Update on Conversations with the Councilor

We have had two Conversations with the Councilor sessions to date and have found wonderful ideas, views, and issues surrounding different neighborhoods. The two sessions to date were at the Condon and the South Boston Boys and Girls Club. Both were attended by concerned neighbors and the dialog was very open and honest.

Some of the issues that came up were as small as getting a new Bus Stop sign replaced on West Seventh Street, that will be done by 9/28/07. Additionally the discussions covered more serious issues regarding public safety, public schools and transportation.

A woman at the Condon session expressed concern about seeing hypodermic needles being sold over the counter at a local pharmacy. After doing research we found that a State Law was passed last year allowing the sale of hypodermic needles over the counter to anyone 18 years or older. This law was passed as a public health initiative to stem the rise in Hepatitis C and HIV from contaminated needles. This is a real public safety issue and if any resident finds needles in there neighborhood they should not pick them up or touch them. You should call 911, the Public Health Commission 617 534 5395, or our office 617 635 3203.

Another issue raised at the Boys and Girls Club session was containers being stored on East First St. After much research about these containers our office discovered that they were being stored there by a firm doing business with the Convention Center. The firm didn’t realize that they could not store containers on this site. We spoke to the owner of the site, King Terminal Trust and they also were not aware that they could not store containers at this site. The containers will be removed by 09/28/2007 and the site will not allow storage of this type in the future. The Convention Center didn’t realize these containers were being stored either and they have spoken to the distributor and said it will not happen again.

A lot of talk about the Boston Public Schools with people frustrated at the availability of seats in the neighborhood schools. People were urged to get involved in local schools early on and to work with the schools to insure that your children get first consideration for seats when the reach school age. The Perry school has a very active Mothers Club that works with neighborhood parents and the school to insure high standards. Councilor Linehan encourages parents to adopt a school before their children are of school age and he will work with them to improve such schools

The discussions have been informative, lively and welcome. We hope if you get the chance you will attend one of the future meetings in your neighborhood. The following is the updated schedule for future sessions.

UPCOMING CONVERSATIONS WITH CITY COUNCILOR BILL LINEHAN:

October 2, 2007
Blessed Mother of Theresa Church Hall Ward 7 Precinct 8&9

October 9, 2007
Artistry Center 15 Channel Street Fort Point Channel Ward 6 Precinct 1

October 23, 2007
St. Matthew the Redeemer Church Hall Ward 6 Precincts 7, 8 & 9.

October 30, 2007
Curley Recreation Center ( L St) Senior Ctr. Ward 7 Precinct 1 & 2