A group of families, residents and supporters are taking a proactive approach to bringing a new public elementary school to serve downtown neighborhoods, even helping the city to identify possible sites for the proposed educational institute. The newly established Downtown…
Author: Dan Murphy
Hill Sees Drop in Crime Rate
Beacon Hill experienced an approximately 6-percent reduction in violent and property crimes in 2012 from the previous year, faring slightly better than the city as a whole, which saw a 5-percent drop during the same timeframe. “We saw a good…
BHCA Zoning Supports Plan for Office Space
The Beacon Hill Civic Association (BHCA) Zoning and Licensing Committee voted Wednesday not to oppose the zoning relief necessary to convert a long vacant storefront in a residential building at 31 Phillips St. into office space. Michelle Nolan, an occupant…
Esplanade Playspace Gains National Prominence
The Esplanade Playspace opened a little more than a year ago, but the state-of-the-art playground has already gained national prominence, even gracing the pages of the Wall Street Journal in November. “This is now becoming the new standard for play…
2012: The Year in Review
• On Jan. 4, nearly 200 citizens braved the cold to voice their strong opposition to Capital One Bank’s proposed move to the home of the Charles Street Market at 62-66 Charles St. at a Beacon Hill Civic Association (BHCA)…
TEA and DCR Seek Input on Concessions
The Esplanade Association (TEA) joined the Department of Conservation and Recreation for two meetings Wednesday to gather public input on future food concessions and other facilities on the Charles River Esplanade. The meetings followed the recent announcement that DCR would…
Snyder Promoted to Ross’ Chief of Staff
Michelle Snyder, who previously served as director of constituent relations for City Councilor Mike Ross, was recently promoted to chief of staff. “The people of Back Bay, Beacon Hill and the West End know well know how great Michelle is…
Petro Plans to Step Up Volunteer Work on Hill After Retirement
When Donna Petro retires from her post as vice president of the Cambridge Trust Company at the end of December, she won’t be leaving Beacon Hill, but instead intends to step up her philanthropic efforts in the neighborhood. “I’ve had…
Free Holiday Concert Planned for December 14
The Friends of the Public Garden is ushering in the holiday season with a series of return performances by the Back Bay Ringers at the Boston Common and Commonwealth Avenue Mall. “It’s a romantic holiday tradition to hear music played…
Single to Two Family is a No Go Home at 75 Hancock St.
Amid concerns about the precedent it would set for future residential development in the neighborhood, the Beacon Hill Civic Association (BHCA) Zoning and Licensing Committee voted Wednesday to oppose granting the variances necessary to convert a single-family home at 75…