Arts

Politicians Discuss JP Arts and Culture at State of our Neighborhood

By |

Jamaica Plain is home to many destination arts and culture events that draw participants and attendees from all over Greater Boston, including the JP Music Festival and JP Open Studios in the fall, the Wake Up the Earth Festival in the spring, and JP Porchfest in the summer. Yet the city and state could be doing more to support artists in pursuing their crafts and sharing their work with the public, in Jamaica Plain and across the city, according to the panel of politicians at the sixth annual State of our Neighborhood (SOON) community gathering, held Thursday, April 7, at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School on Bolster Street. City licensing and permitting processes, which can be difficult to interpret and follow, can constrain local artists, as well as the businesses looking to collaborate with them, said District 6 City Councilor Matt O'Malley. A more user-friendly experience is needed, with more forms made available online and better customer service offered to those needing assistance untangling civic red tape, he said. District 7 City Councilor Tito Jackson echoed that "concierge service" for artists could unlock further opportunities to showcase arts across Boston.

1,365 Views
Sports

Boston 2024 Meeting in Jamaica Plain Draws Passionate Crowd

By |

A Tuesday Boston 2024 community meeting went off-script and off-agenda when activists opposed to the games demanded their grievances be heard by city and Olympic officials. By 6 p.m. activists had gathered outside English High School in Jamaica Plain with signs reading “Don’t Play With JP.”

'Why Can't We Just Do Projects That Will Help?' One protester, member of No Boston Olympics Claire Blechman, of Somerville, said she thinks the Olympics would invariably overrun its budget, destabilize Boston communities, and lead to increased police presence. Blechman also said she wished the city of Boston would commit to making improvements to its infrastructure without the glitz and glam of the Olympic games as its sole motivator. “Why can’t we just do projects that will help?

1,702 Views
Santo Ramírez, one of the store owners being evicted from City Realty property on Washington Street, shakes hands with supporters during a rally on Sept. 16, 2014.
Business

Biz Owner Says Deal Will Help Families Beyond Egleston Itself

By |

An Egleston Square business owner facing eviction said a tentative deal allowing him and five other entrepreneurs to stay would send a ripple of positive effects beyond Jamaica Plain and Roxbury. The six remaining long-time tenants of 3152-3160 Washington St. — all Latinos — have reached a verbal agreement with new landlord City Realty that may allow them to continue operating in Egleston Square. One of those business people is Santo Anibal Ramirez of Anibal Color Studio. "Though it was just a verbal agreement, that's how all resolutions start.

1,595 Views
Egleston Square Main Street Annual Meeting and Networking Breakfast
Morning Memo

Egleston Square Main Street Hosts Annual Meeting/Breakfast

By |

Rise and shine, neighbors! Here's your Morning Memo for all things JP for Monday, Oct. 20. Egleston Square Main Street Annual Meeting and Networking Breakfast: As regular readers of Jamaica Plain News know, there are a lot of positive things happening in Egleston Square. Mark you calendars and register for Friday's annual meeting and networking breakfast for Egleston Square Main Street, the community business and development organization.

1,374 Views
City Councilor Tito Jackson speaks at Egleston Square rally on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014.
Business

‘It’s Okay to Make Money. What Is Not Okay is Exploitation.’

By |

City Councilor Tito Jackson attacked landlord City Realty Group during a rally at one of their Egleston Square properties, saying their tactics hurt small business owners. Housing activists organized a rally to support seven Latino-owned businesses that are in danger of being evicted or priced out of properties City Realty recently purchased at auction. The rally was held at one of those properties, 3160 Washington St. "We will not support organizations that try to come in and bust up our neighborhoods and communities," said Jackson. While the businesses and City Realty have been negotiating with the tenants, the company has started eviction proceedings on several of them.

1,407 Views
Morning Memo

Airbnb to Get Hard Look From City Council

By |

Rise and shine, JP. Here's your Morning Memo for Wednesday, Aug. 20. Airbnb in the Crosshairs: When the City Council takes up items that might affect JP residents, I try to give you a head's up. One such item is an order to be discussed at the Wednesday City Council meeting.

1,301 Views