Mayor: Some libraries, community centers must close
By John Ruch March 5, 2010
Web Exclusive
Mayor Thomas Menino announced yesterday that some branch libraries need to be shut down, despite a Boston Public Library (BPL) budget review and a master planning process that are supposedly still under way.
Library groups rush to save the JP branches
By John Ruch March 5, 2010
JPNC opposes closures
Fearing that Jamaica Plain’s branch libraries are on the chopping block, local friends groups are mobilizing a rescue plan—including a petition—in advance of a March 9 meeting that should clarify the fate of the city’s 26 branch libraries.
Sánchez takes a chip off the Unz Initiative
By David Taber March 4, 2010
BPS seeking big changes for English learners
A little-noticed amendment put forward by Jamaica Plain state Rep. Jeffrey Sánchez in a recent state education reform package could exempt some schools from the effects of the 2002 Unz Initiative, the Gazette has learned.
State rep. race expands
By John Ruch March 5, 2010
Web Exclusive
Allen supports Payne for seat
FOREST HILLS/WOODBOURNE—The field of potential candidates for the Sixth Suffolk District state House seat grew to five people last month, shortly after state Rep. Willie Mae Allen reportedly announced her retirement.
Sánchez draws JP challenger
By John Ruch March 5, 2010
Web Exclusive
Jamaica Plain activist Jeffrey Herman is considering a run against state Rep. Jeffrey Sánchez this fall, the Gazette has learned.
US Rep. Lynch faces three challengers
By John Ruch March 5, 2010
Web Exclusive
US Rep. Stephen Lynch, who has represented southern Jamaica Plain in Congress for eight years, is facing three challengers who are all running as political outsiders.
891 Centre has new owner
By David Taber March 5, 2010
Web Exclusive
PONDSIDE—After months of uncertainty for building tenants—including the non-profits the Union of Minority Neighborhoods (UMN) and the Emerald Necklace Conservancy (ENC)—the office building at 891 Centre St. was got a new owner in December, Dedham-based Salvatore Capital Partners.
JPNC agenda full to the gills
By David Taber March 5, 2010
Web site is up
Web Exclusive
Presentations on the potential branch library closures, advocacy for new bike lanes and a proposed Forest Hills development project made for a jam-packed and high-spirited Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) monthly meeting Feb. 23.
Fire damages MSPCA
By John Ruch March 5, 2010
Web Exclusive
S. HUNTINGTON AVE.—A small fire in a storage room at the headquarters of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) broke out late on the night of Feb. 19 and damaged some old documents.
Teen jailed for gun in school
By John Ruch March 5, 2010
Web Exclusive
A Dorchester teen was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in jail last week for sneaking into English High School with a loaded handgun in 2008.