From the Community

JP NET and J&P Cleaners Recognized at State House

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The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at UMass Lowell recognized Jamaica Plain New Economy Transition and J&P Cleaners with the "Champions of Toxics Use Reduction" award at a ceremony at the state house last week. Jamaica Plain New Economy Transition received a $20K TURI grant to implement the project: “Cancer-Free New Economy Jamaica Plain: Integrating Toxics Reduction Approaches with Sustainable Community Development.” The Jamaica Plain New Economy Transition worked with retail businesses in Jamaica Plain to pursue toxics use reduction strategies in the areas of cleaning and disinfecting, solvents and pesticide use. The project team developed and promoted municipal policies in Boston and other Massachusetts communities that advance toxics use reduction in dry cleaning and other retail establishments. This effort builds upon last year’s project that established the "Cancer Free New Economy," an initiative that helps businesses transition away from using carcinogens and other toxics to safer alternatives. J&P Cleaners was recognized for switching its dry cleaning operation from using perchloroethylene (perc) to professional wet cleaning with the help of a TURI grant.

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Alison Moronta, business development director for the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Association, shares a smile with Jason Waddleton, owner of The Haven, which hosted a meeting of Hyde and Jackson Square business owners on May 13, 2015.
Business

Biz Leaders in Hyde and Jackson Squares Aim to Work Together

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[Editor's note: This report is being reproduced in English by kind arrangement with El Mundo Newspaper, where it originally appeared.]

Business owners in two of Boston’s most Latino neighborhoods, Hyde and Jackson squares in Jamaica Plain, aim to work together to bring in more customers. In two recent sessions hosted by Hyde Jackson Square Main Street and the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corp., a total of more than 30 business owners strategized on how to improve the business environment. Business owners at the first meeting, held May 13 at the Julia Martin House, focused on safety, parking and cleanliness, said Rafael Mejia, owner of Evelyn’s Market and president of the Hyde Jackson Square Merchants Association. Mejia said business owners want to give people more reasons to go into Hyde and Jackson squares. “A lot of people don’t know what’s in the neighborhood,” Mejia said.

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