From the Franklin Park Coalition

Franklin Park Friends:

It seems the helicopter issue is not dead. We may still have landings in Franklin Park this summer. Our city councilors are holding a hearing on the issue at the golf clubhouse this coming Tuesday, May 1st at 6:00 pm. Please come out to show that this is unacceptable in our park. The hearing offers an opportunity to question how city officials could've considered Franklin Park's Playstead as "vacant land" suitable for helicopter landings in the first place. A big showing on Tuesday protesting the helicopters will help send the message that Franklin Park - and all parks - must be treated as protected land, not as available space for whatever's needed. Inserted below is the order calling for the hearing sent by Councillor Turner's office.

Especially needed are dog owners and those concerned about wildlife. The park will not be a place for animals if the helicopters arrive.

Don't forget the Franklin Park History Tour this weekend - Sunday at 1:00 pm, meet at the rear entrance to the Zoo.

--
Franklin Park Coalition
617-282-2881
www.franklinparkcoalition.org



City of Boston
In City Council

Hearing Order On Franklin Park Helicopter Launching Pad

By Councillors Chuck Turner, Charles C. Yancey and Sam Yoon
April 4, 2007


Whereas, constituents from the Roxbury side and the Jamaica Plain side of Franklin Park have complained about the sitting of a Public Safety helicopterpad in the Park; and

Whereas, there has been no public discussion of the sitting of the helicopterpad in Franklin Park; Therefore Be It

Ordered, that the appropriate committee of the Boston City Council hold apublic hearing and invite representatives of the Boston Police Department andany relative law enforcement agencies as well as Boston the Parks & Recreation Department to discuss such issues as: what led to the decision; were other sites considered; was there any discussion with the civic leaders or political leaders surrounding the park; expected effect on the park; who paysfor the negative effect on the park and zoo animals; and has there been any consideration of air pollution.

And Be It Further Ordered that the public be invited to give their perspective on the locating of a helicopter pad in Franklin Park.

Plea for Help

Hello Neighbors

As you may know, the 22nd Annual Neighborhood Cleanup is going to be on Sat. April 28. Generally, our area gets a pretty small turnout, though that small dedicated group manages to do a great job getting the trash cleared from the Morton Street Woods.

This year, we'd like to be a bit more ambitious and are asking you to join in by volunteering to clean up either the Woods or the street between the Woods and the corner of Hyde Park Ave and Morton. That stretch, running from the FitzInn lot to the Morton St. woods badly needs our attention, so please consider volunteering (and recruiting your friends, family and neighbors) to join us on Sat. morning.

The cleanup will be from 9 am to 1pm at which time the city picks up the tools and our trash bags. If you can't come for all four hours, come for what you can manage.

If you are able to volunteer, please send an email to Nigel Shaw at nigel_shaw@nps.gov to let us know (so that we can be sure to order enough trash bags, rakes, etc.) and most importantly, THANKS.

We look forward to seeing you on Sat. April 28th.

Nigel Shaw
Bruce Wallin
Liz O'Connor

Survey Results

Thanks to all of the residents (29 in total) who participated in the survey. The results are visible here.

We are also forwarding the results to the BRA for their inclusion as they collect neighborhood responses to planning options related to the sale of the MBTA parcels near Forest Hills.

Thanks again, all.

Liz and Bruce