On Feb. 11, Gov. Deval Patrick approved the “green ticket bill,” providing municipalities with a more effective way to address the issues of illegal dumping, unacceptable trash removal and improper snow and ice removal.
The green ticket bill, formally known as “H. 3588, An Act Relative to Unpaid Municipal Fines,” was co-sponsored by State Reps. Marty Walz and Aaron Michlewitz and recently approved by the Senate and House of Representatives.
The legislation serves to encourage property owners to comply with the law by putting out trash for pick-up only when allowed and properly clearing their sidewalks after snow and ice storms. It allows the city to add unpaid tickets to property tax bills, and to eventually place a lien on the property of those who insist on not paying their green ticket fines. The legislation also creates a more effective process for the administration of the fines associated with green tickets that are issued for the violation of various sections of the Massachusetts General Laws, the City of Boston Ordinances and the City of Boston Zoning Code.
“Now that getting a green ticket will have real consequences, local residents should focus more than ever on putting trash out properly and clearing their sidewalks after a snow storm,” Walz said. “With this renewed attention, our streets will be cleaner and our sidewalks will be safer.”
Michlewitz added that the bill would encourage landowners to take more accountability for their property and provide municipalities with the means to collect green ticket fines.
“With the passage of the green ticket bill we can look forward to cleaner streets and a better living environment for residents,” Michlewitz said. “Not to mention it would be irresponsible for us to not provide cities and towns with the necessary tools to collect on revenue that is currently sitting on the table.”
Mayor Thomas M. Menino applauded Walz, Michlewitz and City Council President Mike Ross for supporting the bill – a measure that he said will provide city officials with a “crucial tool” to keep neighborhoods clean.
“Now we can assess penalties for late payment, restrict violators from accessing certain city services and add unpaid violations to property tax bills,” Menino said. “Repeat offenders that never paid violations or simply ignored violations will quickly learn that there is no excuse for disobeying laws that are meant to protect the public’s health and keep our streets clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.”
As a local options bill, the legislation will go before the City Council before it officially becomes law in Boston.
The House of Representatives and the Senate approved an earlier version of the green ticket bill during the 2007-2008 legislative session, but Patrick vetoed the bill. The provision to which the governor objected was removed from H. 3588 before he approved the legislation last week.

There’s a joke about a cat that is buying life insurance and becomes annoyed when the agent tells him he has to buy nine policies! Sir Anthony, my almost 17-year-old Siamese just cashed in his eighth policy.
A few days ago, Sir Anthony was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with CRF (chronic renal failure – a fatal disease), and because of his “advanced” age and medical history, his future seemed dim – meaning no future. He hadn’t been too chipper as of late, losing weight and sleeping all day in his rocking chair that sits on top of the bed – just the way he likes it. His walks became less frequent and the mood at the Hirsch household was not the usual carnival-like-replete-with-a-Merry-Go-Round jolly place.
Last night, in the middle of the night, we had “the talk.” I gave him permission to go and told him he didn’t have to stick around for me anymore; I’d be just fine. And I read him “Cat Heaven,” a beautiful, short book that gives a glimpse of what his new life would be like. My heart was breaking and I wailed so loud I was afraid I would awaken Ellen, my next-door neighbor. Christina, his sister, was listening in as she hugged him and licked his head. It really was a very, very sad scene out of a very sad movie… devastatingly sad.
I’d been taking lessons from the Master himself (Sir Anthony), had accepted the card we were dealt and forged ahead with what had to be done. (I’m very good at that – except when it comes to My Anthony.) I’ve been throwing myself in the arms of friends and neighbors, crying my eyes out, seeking comfort. I have been clear from the beginning: “This is not about me; it’s about My Anthony and he will suffer no more.” That was “The Plan. Our plan: the vets’ and mine. But noone had bothered to ask Sir Anthony about his own plans for the future…
A follow-up appointment with his personal vet, Dr. Shofat-Ratner of the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Veterinary Clinic, was set up for this morning. I had already had my session with a Pet Grief Counselor. Still, the cabbie had to drag me in…
The mood was somber and respectful. I could feel sadness in the air and pity for me. Just then, as I’m opening the cat carrier to place him on the examining table, Sir Anthony jumps up 4 feet onto the table, struts his stuff – and all eyes were fixed on me! I was shocked and thought I was hallucinating. I hadn’t slept for days. The vet said: “This doesn’t look like a cat’s that’s dying, Mary,” and proceeded to examine the patient who was putty in her loving hands. I had to lean against the wall. All I could think of was what my former husband used to say each time he’d land the plane: “Once more, we have beaten the Grim Reaper”…
I was in a fog, watching the Good Vet “doing her thing” with My Anthony. A thought came to me – something I’d read somewhere about the will to live being more powerful than anything. I was witnessing a miracle. I’ve been prepared to bury My Anthony seven (7!) times before. He’s my hero.
Upon a thorough examination and tests were performed, the Vet said something like (I was in a fog, remember?): “Pending results of tests, I believe, Sir Anthony, like a diabetic, can still live a good life with a proper diet, medication, lifestyle – and monitoring. This cat is not ready to be buried.” I was speechless but My Anthony didn’t look surprised - just bored. I bought the staff a huge pizza and over tipped the cab driver. Why not?
So what’s the lesson here? I’m too drained to be philosophical. I’m so overjoyed, I can’t stop hugging My Anthony’s bony frame and thanking our Maker for yet another miracle: A miracle on 19 Myrtle St.! Oh yes, I learned that I wasn’t lying to Sir Anthony when I said I’d be okay and he could go to Cat Heaven, for I was not alone.
Having moved 3,000 miles from Santa Monica, Calif., last year (after suffering a stress heart attack) I decided to fulfill a longtime dream: to live in Boston, landing at Beacon House (a residence for over 55 seniors) on Beacon Hill. We were welcome with open arms. I found out how kind and loving my new friends and neighbors – our new family at Beacon House – truly are. They really came through for us – once more. We love you guys and thank you, from the bottom of our hearts – and fragile kidneys. My Anthony says “Meow.”

The photo above shows a city landmark that has undergone a drastic transformation in recent years - Gary Theater on Stuart Street, where the Massachusetts Transportation Building is now.