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First Open Streets event of the summer returns to Jamaica Plain, with more to come

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First Open Streets event of the summer returns to Jamaica Plain, with more to come


Jamaica Plain’s Centre Street was packed with with an unusual traffic Sunday — pedestrians walking and biking, people sorting through vendors’ goods, while musicians played and children chased bubbles out in the street.

“People have been flooding the street all day,” said Open Streets Director of Outreach Roxanne Longoria. … “Literally from one side of Centre to the other, you just see people all over the street. It’s just an opportunity to build community and make new friends.”

The event closed off Centre Street from Soldier’s Monument to Lamartine Avenue to cars from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., lining up tons of vendors, activities and open businesses.

Pedicabs wheeled up and down Centre through the sunny Sunday afternoon, as musicians played, people stopped to take pictures with the rainbow swing and cops passed out free ice cream in Hyde Square.

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“Mostly, it’s nice to walk in the middle of the street and not be dodging traffic,” said 43-year Jamaica Plain resident Elaine, walking with two friends through the event.

“And people are exceptionally friendly today,” 45-year resident Marilyn chimed in. “All smiling at each other. It’s a good experience and feels very JP.”

Longoria said last year the Open Streets event in JP had 11,000 people and this year they’re hoping for at least 20,000. The number of vendors and activities increased over last year, including local artists, nonprofits, businesses and brightly-colored juggling unicyclers.

The program is looking to keep growing and serving as many people as possible, Longoria said.

The pedestrian-friendly event was just the first of the summer. The number of neighborhoods participating in the program expanded this year and will include Roxbury’s Blue Hill Avenue on July 15, Allston/Brighton’s Brighton Avenue and Harvard Avenue on Aug. 19, Dorchester’s Dorchester Avenue on Sept. 17, and East Boston’s Meridian Street on Oct. 15.

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Charles Murrell, foreground, with Trends in Motion, leads a street dance during the second annual Open Streets event on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain. (Photo by Jim Michaud/ Boston Herald)
Aidan Doyle prepares a cool lemonade slushy for a customer, during the second annual Open Streets event on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, Sunday.
Aidan Doyle prepares a cool lemonade slushy for a customer, during the second annual Open Streets event on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, Sunday. (Photo by Jim Michaud/ Boston Herald)
Cate Flaherty performs with throwing knives while balancing and trying not to roll off a table, as children watch during the second annual Open Streets event onCentre Street inJamaica Plain. (Photo by Jim Michaud/ Boston Herald)
Cate Flaherty performs with throwing knives while balancing and trying not to roll off a table, as children watch during the second annual Open Streets event onCentre Street inJamaica Plain. (Photo by Jim Michaud/ Boston Herald)

 



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How to make collision-prone Boston safer for all – The Boston Globe

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How to make collision-prone Boston safer for all – The Boston Globe


Boston’s recent ranking as the most collision-prone city in the country is alarming, but for too many residents, especially older adults and people with disabilities, the danger is not new (“Report cites Boston as most collision-prone city in nation,” Metro, July 14).

Recent crash data from across Massachusetts show that pedestrians are most at risk in neighborhoods where many residents are older, have lower incomes, or rely on wheelchairs or other mobility aids. In too many of these places, infrastructure has not kept up with the growing demand for safe, accessible ways to get around, whether it’s walking to the bus stop, crossing to the grocery store, or simply navigating a sidewalk safely.

The same dense streets that lead to frequent and often fatal crashes are also where slower speeds can save lives, but only if we invest in real safety improvements. That means lowering speed limits, redesigning intersections, fixing crumbling sidewalks, and prioritizing walkable infrastructure where it’s needed most. It also means listening to residents who have taken it upon themselves to walk their streets, document unsafe conditions, and push for change.

If Boston is serious about improving its safety record, we need bold leadership and streets that work for everyone.

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Brendan Kearney

Executive director

WalkMassachusetts

Boston





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Mass. state rep. facing DUI charge after alleged hit-and-run in Boston – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News

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Mass. state rep. facing DUI charge after alleged hit-and-run in Boston – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News


BOSTON (WHDH) – A Massachusetts state rep is facing a drunken driving charge after police say he sideswiped a parked vehicle in Boston and kept going early Wednesday morning.

Rep. John Lawn, a Democrat from Watertown, is accused of slamming into a parked truck across the street from the State House and driving off, leading to his arrest.

A witness said he heard a commotion outside his window just before 2 a.m. and noticed the damaged vehicles.

“I saw whoever it was backing in and out trying to like unstick from the car,” Walter Thilly said.

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A police report says another witness followed the SUV around the block and flagged down a police officer.

The officer stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Lawn, noting in the report that the representative smelled of alcohol, had glassy eyes, slurred speech, and was unsteady on his feet.

After an investigation, he was arrested on charges of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of a crash with property damage.

Lawn was elected to the State House in 2011 and said in a statement, “I deeply regret and take full responsibility for my actions. What happened was completely unacceptable. I make no excuses.”

In a statement, House Speaker Ronald Mariano said, “Representative Lawn has told me he takes full responsibility for this egregious lapse in judgement … and that he will work to ensure that something like this does not happen again.”

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Gov. Maura Healey also addressed the incident, saying, “Obviously, you know, there’s no tolerance for driving under the influence.”

He is expected to be arraigned Thursday in Boston Municipal Court.

(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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Fan ejected from Connecticut Sun game in Boston

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Fan ejected from Connecticut Sun game in Boston


BOSTON ― A fan sitting courtside was ejected from the Connecticut Sun game at TD Garden on Tuesday night.

After a timeout just over midway through the second quarter, a male fan wearing a Caitlin Clark Indiana Fever shirt was removed from his seat after a verbal interaction with Sun guard Saniya Rivers, who was standing near the fan to inbound the ball.

Rivers requested for the fan to be removed after disclosing what had been said to the referees and arena staff.

“I won’t get into what he said, but if you know me, I’m not taking any type of disrespect,” Rivers said after the game. “So if it’s a form of a threat, whatever it is, you’re out of there.

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“I just knew that I could use my power in that moment because I’m not taking any disrespect… it just sucks because he wasted all that money on a courtside seat, just to say one thing — it didn’t even bother me because I still produced, so it is what it is.”

Sun players and staff quickly pulled Rivers away from the initial interaction after seeing her distress. Connecticut fans cheered and celebrated as the fan was escorted out by arena security.

“All of Connecticut in the crowd had my back, the team had my back (and) the coaches,” Rivers said.

Rivers had eight points, two steals, three assists and five rebounds in 29 minutes for Connecticut.

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