Category: Events

New City Initiative Alert – “Spaces for You”

Matt Lawlor
Visual images of use of public spaces in Boston.
Source: Boston Planning Department.

In line with the way the Wu Administration has been seeking to emphasize systemic planning instead of project-based development review, they’re now out with a new initiative on public spaces they’re calling “Spaces for You” and which they describe at a very high level as follows:

Spaces For You is a collaborative and proactive initiative by the City of Boston to co-create, enhance, and celebrate public outdoor spaces that foster joy, belonging, and well-being for all residents. It seeks to bridge the gap between community needs and city resources, knitting together public and privately generated open spaces to create vibrant social places for all.

The project page can be found here and note that there’s a brief survey in which they’re seeking some initial feedback. Go ahead and let them know what you think!

District 5 City Council Candidate Forum – 8 July 2025 – 7 pm – Via Zoom

Matt Lawlor

We’re happy to be among the co-sponsors for the upcoming District 5 City Council Candidates Forum to be held a week from tomorrow via zoom. The registration link can be found HERE. We’d be delighted if you could attend. Thanks!

Bike to Work Day & Festival on City Hall Plaza – Friday, 16 May 2025 – WR/Roslindale Convoy Departs at 7:10 am in Adams Park

Matt Lawlor

This really is a great event every year and if you register early enough, you get a free Boston Bikes t-shirt. Get with the program if you can! Registration link is HERE.

BTD Open Houses: Roslindale Transportation Action Plan & Hyde Park Ave

Ben Bruno

Mark your calendar for two upcoming Boston Transportation Department (BTD) open houses this May!

Roslindale Transportation Action Plan Open House

Tuesday May 13th, 6:00 – 7:30pm @ St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church

BTD will be introducing the project, sharing what they’ve heard, and asking for some initial feedback. There’s no formal program and no need to stay the whole time. Come any time to meet the planners, learn about the project, and share your thoughts! See the flyer for the event.

Hyde Park Ave Multimodal Corridor Open House #3

Wednesday May 21st, 6:00pm – 8:00pm @ Boston Teachers Union School

Come listen and provide feedback on the latest design concepts for Hyde Park Ave.

Recording of The Rozzie Zoning Zoom!

Ben Bruno

Last night, over 70 people joined us live to listen to a rich and lively discussion with an expert panel of urban planners, local officials, and housing advocates and dive deep into the new Squares + Streets zoning for Roslindale – what will this mean for the community? How much new housing and public amenities should we expect? What will be the impact on affordability and displacement risk?

Video and audio versions of the recording are now available:

Audio only:

 

WalkUP Roslindale and Rozzidents for More Rozzidents extend our thanks to the excellent panelists who participated.

 

Resources discussed during the panel:

 

Public comment is open through March 31, and we want to show strong neighborhood support.

Here’s how to make your voice heard!

Public meeting tonight (12/11) on Hyde Park Ave Redesign and Other Upcoming Events

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UPDATED – Upcoming events: Walk-Shop, Dedication of Flora Way, and Town Hall on Property Taxes in Boston

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The Boston Public Improvement Commission (PIC) approved the renaming of Bussey Street this week, which bisects the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University between Walter and South streets, as a result of a two-year campaign by local Roslindale and Jamaica Plain activists and organizations. The street will be renamed Flora Way, to elevate the name of Flora, a Black woman enslaved in the local area during the 18th century. Please see this flyer and join for the dedication ceremony on 10/26. Some other upcoming events that may be of interest:

  • 10/12 Saturday 9am – 1:30pm
    Mike Tormey (BTD Project Manager running the below Walk-Shop) @ the Farmer’s Market in Adams Park
    Mike will be at a table for the duration of the Farmer’s Market. Please stop by and say hello!
  • 10/16 Wednesday 5:30pm
    Roslindale Square Transportation Walk-Shop
    At this informal walk-shop, meet the Boston Transportation Department Project Manager (Mike Tormey) who will be leading the work in Roslindale Square. Share your ideas, hopes, and visions for the transportation network. We’ll meet at the flagpole in Adams Park and set off at about 5:30pm, walking approximately 0.5 miles to the Birch Street Plaza. We’ll discuss the streets and intersections around the square.
  • JUST ADDED: Mayor’s Town Hall on Property Taxes in Boston – WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 16, 2024; Time: 7:00PM; Location: William H. Ohrenberger School; 175 W Boundary Rd, West Roxbury, MA 02132 – RSVP Here NOTE: This is posted here solely for the purpose of getting information out regarding this meeting. WalkUP Roslindale has not taken a position with respect to any particular proposal or policy on this issue.
  • 10/26 Saturday 2:00pm (rain date 10/27)
    Dedication of Flora Way @ Arnold Arboretum between Walter St Gate and the current Bussey St gate
    Local residents and organizations, with the support of the Arboretum and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, led a community effort to rename Bussey Street for Flora, a Black woman enslaved in this area in the 18th century.

Roslindale Bus Lanes Virtual Public Meeting – This evening, 30 July 2024, at 6:00 pm

Matt Lawlor 1 Comment

WalkUP Roslindale have been active and enthusiastic supporters of the bus lanes on Washington Street all the way from initial conception and the early pilots to their implementation and operation the last few years. The Boston Transportation Department is now soliciting feedback on next steps and upcoming improvements. The squib from their website reads as follows:

“Since 2018, we have added new bus lanes to Washington Street from Forest Hills to Roslindale Village, serving 10 MBTA bus routes. Join us for a virtual public meeting on Zoom to discuss the bus lanes.

“At the public meeting, we’ll:

” – Share more about the Roslindale Bus Lane Project

– Discuss Bus Lane performance, including the impacts of COVID-19

– Ask for your feedback on next steps and upcoming improvements”

Information on the meeting, including the zoom link, can be found HERE.

Tour de Streets to support LivableStreets Alliance – 21 Sept 2024 – BE THERE!!!

Matt Lawlor Leave a comment

This is the same day as Roslindale Porchfest, but it’s earlier (running roughly from 10 am to 2 pm), so you can definitely do both! LivableStreets Alliance have been a great partner for WalkUP Roslindale over the years, including most significantly on the Roslindale Gateway Path and the morning and evening peak period bus lanes on Washington Street between Forest Hills and Roslindale Square. TDS is always a great time, including an organized walk and two bike rides starting from and ending at the Allston Speedway, but this year will be especially poignant and important as long-time LSA executive director Stacy Thompson is ending her run with the organization. If you know Stacy at all, you know that she has been a tremendously effective advocate in this space and it will be great to give her a proper thanks for all that she has done. SIGN UP HERE and, if you’re interested, feel free to join the WalkUP Roslindale team. Thanks!!!

Birch Plaza finally gets where it needed to go and we are THANKFUL!

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Conversion of the one-block section of Birch Street from Corinth to Belgrade has been long in the making, it’s true, and it’s also true that we have been steadfast supporters of this idea from its inception. And now that the planters and bench seating have arrived and been filled in with birch trees and other plantings by the city, we are simply delighted with the results. It’s a strong improvement over the prior condition, eliminates what had been a dangerous left turn onto by motor vehicle operators onto Belgrade and provides another great gathering space in our neighborhood for things like Salsa Night in the Square (picture above). Our sincerest, heartfelt thanks to so many folks who helped make this happen, including, in reverse chronological order –

  • Mayor Michelle Wu and her Administration, especially Chief of Streets Jascha Franklin-Hodge; Jacob Wessel, public realm director for the City of Boston; and ONS Roslindale Representatives Josh McCorkle and Dianna Bronchuk;
  • District 5 Councilor Enrique Pepen;
  • Former District 5 Councilor Arroyo;
  • The Janey Administration;
  • The Walsh Administration;
  • Roslindale Village Main Street; and
  • friend and current WalkUP Roslindale Board member, Adam Shutes, formerly of Boston Cheese Cellar. Great job everyone!