Last of the Autumn Colors

Bedtime for Bascarts?

Tomorrow the Race Begins...

Certainly nothing is over until the polls close at 8 pm, but lacking a political earthquake, the proverbial fat lady is warming her vocals chords in Boston.  According to most polling, only two of the four at-large council seats look remotely competitive. None of the district seats are competitive. While vigorous, the contest for Mayor seems to have come down to a question of margin of victory more so than victor.

While this last round of mayoral campaigning has been more spirited it has hardly been substantive. On one side we had Menino = Good, Floon = Better? Albeit, seasoned with a few mini-scandals and certain union of public servants getting feisty. The other side, well 60% of Bostonians have met (and according polling support/like). Not that he doesn't rub a good many the wrong way it seems. 

BUT, in a year of "change," none of the challengers (here at least) have been all that convincing about the change they envision, let alone their capacity to make it happen. So aside from some fresh faces on council, Boston will likely make history and extend tenure of Thomas Menino. 

Urban Mechanic (no relation to Mayor Thomas Menino) bets the real race begins after today. Legacy building for some? Vying for 2013 for others? The question is, what ideas will come forth? What dialog will take place, and whom will it include? 

How do we fix urban schools? Even with its progress over the past decade, the system, like any other large system in the country fails too many. What about youth jobs?

With the Big Dig behind us, what potential is there to really think about transit and transportation in the city? Boston may have built the country's first subway, but other cities such as Denver, Portland, and even LA are taking ambitious steps towards investing in and building transit not just commuter rail, but urban transit while we languish over half-finished BRT lines that aren't really all that "rapid."

How about someone looking at Greater Boston? While we're not likely to erase century's-old boundaries are there ways the more built-up areas like Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline and the remains of Suffolk (that isn't Boston) could leverage their weight with ideas such as cost-sharing or with the legislature or even abroad?

What about rethinking zoning, with 21st century industry, residential, commercial, and common considerations? How could the city turn its massive stock of schools, community centers, and other public facilities into 21st century public assets but green assets?

Should Boston (or the Commonwealth for that matter) have professional legislators (city councilors) or citizen servants? What about local campaign finance reform? Where does civic engagement really meet political engagement in Boston?

These are the questions, and so many more, that Urban Mechanic hopes to see come front and center starting tomorrow and beyond towards 2013. There are bold, innovative ideas percolating out there that need to come forth. The get elected, and your in for life system might not change (at least any time soon) here in the MA, but now's the time to focus on who will be elected next.

Shopping Cart Takes Out Recycling

Shopping carts and Boston denizens across the city are in love with the new, large "carts" distributed by the City for recycling. The new carts are being distributed throughout the city of Boston over the Fall, Winter, and Spring...free of charge.

In addition, recycling throughout Boston is now single stream for a wide array of materials. Urban Mechanic has re-deployed one of his small recycling boxes to indoor duties (transferring recycling as it builds...very geeky). More important the weekly payload of garbage has reduced from one bag to about a half a bag (for his residence of two plus a cat).

Find out more about recycling in Boston by clicking here

A note for transparency. Urban Mechanic does not arrange, pose, or abscond with bascarts. The bascarts chronicled and photographed here are only done so as found objects. Further, only bascarts found outside of their normal environments (i.e. stores or store parking lots), are chronicled. Submissions are gladly accepted and will be credited. Just think to yourself, what is that bascart up to?

DOT Abuzz This Weekend

This weekend is a abuzz in the DOT with events crisscrossing the neighborhood, including open studios and Boston's first annual Barista Throwdown.

Dorchester Open Studios (Saturday and Sunday 12 to 5 PM)

Around the neighborhood artists are opening the doors to their studios and showing off not only their works, but often fabulous work spaces (and sometimes residences). Organized by the DAC (Dorchester Arts Collaborative), more than 60 artists will participate in the event. For more details check out the official program (PDF document).

White Chrome; Boston's First Annual Barista Throwdown (Saturday 2 to 9 PM)

Hosted at Flat Black Coffee Company's Ashmont Location (just steps from Ashmont Station), this event promises to be not only a Boston first, but likely a soon-to-be Boston must. Baristas will square off in competition to claim the title of Boston's best with spectators enjoying the fruits of their labors and enjoying special demonstrations of equipment, coffee and espresso techniques and much more. The event will wrap-up at Tavolo's, just down the street, with an awards ceremony and celebration. Proceeds will benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank.

Gritty, Glistening, & Bustling

With Filene's and more significantly, Filene's Basement, shuttered and a giant crater occupying much of the former store site (the Historic and best bits remain) Bostonian's might note that Downtown Crossing seems to have seen better days. In fact a great deal of other area properties are either vacant or under construction. Yet, Downtown Crossing on any given day (week or weekend) is a bustle. There are streetcar vendors, random street performers and people of just about every walk of life imaginable.Though much-maligned, there are also a great deal of (re-)development projects planned and underway.

Despite the current and recent conditions both economic and development related, Downtown Crossing remains true to its namesake. It also remains one of the most successful nearly all-pedestrian environments in urban America. The reason? Good bones. It really is that simple.

In the case of geography and placemaking, good bones can be seen as transit, roads, and other elements of the built environment. Downtown Crossing has the best of all of this. All five of the MBTA urban transit lines converge on/around the Downtown Crossing area. South Station and the emerging South Boston waterfront area; next door. Boston Common and the Public Garden is but a block away. The Financial District is; well right there. Emerson College and Suffolk University are right in the neighborhood. Tufts New England Medical Center is next door. Beacon Hill; across the way. Government Center; next door. The Theater District (and the 19 screen Boston Common Cinemas); right in the neighborhood. That doesn't include any of the data and such of course...

The neighborhood just plain has good bones (you can see some data here); density, parks, transit, wide-range of uses that brings activity to every hour of the day. So, current conditions may feel a bit dower, but one thing seems completely certain to Urban Mechanic. Downtown Crossing will remain vibrant, hopefully always a bit gritty, definitively urban and uniquely; Boston.

Simple Things

Breakfast, brunch or lunch. Sit down, or take out. Family, friends, or solo. Reasonable prices, fun and friendly service, plain and simple. That's McKenna's Cafe in a nutshell. This Savin Hill establishment, just steps off the T and at the heart of the Savin Hill community, wouldn't call itself an institution. Residents and loyal customers aren't stuffy enough to care about such acclaim either. For everyone else, foreign to this unassuming, but fabulously authentic part of Boston, you'll either fall in love or lament the lack of any attempt to be chic or designer.

For Urban Mechanic, McKenna's is just one more reason to love calling Savin Hill home. Oh, and hipsters take note, there's already lines-out the door just about any weekend. AND, the locals have plenty of flair already. That's not to say visitors won't be welcomed.

Who will win the Pudding Pot?

Runners, walkers, and volunteers of Wentworth Institute of Technology have captured the Pudding Pot for four straight years. The much coveted trophy is awarded at the Annual Mission Hill Road Race to the organization that turns out the most people; plain and simple. BUT, who will win this year!? (Disclosure - Urban Mechanic is Director of the CLP@WIT, a Wentworth department)

Though WIT has so far had a lock on the prize for the entirety of its short history; competition has only mounted each and every year making for a fierce (but courteous) battle generating what feels like a century's-long rivalry among colleagues and neighbors. Will Wentworth clinch it's fifth straight victory, or will the Pudding Pot be relocating from 550 Huntington after Saturday's race? 

More importantly, all of this turnout goes to a fantastic cause, the road race event itself is a fundraiser and celebration of Kevin Fitzgerald Park. Tucked behind (and above) Brigham Circle, the northern anchor of Mission Hill's business district, the park offers stunning views from Longwood (up close) down toward Back Bay and downtown Boston. Learn more about the fascinating story behind this very special place here.

For decades the park area was actually an abandoned quarry that once produced Roxbury Puddingstone. Now, as a park the former "ledge site" also features shopping, dining, and offices developed by Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing Services (a community development corporation) and the New Boston Fund.

WANT TO WALK, RUN, OR VOLUNTEER?

The Road Race features Boston most scenic and toughest 5k run, walk, and a bit of celebration. Imagine a course half dozen or so "Heart Break Hills." Walkers are fired off at 930 am and runners at 10 am...this Saturday, September 19th. The race does issues officiated/metered results and awards various categories of runners/walkers by age and gender, and time ranking. Registration (walkers and runners) is available the day of the event for $20. For that Jackson, you'll get food, water (of course), your official number (and results) and a fantastic t-shirt (usually in a vintage swoosh style). Just be warned, be there early if you haven't already registered as the Pudding Pot crowd and the residents at-large make this an immensely popular event.

See more photos of Kevin Fitzgerald (Pudidngstone) Park on the Mission Hill Flickr Group page.

The Pear in the Square

Public art in Boston sometimes can feel a bit understated or just plain lacking...

...especially when you consider places like Chicago, with its Millennium Park filled to the brim with sculptural, architectural, landscape, and even digital installations.

The bronze sculpture of Clapp Pear at Edward Everett Square offers up a classy exception to this rule. Though some may feel it too is understated, I find it a perfect punctuation mark for what is an interesting, if yet unrefined part of town. If anything, it offers a glimmer of the potential for the square as a more urban (and therefore less auto-centered) place.

Those who are interested in such notions might take an interest in the local Main Street organization based in nearby Uphams Corner. If you enjoy public art and haven't visited the Pear, it is highly recommended (especially while the weather is mild). It's a short walk up Columbia Road from the JFK Red Line stop (See it on the Map). You can also take in some local dinning with the always enjoyable Restaurant Laura and hip 224 Boston both close by.

Neighbor Hill Event

Whether you've just moved-in, you've been the neighborhood for decades, or you simply haven't made it to this part of town recently...

...come to Mission Hill on Saturday to take in the sites, sounds, food and music of the Neighbor Hill community block party. Organized by a diverse group of residents, institutions, businesses and spear-headed by the Community Alliance of Mission Hill...the event follows weeks of move-ins, and other end of summer excitement.

Oh, and be sure to check out the Mission Hill Road Race next weekend. You can walk, run, or just hang out  and watch the action. You can register with this form, or the day of the race.

Food in the City: The Best Iced Cappuccino

If you find yourself strolling the Rose Kennedy Greenway on a sunny afternoon (or elbowing your way through Haymarket...or just in the vicinity) make a point to meander up to the North End to the Caffe dello Sport to quench your thirst, enjoy light eats and take in a football match.

If you are a fan of iced coffee but want something more smooth than Dunkin, try the iced cappuccino. Unlike the sad iced cappuccinos you get most anywhere else in the city, dello Sport uses a classic milkshake blender to create a divinely smooth beverage topped with a subtle cocoa powder.

Dello Sport also offers delightful freshmade foods such as sandwiches and a wide-array of deserts. Best of all, while there is always brisk businesses, it's rarely jammed-packed like many other North end establishments. NOTE for first-time customers, dell Sport is cash only, they "trust in God, all others pay cash."

Food in the City is a series of notes on food and drink found in the urban condition.

Flowers make a difference!

What's right with this picture?

Flowers, lot's and lot's of well-placed, well-managed flowers. Also, you'll notice a well-kept side-walk, and clean/uncluttered windows. Those three simple things make a difference. In fact, Main Street experts will tell you that keeping up with these three things alone can boost a business' bottom line by 10%. Don't believe me? Ask Marianna Hayes, the guru of downtown and small business coaching will set you straight.

One might also note in this photo a well-maintained facade that includes a classy paint job and appropriately fitting awning. These may all be hallmarks of a hardworking business owner and downtown improvement district, in this case the Canton Development Partnership. However, whatever resources there are (a chamber of commerce, a Main Street organization, or a band of vigilant merchants) if your business (and downtown) doesn't have this look and feel (by this I don't necessarily mean old-timey) then you should get to without any doubt or debate.

Some things to keep in mind.

Do not attempt to do this on the cheap! It is worse than having nothing at all.Use quality (and durable) plants and planters. Water and maintain!

Keep the sidewalks clean no matter what...

...and de-clutter and shine those windows! No hodge-podge of cigarette adds, menus, and posters! Vigilance, vigilance, vigilance.

Boston Neighborhood Takes A Bow

Mission Hill, one of Boston's most diverse communities takess a bow this weekend as it's famed Mission Church and Basilica of our Lady of Perpetual Help (pictured) hosts a funeral mass for the late Senator Ted Kennedy. While Massachusetts and arguably much of the nation mourns Kennedy's passing, Mission Hill has been granted an opportunity to not only honour him, but also strike out a new image locally and nationally.

After decades of often tumltuos change, the community today truly represents a crossroads for Boston's diverse population of young and old, student and lifelong resident, rich and poor, and ethnicities from across the globe. The neighborhood's assets, which include a stunning geography and landscape including parts of the emerald necklace, urban wilds, tree-lined streets, playgrounds and eclectic architecture to match.

Mission Hill is home to a substantial portion of the Longwood Medical and Academic Area (home to Harvard Med and dozens of hospitals, research labs colleges and other institutions), but also boasts numerous grassroots and citywide agencies and community anchors and a resurgent community business district.

As Peter Schworm from the Boston Globe acutely points out, the community brand over the past decades has been one also of strife, change, and transition. However, those who love Mission Hill know it's quality and character to hold much, much more. It seems that thanks can be given to Ted for understanding likewise.

Urban Planning: Beyond Saving the MBTA

Bostonians who suffer, but love the MBTA, must often wonder, how this really is one of the best transit systems in the country. For the average passenger the system is erratic and dated; often failing at the moments most personally important. Talk about amazing technology, a system that will fail when you personally need it most. Activist (T Rider's Union, Bad Transit) and transit enthusiasts must be further concerned. It has had a series of general managers that are openly anti-transit. The current GM, Dan Grabauskas, a relative-believer in transit at least, has managed to make station and operational improvements but is bogged down in debt and an inexplicable malaise in the State to treat transit seriously. While the turnpike and roadways get bailouts, transit is left drowning in unfair obligations. These obligations, many steaming from "Big Dig Mitigation" projects, were financed by the T, unlike the roadways, which are treated as capital improvements.

So it's not difficult to see why passengers and transit advocates can barely focus beyond keeping the T alive; at a time when transit elsewhere is resurgent. While this slow-action drama continues, the city and region risk being passed-up by progressives such as Denver, Portland, and even LA who are making bold moves to invest in transit for the future. In a time of energy crisis and climate change where transit has never looked better, and when dozens of cities across the nation are making strides towards building or expanding systems, Boston is stuck. Worse still, the current ideas for expanding and improving the T are tepid and inadequate to the needs of a world class city. The silver-line, an unquestionable failure is now promised to be followed by the "Urban Ring," another BRT idea that is even more poorly conceived with more never-to-happen tunnels. I know that is hard to believe if you have ever had to suffer the Silver Line, but imagine a rapid transit bus somehow ploughing through the LMAA on surface roads. Further, worthwhile projects such as extending the Green and Blue Lines are going nowhere. Worse still, there is no room for new ideas such as expanding capacity in the central core of Green line subway, now congested beyond belief, with quadruple tracking or new tunnels...or regaining ground by extending the E line back to Centre Street, if not to Arborway.

I would argue that the time is now to resolve the T's constant fiscal crisis (operating and capital) with a sustainable solution (beyond the sales tax). Now is the time for the T to evaluate the whole system (Commuter Rail, Rapid Transit, and Bus) to imagine and plan for a system worthy of a world class city of the 21st Century. Now is the time to move beyond dated ideas (i.e. the pseudo-BRT Urban Ring Scheme) and make room to consider a new future.

Urban Planning is a series of posts meant to prompt dialogue on major urban issues, with a focus on ideas and solutions.