Arts
Panel discussion among JP authors at the Connolly Branch Library on Monday, July 17, 2017. From left: Katie Bayerl, Mindy Fried, Beth Castrodale and Katie Eelman

JP Authors Share Their Tips for Getting Into Print

By |

Patience, a willingness to learn, and the ability to revise one’s work extensively: those are just a few of the qualities that were essential to the success of three Jamaica Plain authors who took part in a panel discussion on book writing and publishing Monday evening. The discussion, held at the Connolly Branch of the Boston Public Library, was moderated by Katie Eelman, director of media and events at Papercuts JP and co-founder and editor-in-chief at Cutlass Press, an independent book publisher based out of Papercuts. The story of her blacklisted father

As the panelists noted, it can take years to get from the idea stage to a polished, edited book. “You can’t be impatient because it takes forever and a day,” said Mindy Fried, author of Caring for Red: A Daughter’s Memoir. Fried said that her book began as blog posts about her elderly father’s experiences in assisted living and evolved into a memoir about her role in his care giving, one that offers a sociological perspective on the subject.

2,542 Views
Neighborhood Life

Most-Read Stories of 2016: Goats and Gluttony

By |

As 2017 begins, here's a look at the five most-read stories of 2016 here at Jamaica Plain News. 5. Man Shot Outside 7-Eleven
Luckily, and thanks the efforts of police and residents, crime was not overall a huge story in JP in 2016. However, isolated violence did continue this past year. Jeffrey Kelly, 28, was killed outside the South Huntington 7-Eleven in August.

2,089 Views
Real Estate
Rendering of proposal for multi-use building at 5 McBride St., as of Dec. 7, 2016

4-Story Building at James’s Gate Site Wins OK From Neighborhood Group

By |

The old James's Gate Pub will become 11 condos plus ground-floor retail in a four-story building approved this week by a key neighborhood group. The Zoning Committee of the JP Neighborhood Council voted 8-2 with one abstention to recommend support for a plan by local developer Stephen Ballas to transform the site at 5 McBride St. The proposal has been on the table for roughly a year. Wednesday marked at least the fifth community meeting about the project. While condos are nothing new in JP, the size of the proposed development and fact that it takes the place of a well-known pub have focused attention on the project.

5,732 Views
Real Estate
Rendering of previous proposal for The Gate, 5 McBride St.

Plan for Old James’s Gate Property Returns to Neighborhood Committee

By |

One of the most-watched real estate developments in a neighborhood full of them returns to public debate this week. The former James's Gate site at 5 McBride St. will be on the docket Wednesday when the JP Neighborhood Council's Zoning Committee meets. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Farnsworth House, 90 South St., just a block from the abandoned pub. Proponents are pitching a four-story mixed-use building that would have 11 residential units and commercial space on the ground floor.

1,997 Views
City Services
Screen shot from video of flooding in Canary Square, Friday, Sept. 9, 2016.

Cap Blow-Out Cause of Massive Canary Square Flood

By |

The blow-out of a cap on a large pipe under Centre Street is to blame for the spectacular flooding at the corner of Boylston and Centre. The flood appears to have started sometime after 11 p.m. Friday near the intersection with South Huntington Avenue where work crews had been active well into the evening. As of noon Saturday, 20 residents remained without water, according to Mark Van Dam, spokesperson for the Boston Water & Sewer Commission. Crews expect to have water service restored to those persons by 2 p.m. Saturday, he said. Here's what caused the flooding: Workers from Feeney Brothers removed a "thrust block," essentially a giant piece of granite from the end of an older water main.

2,348 Views
Police and Fire
Still from video of Police Commissioners William Evans speaking in Jamaica Plain on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2105.

Commish Praises ‘Tremendous Restraint’ of Officers Not Returning Fire

By |

At least one suspect in Wednesday's fatal shooting fired at pursuing police officers on the mid-day streets of Pondside. None of the cops returned fire. Two people, including the person who allegedly shot at police, were taken into custody. Police Commissioner William Evans praised their restraint in a post on the department's blog. “None of our officers were injured," Evans said, "but again used tremendous restraint and regard for the safety of the public when quickly reacting and detaining these two individuals.”

Boston Police Officer Neva Coakley said the incident took place about 10:32 a.m. Wednesday in the area of 891 Centre St.

1,738 Views
Neighborhood Life

Photo Gallery: Lanterns Light the Night

By |

Adelaide, 6, receives a lantern she picked out at the Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade on Oct. 18, 2014. Credit: Esther Ro

Thousands thronged the Pond Saturday for the 31st edition of the Lantern Parade. Photojournalist Esther Ro was there and brings you a gallery of images from this signature neighborhood event. The Lantern Parade's second night begins Sunday at 6 p.m.

The event is sponsored by Spontaneous Celebrations and Friends of Jamaica Pond.

1,595 Views
Real Estate

Go Behind the Shamrock Shutters of the Curley House

By |

A Wentworth Institute of Technology project offers a virtual tour of Mayor Curley's Pondside mansion. With the historic home's future uncertain, this might be the only tour you get. You've seen the outside of the Curley House many times if you walk along Moraine Street at the Jamaicaway. It's the house with the signature shamrock shutters. James Michael Curley, the city's (in)famous mayor and state's governor, lived there for much of his life when he wasn't in jail for fraud.

3,341 Views
Arts

Your Guide to the 2014 Jamaica Plain Music Festival

By |

It's here! More than 20 bands, all with connections to the neighborhood you love. Here's everything you need to know to soak up the goodness of the 2014 Jamaica Plain Music Festival. Where: Pinebank Field

When: Noon to 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 6

Cost: Free!

1,434 Views