Mayor Walsh Brings Coffee Hour to Myrtle Street Playground

By Dan Murphy

Mayor Martin J. Walsh brought his neighborhood coffee hour to the Myrtle Street Playground on Friday.

Walsh told the crowd that the city would hold a meeting in the near future to address moving forward with its commitment to make the neighborhood’s sidewalks handicap accessible. He added that he intends to work closely with the Beacon Hill Civic Association to address development and other issues.

Walsh also commended the work of the Boston Fire Department and the Boston Police Department.

“We just had our first shooting in the city,” Walsh said. “Every major crime statistic is going down.”

In addition, Walsh discussed “Open Newbury Street” – a first-time initiative that will transform the street into a pedestrian-only walkway on Sunday, Aug. 7.

“If it doesn’t work, we won’t do it again,” Walsh said. “If it does, then we will.”

State Rep. Jay Livingstone, who was in attendance with his 5-month-old son Henry, thanked Walsh for supporting his proposed bill amendment that would lower the speed limit from 30 to 25 mph on city streets in thickly settled areas and business districts and allow the city to create safety zones with a 20-mph speed limit.

“Without Boston’s help, this legislation wouldn’t be happening,’ Livingstone said.

Livingstone  expressed his gratitude to Walsh for investing in city parks, like the Myrtle Street Playground.

City Councilor Josh Zakim was also on hand at the event.

“What we’re all doing every day is working to make sure the city, and in this neighborhood in particular, focuses on affordable housing, better transportation and public safety,” Zakim said.

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