At a meeting last week the Boston Landmarks Commission postponed a vote on whether or not the former Metropolitan District Commission headquarters at 20 Somerset Street should be designated a landmark. Instead, the commission is considering a compromise.

The scheduled vote to landmark the building came as the result of a report issued by the commission that recommends the eastern and northern facades of the building be preserved. The report contains standards and criteria that set guidelines for reviewing changes to the building’s exterior.

Three weeks ago the commission heard public testimony both for and against landmarking the building. Following the hearing, interested parties had three days to submit further comments to the commission.

During that time, Suffolk University submitted a letter asking the commission to consider modifying the standards and criteria in its report. This modifcation would allow Suffolk’s architects to explore design alternatives “which incorporate a substantial exterior façade element ….including the base,” read the letter.

The letter stirred up a flutter of concern amongst Hill residents and preservationists opposed to Suffolk University’s plans to tear down the building and replace it with an 800-bed dormitory.

Their concern was that a vote might be taken on a proposal that hadn’t been properly vetted by the public. “Having new information on the table changes the game,” said Boston Preservation Alliance President Susan Park. “The public should have ample time to review it.”

The commission agreed. It voted to form a study group, made up of several commissioners, to evaluate the proposal and if they deemed it appropriate, craft an amendment to the standards and criteria. The group will also meet with representatives from Suffolk and the group of people who submitted the original petition for landmarking.

The delay is acceptable to Suffolk, according to Michael Feeley, in-house counsel for development for the school. “I think the commission’s willingness to work with Suffolk and add more community input is great for the process,” he said.

Suffolk Task Force Chair Robert Whitney had hoped that the commission would vote to landmark the building last week. “They had all of the information that they needed to find that landmark status is appropriate given the study report,” he said. But, he is glad that at least they didn’t vote not to landmark the building. “I am not sure what additional information will be gathered [by the study group] but I am happy to participate in that process.”

If an amendment is crafted, it will be distributed and posted on the commission’s website, and the public will again have an opportunity to submit comments to the commissioners, said Executive Director Ellen J. Lipsey.

A new vote will be scheduled for some time in September.


SIDEBAR
Article 80 process continues

Though the Suffolk Task Force had asked Suffolk University to extend the comment period for the Article 80 Scoping Determination—part of the Boston Redevelopment Authority’s Large Project Review process—until after the Landmarks Commission had voted on the building’s designation, Suffolk chose to continue on with the Article 80 process.

The Scoping Determination—which asks Suffolk to answer questions on the impact of the proposed building—was issued last week. Suffolk hopes to respond to the determination quickly.

Whitney said the task force was pleased with what the BRA included in the Scoping Determination. “It was thoughtfully put together by the BRA, and we are hoping it will generate thoughtful response from Suffolk,” he said.

If what Suffolk is allowed to do to the building changes after the Landmarks Commission votes in September, Feely is confident Suffolk can adapt. “Responses to the Scoping Determination will change as the building evolves,” he said.

PHOTO CREDIT: Peter Sterling
CAPTION: Brenna Graham, owner of French Dressing on River Street.



Several Beacon Hill businesses were featured in the annual “Best of Boston” awards in the August edition of Boston Magazine. Under the shopping section, local winners included the Boston Running Company for best running shop, Bump for best Maternity store, and French Dressing for best lingerie boutique. In the home section, Koo De Kir was awarded best accessories and Gallagher-Christopher Antiques was honored as the best antique furniture store.

For best “go-to” spots on the Hill, the winners were: Panificio for best coffee shop; Clevergreen cleaners for best dry cleaner; Whole Foods market for best groceries; Beacon Hill Athletic Clubs for best gym; Antonio’s for best quick meal, and Upper Crust for best takeout meal.

Panificio and Koo De Kir were also featured on Channel 5’s show “Chronicle” last Wednesday, in an episode highlighting the “Best of Boston” winners.

Two weeks after being robbed at knifepoint on Hancock Street, a Beacon Hill resident spotted her robber, chased him down and with the help of several officers on bicycles, caught him.

The victim spotted the suspect wearing the same clothes he was wearing when he robbed her. She quickly jumped up from her seat at a local restaurant and ran after the man.

As luck would have it, he ran right passed several policemen on bicycles who were gathered on South Charles Street to patrol the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s production of Taming of the Shrew. According to a witness, the officers surrounded the suspect, who was identified by the victim and arrested. Police also found him in possession of a stun gun, said the witness.

According to Jake Wark, spokesman for Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley, the suspect, John McCorkell, age 39, was arraigned last week in the Central Division of Boston Municipal Court. McCorkell, a Boston resident, was charged with armed robbery and carrying a dangerous weapon, said Wark. Bail was set a $1,000 by Judge Michael Coyne.

Wark said the statute for armed robbery carries a maximum of a life sentence. McCorkell must return to Boston Municipal Court on August 16 for a probable cause hearing.

CREDIT: Chris Sardelli
CAPTION:
A group of kindergarten directors visiting from Japan, listened intently as Lucinda Ross, director of the Beacon Hill Nursery School talked about the school’s programs last Wednesday. From Saitama Prefecture, an area north of Tokyo, the group of twelve were treated to an extensive tour of the classrooms and facilities. Working with a translator, Ross told them about the history and philosophy of the school, and exchanged opinions with them on topics of mutual interest, such as children’s safety.

Our responsibility in a college town

Ann Arbor, Amherst, Bloomington, Ames, Hanover, Urbana. These small cities and towns have one commonality. In their states, they are considered to be one of the best communities in which to live. The colleges or universities located there bring culture, cosmopolitanism, vitality, economic health and sophistication to otherwise isolated communities. The effect is so powerful that communities near to them also benefit.

Of course these colleges and universities also bring students—thousands of 18- to 22-year-olds, doing what 18- to 22-year-olds do.

Boston is the ultimate college town. In the fall of 2004, we had 34 universities, colleges and community colleges. The 2000 census showed 85,847 officially enrolled undergraduates and graduate students living in Boston. (The Boston Redevelopment Authority’s fact-keeper Greg Perkins provided these counts, gleaned from the New England Board of Higher Education and the U.S. Census.) Students then make up almost 15 percent of the city’s population. They bring us culture, cosmopolitanism, vitality, economic health and sophistication. It’s because of them and the universities that nurture them that we have everything else. Let’s face it: We don’t have oil, railroads, steel or grain markets. We no longer have a major shipping port. Instead we have an economy based on Genzyme and Novartis. And they wouldn’t give us the time of day without our colleges and universities.

Beacon Hill residents are at a face-off with Suffolk University, which, seizing an opportunity they could not foresee five years ago, wants to build a dorm one block away from the Beacon Hill Historic District.

We have an obligation, borne out of the nature of our city, to do our part to make universities work with neighborhoods.

Representatives from this newspaper have been at every meeting Suffolk has had with neighborhood groups and have seen it all. The university’s officials have handled neighborhood relations awkwardly, most recently sending one of its representatives to a meeting without a full briefing on its intentions. Beacon Hill residents have been embarrassingly condescending and combative.

It’s time to stop this behavior on both sides. It’s distracting and not pertinent to the task at hand.

Suffolk should start a transparent process—revealing all the information it has about this transaction whether it is germane to the process or not. Neighborhood members of the dorm project’s task force should begin to open their minds and help Suffolk plan appropriately for the expansion it is clearly undertaking.

FOR SALE
YORK MAINE, Cape for sale, $339,000, 4 bedroom, 2 bath, new roof, paint, hardwood floors, walk to village, superb schools, 80 minutes to Boston, 617-523-9538, 617-304-8621
CONDO FOR SALE
WALNUT STREET. Two bedrooms, one bath, basement storage. Period detail, high ceilings, bookshelves, terrific views. Well managed building, low condo fee. $559,000. Daniel@gfcdevelopment.com.
HEALTH
IF YOU USED THE PAINKILLER DRUG BEXTRA between March 2002 and February 2005 AND SUFFERED A SKIN REACTION, HEART ATTACK OR STROKE, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles Johnson 1800-535-5727.
TRADE
CRAFTSMAN SEEKING PRE-OWNED MERCEDES. An S430 or E series in exchange for a new kitchen, new bathroom or other household renovations. Call Lou at 617-605-1726.
VACATION RENTAL
NANTUCKET-CHARMING ‘SCONSET CENTER. Cottage for 2. Air conditioned. Very nice! Available summer or fall, $900-$1700 per week. 617-523-2223.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
BOSTON MONEY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. Needs adults willing to offer 2-4 hours per month to assist local elders who have difficulty managing day-to-day finances. For more information, call Deborah at 617-522-6700 or email dgrose@ethocare.org.
CAREER COLLABORATIVE. Practice interviewers needed Fridays 9 a.m.-12 noon to run practice interview sessions for low income people seeking permanent jobs. Individuals with extensive interviewing experience please call 617-424-6202 or email Valerie@careercollaborative.org.
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS. The Arlington Boys and Girls Club is coordinating a campaign to support local programs. They are asking people with unwanted cars to donate them for auction with the proceeds going to local clubs. Call 1-800-246-0493.
MADD. Are you or is someone you know the victim of a drunk driving accident? We offer many free services including court-accompaniment, referrals for counseling and literature to help. Call 1-800-633-MADD.
HORIZONS FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN. Volunteers needed to play with children living in homeless shelters in your neighborhood and in Greater Boston. A two-hour weekly commitment for 6 months is required. Call 617-287-1900 ext 314 or visit www.horizonsforhomelesschilden.org.
BECOME A BIG BROTHER OR BIG SISTER. Being a “Big” means simply sharing a little time with one great kid just like someone once did for you. Become a “Big” today. Call 800-412-BIGS or log on to www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.
PARENTS HELPING PARENTS. Needs volunteers with good interpersonal skills and a commitment to strengthening families to facilitate support groups aimed at assisting individuals who are anxious, overwhelmed, frustrated or feeling isolated in their role as a parent or guardian. A commitment of several hours a week for one year is required. Call 1-800-882-1250 or e-mail www.parentshelpingparents.org.
COMMUNITY SERVINGS. Volunteers needed one Saturday per month to deliver meals to homebound individuals with life threatening illnesses. Shifts are from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Call Jennifer at 617-445-7777 or e-mail JPOCKOSKI@servings.org.
BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY. Seeks literacy volunteers to tutor adults with limited English writing and reading skills. Two hours a week, compatible with your schedule. One-year commitment required, must be 21 years old with a minimum of a GED or high school diploma. Contact Nora 617-859-2446 or VolunteerBPL@yahoo.com.
BOSTON MINSTREL COMPANY. Needs singers, musicians, and song leaders to facilitate sing-along songfests at Boston-Cambridge homeless shelters. Amateurs welcome. Call 617-787-2122 or e-mail Bostonminstrel@aol.com.
MATCH-UP. Interfaith Volunteers needs people to commit to making a weekly visit to an elder in need of companionship. Call 617-482-1510 or visit www.matchelder.org.
THE GREATER BOSTON FOOD BANK. Needs volunteers to inspect and sort donated food at the Food Bank's headquarters at 99 Atkinson Street in Boston. Call 617-427-5200, ext. 5030 or visit www.gbfb.org.
AFC MENTORING. Needs volunteers over 18 experienced with adoption/foster care to mentor adopted children. One-year commitment desired. Karlee, 617-695-2441 or karlee@afcmentoring.org.
BLIND AND DYSLEXIC in East Cambridge. Needs volunteers with liberal arts, scientific and/or technical backgrounds to record textbooks. Call Peggy at 617-577-1111, ext 17 for more info. www.rfbd.org/bostonhome.htm.
GENERATIONS INCORPORATED. Needs older adults to volunteer as reading coaches and mentors to children in Dorchester, S. Boston and Roxbury. Training provided. Call 617-423-0408 or see www.generationsinc.org.
WGBH. Needs volunteers to assist with computer projects and office support during weekday business hours, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call Liz Hagyard at 617-300-5715.
LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF MASSACHUSETTS. Help an adult learn English. Call 617-367-1313 for information.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS. The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program. Work from home or in our Weston office. For further information call 1800-ACS-2345.
SPAULDING REHABILITATION HOSPITAL. Boston. Opportunities for volunteers. We match volunteers' skills and talents with the needs of the hospital's patients and staff. Training provided. For more information contact volunteer services at 617-573-2740 or jburke11@partners.org.
BOSTON PARTNERS IN EDUCATION. Volunteers needed to tutor and mentor two 10th grade students in the areas of both math and literacy for the “City on a Hill” program . Training will be held on Saturday September 16. The program will run throughout the academic year. Join this proven program and be a vital part of a student’s success story. Contact Barbara Harris at 617-451-6145, or apply online at www.bostonpartners.org.
WALKBOSTON. Volunteers needed for walks, legislation and newsletter/e-news committees. Also occasional office work including membership mailings. Call 617-367-9255, www.walkboston.org.
MASS SUBSTANCE ABUSE HELPLINE. Volunteers needed for phone service to help people affected by alcoholism and substance abuse. Must have computer experience. Call 617-536-0501 ext. 201 or see www.helpline-online.com.
BEACON HOSPICE. Volunteers needed to provide support and companionship to patients and their families. Call Laraine Kohler at 617-242-4872.
COMPUTER TUTORS. Volunteers needed for coaching senior and disabled citizens at the Blackstone Apartments. Daytime and evening hours needed. Call Al at 617-557-9121 or email xAlbert3259@aol.com.
BEACON HOUSE. Housing for elderly needs volunteers for front reception desk, a few flexible hours per week. Training provided. Please apply in person at 19 Myrtle St. to fill out an application.
ANIMAL SHELTER. Donations needed: dog and cat toys and treats, blankets and towels for the cages, paper towels, clay cat litter, postage stamps, animal nail clippers, dog and cat collars and leashes. 617-522-5055.
DR. SOLOMON CARTER FULLER. Mental Health Center in the South End needs volunteers for several committees. Call C. Curtiss Carter at 617-626-8726.
MAB COMMUNITY SERVICES. Volunteers needed to read or shop with a blind neighbor. 2-3 hours per week, flexible hours. Training provided. Call Donna Bailey 800-852-3029 or see www.mabcommunity.org.
SAMARITANS OF BOSTON. Volunteers needed to provide telephone counseling on our 24-hour listening line. Help prevent suicide and alleviate the pain of isolation. Training provided. 617-536-2460.
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION. Cambridge chapter needs volunteers for its telephone Helpline service to answer caregiver calls. Training provided. Call 617-868-6718.
ADBAR ETHIOPIAN WOMEN'S ALLIANCE.Volunteers needed to help with its newsletter, website, grant writing, special events and fund raising. Near Harvard Square. 617-234-8981.
THE BOSTON HOME. Dorchester seeks volunteers of all kinds in this long-term care facility for adults with physical disabilities. Pet visits welcome. Call Sally Gorman 617-825-3905 ext. 299 or gormansally@aol.com.