Environment

Hemlock Hating Insect: City Removes Killed Trees Along Emerald Necklace

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If you've driven along Francis Parkman Drive recently you may have seen a sizable forest area clearcut by the city to remove dead trees, some of which killed by an insect that feeds by sucking sap from hemlocks. The removed trees were between the Francis Parkman Drive and Prince Street, including a hemlock grove and individual trees that were dead or failing, said Margaret Dyson, Director of Historic Parks for the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. The area looks to be several hundred square feet and is visible from Francis Parkman Drive. The culprit was the hemlock woolly adelgid, which is native to east Asia, where's it not a problem because natural predators keep it in check. But on America's east coast it goes unchecked.

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Opinion

Elugardo: Criminal Justice Reform Includes Learning From ‘Inside the Walls’

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In our district, many agree that structural inequities abound in our public institutions. One stark example: the criminal justice system. The belief that we must not only expose, but also eradicate the injustice embedded in Massachusetts “Correctional” Institutions (MCIs), and in the systems that send people there, is a big part of what inspired my run as state representative. Since assuming office I’ve regularly visited four of our MCIs to participate in restorative justice events, to take a tour of education and jobs training facilities, and, most importantly, to learn from and support political organizing “inside the walls,” as those living there often refer to themselves. The African American Coalition Committee (AACC) is one of a number of inspiring leadership organizations comprised of incarcerated persons.

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Government

Recommendations for Shattuck Campus Being Presented at Community Meeting on June 25

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State officials will reveal its recommendations for the future use of the current Shattuck Hospital Campus at a public meeting on June 25. The state is relocating 260 inpatient beds to the Newton Pavilion at the Boston Medical Center campus. The state is relocating the beds because the campus needs significant renovations. Nonprofit provider programs currently operating at the Shattuck, including residential treatment programs, outpatient psychiatric services, Pine Street shelter and methadone clinic, will remain at the Shattuck. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance have led a 10-month planning process, which ends this month.

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From the Community

Share Your Ideas for Affordable Housing, Historic Preservation, or Open Space in JP on June 21

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The Community Preservation Act (CPA) provides funding for affordable housing, historic preservation, and parks and open space projects throughout Boston. This Friday, JP residents are invited to share their ideas for CPA funded projects. Jamaica Plain resident Christine Poff, director of Boston's Community Preservation Committee, will hold library hours on Friday, June 21 at the Jamaica Plain Branch Library (30 South St.) at 10 am to noon, and noon to 2 pm at the Egleston Square Branch Library (2044 Washington St., Roxbury). Please visit boston.gov/cpa for more information about the Community Preservation Act.

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City Services

Dominicans in Boston: City Holding Neighborhood, Ethnic-Focused Presentations; JP on June 13

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Boston is conducting several neighborhood and ethnic-focused presentations to discuss communities' economic impact in the city. On June 13 in Jamaica Plain, there will be an exploration of the Dominican Republic community, and its economic impact on Boston. The goal of the series is to engage residents, and to see their reactions about data that will be presented from the U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey, REMI Economic Impact Analysis, and BPDA Research Division Analysis. The Jamaica Plain meeting will be conducted in Spanish and English interpretation will be provided. The meeting will take place at the Curtis Hall Community Center (20 South St.), from 5:30 to 7:30 pm on June 13.

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