The JPA meets monthly to address a variety of issues that affect our neighborhood. The JPA is led by its Chairperson and Board of Directors that address various areas of concern in the following areas:
PARKLAND Making sure that Jamaica Pond and the Emerald Necklace are safe, accessible and well maintained are important parts of the JPA’s work. In recent months the JPA has been involved with: · leading the Parkman Drive clean-up. · the reconstruction of the brick wall along the Jamaicaway at Pond St. near Orchard St. and Dunster Rd; · the planning for the renovation of the park land surrounding Pinebank;
CENTRE ST. BUSINESS DISTRICT: The JPA is dedicated to improving the Centre Street business district. The group has: · financially supported the removal of security grates from the windows of Centre Street businesses; · worked with the city to remove graffiti; · reviewed business requests for changes in licenses and operating hours.
PUBLIC SAFETY: The JPA works closely with local and state police, the fire department and other neighborhood groups to identify ways to reduce crime and improve the safety of all residents. It also provides a community forum for residents to raise concerns about safety.
SUPPORTING THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND LOCAL GROUPS The JPA works to improve the character and sense of community in the Jamaica Pond neighborhood and has provided donations to local organizations including the Eliot School and the Regan Youth League.
ZONING The City of Boston requires that all requests for zoning variances are first reviewed by the local neighborhood organization. If there is a request in your immediate area, you will be invited to attend a JPA meeting where you can learn more about the proposed changes, receive answers to your questions, and share any concerns. The JPA considers input from neighbors before making a recommendation to the city of Boston Board of Appeals. The JPA has -· reviewed requests from both local homeowners and Centre Street business owners who proposed projects or renovations that required zoning variances or changes in occupancy permits; -· coordinated the complex review processes of larger development projects and made detailed recommendations; -· encouraged linkage funds from large developments in the area to benefit Jamaica Pond Park.
Some suggestions about how you can help keep your street safe. Even if you don’t have time to volunteer with the JPA, there is a lot that you can do to help maintain and improve your local street and neighborhood. · Make sure that snow and ice are promptly removed so that people may access the sidewalks. Also keep the fire hydrant in front of your home clear as you never know when it might be needed. · Trim your hedges and bushes so that people may pass on the sidewalks without obstruction. This is particularly important given the number of elderly and disabled people in our community and the number of families with small children. · Join or help start a local crime watch. Be sensitive to any local crime issues. · Consider keeping your porch lights on at night to add more lighting to your street and backyard and increase safety.