Lasting Progress Needs To Be Made
To the Editor,
CNC Written Statement to Mayor Wu.
Mayor Wu, First of all I would like to sincerely thank you for attending tonight’s meeting.
A theme that I have always heard from the older generations is that Charlestown, due to its small population, has historically been forgotten and unheard by City Hall. So I appreciate you coming and listening.
I have the sense that community, in particular family-oriented community is under threat not only in Charlestown but in other parts of Boston. This is due to no fault of your own as it has been taking place for several decades, however, you now have the opportunity to make a positive impact by addressing this issues.
After seeing a study by the BPDA finding that Charlestown has the highest percentage per capita of Children age 0-9 and with that number dropping in half from age 10-19, I have made it a point to find the reasons why these families are leaving as I believe Charlestown has been missing the opportunity to become a stronger and more vibrant community.
1) One of the 2 main issues that I have identified is the school system, in particular the middle and High School. Parents have to make the difficult decision to stay and hope their child gets into an exam school and if not either send them to private school or sadly move to a different public school system.
Everyone knows that our high school needs a lot of work, which is why a group of parents made a presentation to the school committee about revamping Charlestown High School that ultimately got denied. People here are truly willing to work to make this community a better place to live, but we need the city’s help and partnership.
2) The second issue that I have identified is the lack of larger 3 to 4 bedroom single family houses or condos.
There is a lot of development being planned but these plans largely consist of many 1 or 2 bedroom micrunits. And on top of that, the already limited supply of single family houses is and has been slowly eroded as they are converted into smaller condos or apartments.
We are not NIMBY’S. There is a serious need for more housing but we need to preserve our single family houses and we need new developments to focus on new single family houses or larger family sized units so more families can stay and in turn strengthen our community.
I fear, that if nothing is done, then Charlestown will become like a Disposable Neighborhood, meaning a neighborhood where people will live with no intention of staying long term, being involved, and just throwing it away when they are done.
To close, I believe that it is only when the government partners with the people that true lasting progress can be made, so please partner with us so that we can build a stronger community.
Phil Carr
Thank You, Charlestown Voters
To the Editor,
My name is Danielle Allen, and I was on the ballot last week for Democratic State Committee for our Senate District, Middlesex and Suffolk. I am writing to thank all Charlestown voters for turning out to vote on Super Tuesday!
Thank you for voting not only in the Presidential Primary but also in the State Committee races. Those races are so important, because the state party committees guide our political parties in shaping the landscape of our elections—who the candidates are, what the rules are for party contests, what the party platform is.
I did not prevail in the election, and I want to congratulate the winner, Henrietta Davis. A long-time elected official in Cambridge, Henrietta will represent us all well. I want to thank Olivia Walsh also, for a race well run.
At the same time, I am glad to report that I did prevail in a second contest for seats on the State Committee, the caucus process. I will join the Democratic State Committee, alongside Henrietta, to represent our Senate District, as State Committee Woman for Middlesex and Suffolk, as the holder of a caucus seat.
Over the last few years, I’ve been rebuilding my ward in Cambridge, Ward 2. As a State Committee member, I look forward to supporting all ward chairs in our Senate District.
And if you’d like to get involved but aren’t sure how to do so yet, please drop me a line at [email protected], and I will gladly connect you to the ward chair for your neighborhood, so you can get involved! It is fun and rewarding to play a role in shaping the direction of our communities. I hope to hear from you!
Yours sincerely,
Danielle Allen
Please Help
To the Editor,
Our children today too often lack a critical understanding of our Nation’s history, including the revolutionary days here in Boston. With the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill fast approaching in 2025, and the 250th anniversary of our Nation’s founding in 2026, we at the Bunker Hill Monument Association are working on an exciting new educational project and we need your help.
We have contracted with J. Dennis Robinson, a popular New England history writer and illustrator Robert Squier to create a graphic history of the Bunker Hill Monument and Revolutionary Boston. Our goal is to raise $40,000 for production expenses. We are asking our sponsors for a minimum of $5,000 to $10,000, however any amount would be appreciated. We are expecting to have Bunker Hill Time Machine available for 2025.
Our version of The Bunker Hill Time Machine will present young (and old) readers with a visually thrilling adventure through time.
BHMA is the oldest monument association in the Nation, founded in 1823. We are a non-profit 501 (c)(3) with an enduring mission to memorialize the Battle of Bunker Hill. We would be honored to have you as a sponsor of this fun and educational project.
Bunker Hill
Monument Association
Director Kevin Burke