS JaneaNestor S20CoaaonmalthAv«au«Realty KcoMoreDell-PizzaPad ASSOCIATION TREASURER HaroldGordon KenmoreWineCompany SECRETARY P.O.BOX644.KENMORESTATION.BOSTON•MASS.02215•TEL-.262-6246 SharonGiles KenmoreManagement December 31,1979 PearlHint-McCain BRA Library- City }-IMall Boston, 02201 Pearl Enclosed are copies of the Kenmore Association's latest newsletter, v^ch you reqijested. ft)ur organization appreciates your effort to inform more peot)le of the movement in the Kenmore neighborhood. to contact me if I can be of further assistance. Paul W. D'Addario Executive Director I BOSTONPUBLICLiBRA" "" I3OVERNIMENTDOCUMENTSDEPARTMENT RECEIVED . KENMORE NEWS August, 1979 KENMORE ASSOCIATION INC., P.O. Box 644, Kenmore Station, Boston, Mass. 02215 THE FIRST IS FIRST IN KA'S CAPITAL FUND DRIVE The First National Bank of Boston's Kenmore branch is the first contributor to the Kenmore Association's capital fund drive. In announcing the $500 grant, branch manager Shirley Dunlap said, "We believe in the goals of the Association and are impressed by the progress that has been made during its short existence." KA President Sonny Monosson praised the bank and Shirley, and said other firms will be approached for similar contributions. He added, "The First has set an example of the civic responsibility needed in our community." The bank's announcement was good news for the KA, but was soon followed by an announcement that will mean a loss for us. As of September 17, Shirley will become manager in charge of operations, for the First's Brighton branch. She has been a dedicated community leader and the KA will miss her. We wish her much success in her new position. ****KENMORE DEVELOPMENT**** HCHP MOVES The Harvard Commuity Health Plan (HCHP) moved its Kenmore Center from 690 Beacon St. to Two Fenway Plaza, during August 2-7. Their administrative offices, now located at 80 Brighton Ave., will move to One Fenway Plaza this fall. The new Health Center, located where the S.S. Pierce warehouse once stood, plans to serve 52,000 members, compared with a 37,000 capacity at their former site. A center skylight brightens the interior, which will be decorated with plants, paintings, tapestries and S.S. Pierce memorabilia. HCHP designed the new structure, "to emphasize convenience and efficiency without sacrificing a warm, personal atmosphere." They will soon hold a tour for their Kenmore neighbors ART INSTITUTE EXPANDS On July 24, Boston's Board of Appeal granted The Art Institute of Boston a variance to occupy, for educational purposes, leased space at 710 Beacon Street. The KA's Directors voted not to object to the application at their June 26 meeting. The Art Institute will install a second art gallery, (open to the public) administrative offices, and studios for graphic design majors. The space has been vacant for several years and the changes will not adversely affect the city's tax revenue. SKATING RINK APPROVED Boston Licensing Division Chief, Richard Sinnott, has approved an application for a roller skating rink to operate on the third floor at 145 Ipswich Street. The KA did not oppose the application at the July 11 public hearing. There had been concern that granting the license would add alcohol related activities to the neighborhood. However, alcohol was not included in the developers' plan of operation, which they outlined to the KA. The developers (Steven Foster, his wife Gillian, and his sister and brother-in-law) are renovating the rink's location. They expect to open in late August, and plan to join the KA. The above developments, and the future businesses planned for the Kenmore area (Mexican restaurant, office supply store, furniture store) illustrate that a variety of firms are realizing the tremendous business potential our neighborhood offers. KA PUBLICITY The press is also realizing Kenmore's potential. Real Estate Editor Anthony Yudis, wrote in The Boston Sunday Globe of June 17, that Kenmore "has been allowed to grow haphazardly" and that the KA represents an organization formed to monitor the area's development. Mr. Yudis also noted the KA's interest in the future of the property formerly owned by Grahm Jr. College. Several readers of the article requested more information about our organization. Rep. Barney Frank, who has indicated his support of the KA's goals, has also shown concern for the future of the Grahm buildings. ****CLEANING UP KENMORE**** With the help of Peter Dinkel of the Fenway Little City Hall, the KA organized a Kenmore clean up on Saturday, June 16. Six volunteers from the Massachusetts Department of Correction's Park Drive Pre-Release Program, assisted with the clean up. KA members Bob Bakst (Kenmore Deli), Harold Gordon (Kenmore Wine) and Sonny Monosson (American Computer Group) should be commended for their work in the project; especially Sonny, who pruned every tree in the square! (The KA shared information with the following departments to establish the responsibilities of area merchants and government officials. By knowing our responsibilities, we can all work together to benefit our neighborhood) HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT According to Donald Griffin, a machine from the Highway Department cleans the gutters in the Kenmore Square area at approximately 5 a.m., "at least four days a week," and the morning after each Red Sox home game. Also, a cart roams the area Monday thru Friday mornings (and weekends if there are baseball games). The cart's driver shovels litter left on the sidewalk near the curb. The city is NOT responsible for sweeping the sidewalks. When businesses sweep their property, they should also sweep the sidewalk in front of it. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT The KA requested that Boston's Sanitation Department provide more refuse containers throughout our area. And on July 2, they installed new poll baskets, which have been effective. Efforts are being made to install even more baskets. More area merchants, especially those who serve take-out items, should maintain an outside container for their customers. The Back Bay Yard clean up crew responded to KA calls and cleaned the tree and bush areas where litter collects. And Parks and Recreation Commissioner Alan Austin, met with the KA and agreed to continue maintaining these areas, and replacing the plantings when necessary. He also will study the possibility of building higher walls around the plants near the Kenmore busway, to prevent pedestrians from walking through the area. The "T" John Kiley, of the MBTA, toured the Kenmore subway and busway with the KA and arranged to have the entrances painted and ordered replacements for the signs in the entrances. The "T" also cleaned the busway and installed containers (at our request) near the subway turnstiles. HOUSING INSPECTION DEPARTMENT Rats. It's no secret that the unwelcome rodents are seen in alleys in various sections of the city. Every Wednesday, Steven Searles, senior housing inspector, and an extermination company hired by the city, treat sites throughout the Back Bay that are known to have heavy rat populations. They also inspect specific complaints. On June 27, after a complaint by the KA, Searles and a representative from the extermination company inspected locations in the Kenmore area. Searles stated in his report, that the following were treated for rodents: rear and side yard of 140-148 Bay State Road; alleys to rear of 110, 111,113,115, Bay State Road; rear of Braemore Apartments (466 Commonwealth Avenue); rear restaurants off Kenmore Square (on both sides); rear parking lot behind 510-540 Commonwealth Avenue; alleys behind Charlesgate West. According to Searles, "These yards and alleys are treated for rodents regularly (weekly)." We must work with the inspectors to control the rodent problem. Searles says merchants should maintain their dumpsters, which will cut off the rats' food supply. Fred Watson, housing inspector in charge of the rodent control program, suggests that when businesses hire an exterminator for the inside of a building, the exterminator also be hired to treat the outside of the building. "This way the problem areas will get a double treatment," explains Watson. Specific rodent problems should be reported to the Housing Inspection Department early in the week to ensure that examination will occur during that week's regular inspection. POLICE DEPARTMENT In response to our questions concerning procedure for calling the police, District Four Captain Jim McDonald said to immediately dial 911 whenever police assistance is needed. These calls are given priority depending on their nature. Captain McDonald also explained that there is a new police unit which responds to complaints of public drinking. Some KA members have stated that drinking in public is not uncommon. If you see such incidents, call the police. And be as specific about the situation as possible to help the police respond more effectively. Also, document every call (date, time, situation, police action) and send the infromation to the KA. 1> We have helped merchants who have received unsatisfactory police attention- when we could document the incident. There are times when police protection is not as good as it should be. But unless we follow proper procedure and work together, the situation will not change. NEW KA MEMBERS The newest members of the Kenmore Associaton and their representatives are: Boston Kenmore Realty, 645 Beacon Street, (Ed Shamsi); Drs Baraban-Sesen, 677 . Beacon Street; Drs. Thiel-Rubin, 677 Beacon Street; Souper Salad, 524 Commonwealth Avenue, (Larry & David Reinstein); Berkman Children's Trust, 842A Beacon Street, (Bernard Berkman); Harvard Community Health Plan, Two Fenway Plaza, (Debbie Doyle); Northland Investment Corporation, 20 Walnut Street, Wellesley Hills, (Kevin McDonald). Northland manages the Kenmore Medical Building at 636 Beacon Street. ALL persons who have a business interest in the Kenmore neighorhood are welcome to join the KA. Unfortunately some of the non-members are well known chain stores and/or frequent complainers. They are suprisingly quiet when asked to invest a small amount of time and money in efforts to improve their neighborhood. TREASURER'S REPORT The KA's fiscal year ended June 30, and Treasurer Harold Gordon's financial report, detailing all receipts and expenditures since we formed in February,1978, is on file at our office (712 Beacon Street) and like all KA files, is available for inspection.. BE WATCHING FOR DETAILS OF THE GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE RENOVATION OF THE COMMONEWEALTH AVE. MALL Paul W. D'Addario Editor KENMORE ASSOCIATION INC. P. 0. Box 644 Kenmore Station Boston, MA 02215 KENMORE NEWS OCTOBER, 1979 KENMORE ASSOCIATION INC., P.O. Box 64^, Kenmore Station, Boston, Mass. 02215 PLANS FOR FUTURE OF KENNORE HALL TO BE OUTLINED A'i KA'S NEXT MEETING Developers of the property located at 490 Commonwealth Avenue will present their plans to KA members at our October 23 meeting at the Lourdes Center. There has been great concern and speculation about the future of Kenmore Hall and Wadsworth Hall; property formerly owned by Grahra Junior College. Because of the land's impact on the neighborhood, the KA has made every effort to monitor plans for its new use. KA members will have the opportunity to ask questions at our meeting; based on facts, instead of rumors. CDBG GRANTS APPROVED FOR KENMORE At our October 23 meeting, we will also discuss details of federal funds approved for our area. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has approved two KA Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) proposals totaling $25,000. The Boston City Council and mayor first approved the proposals, and Boston's Office of Progaam Development will administer the programs. Potential uses for the $7500 grant for Kenmore Business District Amenities include new trees and tree guards, bicycle racks, waste baskets, and improved signage and lighting. The other grant makes $17,500 available for area businesses to participate in the RESTORE program. RESTORE offers a 20 percent rebate to merchants and property owners who improve their storefronts. The maximum rebate available is $1,000. Boston's Neighborhood Business District Program (NBDP) offers advice on an individual basis to participants in the program. In addition, the NBDP forms a design review committee in the neighborhood with business and residential representation. The design review committee establishes guidelines aimed at creating unified storefronts and improving the overall attractiveness of an area. KA members William Willis (The Art Institute of Boston), Mike Tighe (Boston University), Jim Nestor (520 Commonwealth Ave. Realty), and Gregory Fosse11a (Gregory Fossella Associates), are the business representatives on the design review committee for the implementation of the KA's CDBG grant. There will be a presentation at our October 23 meeting explaining how merchants and property owners can become involved in the RESTORE program. WORK BEGINS ON COMM. AVE. MALL If all goes according to schedule, you will see a new Commonwealth Avenue Mall, between Grahm Street and Charlesgate West, by the end of the year. The $123,000 project includes grading sidewalks and curbs, planting bushes and plants, installing a new watering system, and constructing a four foot high (m steel picket fence around the mall. Federal funds channeled through the Massachusetts Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service, will pay 50 percent of the cost, and the City of Boston will pay the remainder. At the ground breaking ceremony on August 28, KA President Sonny Monosson called the renovation, "...part of the movement by Kenmore businesses, residents, and property owners, to make the Kenmore community attractive for business development." Also speaking at the ceremony were Deputy Mayor Kathy Kane, and KA member Madeline Kasden, Chairperson of the Kenmore Area Action Council, the local residents' group that lobbied four years for this project. KA members Kenmore Wine and Kenmore Deli, and Paco's Tacos, a restaurant which will soon open in Kenmore Square, provided food and refreshments. The Boston Ledger printed an article about the ground breaking and WEEI-AM broadcast an interview with KA Executive Director Paul D'Addario concerning the mall and other changes taking place in the Kenmore area. MORE KENMORE PUBLICITY In addition to the media coverage of the Commonwealth Ave. ground breaking, the KA's efforts received attention by The Boston Herald American in their September 16 issue. That day's Sunday magazine contained a cover story about Kenmore entitled, "Kenmore Square Fights Its Image". The article's introduction reads: "For the first time in decades, merchants, property owners and permanent residents of this once elegant and charming neighborhood have joined forces to start long-neglected Kenmore up the ladder of respectability. There's a long way to go, but there's a new feeling of pride in the square these days." In the articles final paragraph, author Paul Gillin observes that there are now many parties interested in Kenmore and, "For the first time in years it seems that some real efforts are being made to direct Kenmore steadily toward its potential. These efforts are just beginning to pay off." IT'S UP TO THE KENMORE ASSOCIATION TO SEE THAT THESE EFFORTS CONTINUE TO PAY OFF! PROPOSED CHANGE OF USE AT 461 COMMONWEALTH AVE. OPPOSED BY KA Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) had hoped to buy the building at 461 Commonwealth Avenue for use as a fraternity residence for approximately 35 students. The KA opposed this, as we have other developments which would convert area property for student housing. An attorney respresenting MIT informed the KA that the school decided "for several reasons" not to continue with the project. He also stated that MIT has not terminated the purchase and sale agreement for 461 Commonwealth Avenue.