Connect with us

Boston, MA

Who’s responsible for cracked streetlights leaning over a Boston road?

Published

on

Who’s responsible for cracked streetlights leaning over a Boston road?


The I-Team is getting the bottom of a potentially dangerous problem in a Boston neighborhood. 

Ann Marie Ford lives in Dorchester and says she’s concerned about the streetlights along Gallivan Boulevard. Many look to be in in disrepair, and she says they could pose a danger. 

Advertisement

Ann Marie pointed out the cracks, rust and crumbling concrete telling the I-Team, “I was kind of shocked, because we just saw the one and then when we looked up, we saw them all down the median and it’s dangerous.” 

“Someone could get killed”

Potentially dangerous because the light poles are leaning into the street. We brought in Wentworth Institute of Technology Engineering Professor James Lambrechts who explained the danger. “Someone could get killed,” Lambrechts said. 

Streetlight Boston

Streetlight leaning on Gallivan Blvd. in Boston. 

CBS Boston


Lambrechts says it’s clear the poles are leaning towards the highway. “As it leans more, it bends more,” Lambrechts said. “Its foundation is going to be overloaded. That’s not good.” 

Advertisement

Lambrechts found the poles are not just leaning, but cracking. “These are not good things for the pole to have this problem and it shouldn’t be like this,” Lambrechts said. 

Who owns the streetlights?

Gallivan Boulevard is a state DOT road. The I-Team asked for the inspection reports for the streetlights. DOT told us DCR owns the road. It does not. State records show Gallivan Boulevard was transferred to DOT in 2009. 

DOT then said Eversource owns the poles and told us it has notified the utility company about possible safety or maintenance issues. But they could not tell us when the poles were last inspected or whether the repairs or maintenance had been done. 

“You got to come out and maintain these things every once in a while,” Lambrechts said. “They all need to be inspected, evaluated and replaced as necessary.” 

Eversource has received calls about streetlights

As for Eversource, it refused to provide the I-Team with any records, but released a statement: 

Advertisement

“Delivering safe, reliable energy service to our customers is always our top priority, and we are constantly working to maintain and upgrade our local electric distribution system across Massachusetts. 

With respect to the streetlights on Gallivan Boulevard, our maintenance responsibilities currently include maintenance of the pole, cable and luminaire. We also inspect these streetlights annually for stray voltage, and if we record an elevated voltage reading or other issue on a Gallivan Boulevard streetlight structure, we provide those findings and locations to the commonwealth. 

Our troubleshooters – who are out in our communities 24/7 – are also constantly evaluating the condition of infrastructure, including streetlights, as part of their daily work. If our crews observe that a pole’s condition poses a safety risk to the public, we work as quickly as possible to address that risk with the appropriate repairs, including replacements when needed. It is important to note that there are different considerations for concrete streetlight poles compared to a wooden utility pole, and if a concrete streetlight pole may have a lean, or visible crack, it doesn’t necessarily pose a risk to public safety. Gallivan Boulevard is a highly traversed state roadway with motor vehicle accidents that can cause such damage. 

Our customer call center has received a handful of calls about streetlights on Gallivan Boulevard this year, and any reports made to our call center about streetlight conditions get assigned for additional inspection. The City of Boston and our state agencies also have dedicated account representatives who communicate with those entities on a daily basis, and we have not received any separate recent complaints regarding streetlights on Gallivan Boulevard from state agencies or the city. When we do receive complaints, we have a process in place to coordinate with MassDOT and the City of Boston to quickly address any potential safety or reliability issues. Any decision to make a repair or to replace a pole is prioritized solely by safety and reliability.” 

Problem light poles in Boston 

Lambrechts says it’s their responsibility to maintain the poles. “If it falls over it’s not safe,” Lambrechts said.

Advertisement

The risk of light poles in poor condition falling is real. In September of 2022, a woman was seriously injured when a corroded streetlight fell on the Moakley Bridge in Boston. An I-Team investigation found the city knew about the problem as far back as 2017. WBZ also uncovered a state report from months earlier showing the poles required immediate repair, but nothing was done. After the incident the city removed nearly two dozen dangerous poles.

As for the streetlights on Gallivan Boulevard, Lambrechts says maybe there is a protocol to change these out, but if not, he says he would not drive on the roadway in a storm. 

Just weeks ago, DOT started a new program requiring inspections and the keeping of records for structures along their roadways, regardless of who owns them.



Source link

Boston, MA

Geekie Lifts Bruins to 2-1 Overtime Win Against Kings  | Boston Bruins

Published

on

Geekie Lifts Bruins to 2-1 Overtime Win Against Kings  | Boston Bruins


“Maybe a little bit of opportunity. Just being able to seize it a little bit better, too and take advantage of that. Just kind of trusting myself more in those situations,” Geekie said of his goal-scoring growth. “It is easy to build confidence when you have confidence. I think over the last year, it’s slowly been building.” ​

The B’s displayed a new look to their top six on Friday, which featured Geekie on the second line with Steeves and Marat Khusnutdinov. The Czech trio of Matěj Blümel, Pavel Zacha and Pastrnak made up the first line.

“I think overall, it was just a better overall fit. We spread it out a little bit,” Sturm said. “I thought the Czech line was pretty good. The other guys were better, too. We just don’t want to put everything on one line and put the pressure on them all the time.”

The Kings found the 1-1 equalizer with a shorthanded goal from Joel Armia at 13:03, which forced overtime. Geekie’s ensuing tally sent the Bruins flooding onto the ice to celebrate the 2-1 win.​

Advertisement

“[Geekie] worked even more this summer on his shot, on his release. Everything pays off. It’s been nice to see that hard work gets rewarded. I believe in that, and he’s one of them,” Sturm said. “The way we played today, it was really outstanding. One of the better games we’ve played.”

Beating the Kings carried a little extra meaning for Sturm, too, who spent seven years in the organization as both LA’s assistant coach and the head coach of its AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign. Friday was his first time back in the building as an NHL head coach.

​“Anyone knows when you leave, you come back to your old stomping grounds, you want those two points badly,” Lindholm said. “I think we played our strong Bruins game tonight – kind of like the identity [Sturm] wants us to play. It was a perfect win that way.”​

The Bruins are back in action on Sunday in San Jose for an 8 p.m. ET game against the Sharks at SAP Center.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Boston, MA

Little November warmup ahead on Friday after Boston reaches a late first freeze – The Boston Globe

Published

on

Little November warmup ahead on Friday after Boston reaches a late first freeze – The Boston Globe


Sometime in the early-morning hours on Thursday, Logan Airport finally reached 32 degrees for the first time this season. This marks the 17th latest first freeze on record and is a trend of later frost starts that continues to occur. For the Boston area, the average date is Nov. 5, according to National Weather Service records.

Overall, the weather over the next several days is looking sunny and dry. But the good news is the brief warmup New England will get on Friday.

When you get up Friday morning, temperatures will be in the 30s east of I-495 and in the mid- to upper 20s west and over the higher elevations, not quite as cold as the past couple of mornings due to some high cloudiness and a southerly flow of air. The day will warm up, getting near or even a little above 50 degrees, especially along the coastal plain. This little boost in mild weather will also feature a blend of clouds and sunshine.

Highs on Friday may reach the low 50s for Boston and areas south.Boston Globe

Friday night: Possible light showers

Advertisement

A weak weather system crosses the area Friday night Friday night into early Saturday, with the chance of some shower activity, but this is minimal at best. The clouds will tend to thicken, and there is the chance of a couple of hours of showers. The data that I used to determine rainfall doesn’t show much in the way of precipitation, and some models even have it completely dry.

A front will bring light, scattered showers into New England on Friday night.Boston Globe
Friday will see increasing clouds with showers arriving during the night.Boston Globe

Saturday-Sunday: Back to sunshine

When you get up Saturday morning, if there is an early shower, it’s quickly out of the picture and we go back to sunshine. Temperatures will start above freezing everywhere Saturday morning, so if you have any field games, the ground will not be frozen. In the afternoon, readings will be between 43 and 48 across most of the region.

Clear skies Saturday night allow temperatures to once again fall back to typical levels in the 20s and 30s, and then it’s a gorgeous Sunday with temperatures in the mid-40s in the afternoon and light wind.

Highs on Saturday will reach the upper 40s across Southern New England.Boston Globe
Highs on Sunday will likely remain in the mid to upper 40s.Boston Globe

The lack of wind this weekend will make it great for leaf-raking and other fall cleanup since the leaves won’t be blowing around. Remember, if you can leave the leaves in your garden beds, it does act as a protection for many perennials, but I do recommend removing the leaves from the lawn.

With the nice weather across all of New England this weekend, it’s actually an opportunity to take advantage of the early snow that has fallen across Vermont, New Hampshire, and portions of Maine. Northern Vermont, in particular, as well as the mountains of New Hampshire, have done particularly well in terms of November snowfall. This means you can expect almost mid-winter conditions on a few trails for those areas that received the bulk of the snowfall.

Some portions of Northern New England have 4 to 16 inches of snowpack heading into the weekend. Above is the snow depth as of Thursday, Nov. 20.NOAA

Thanksgiving week look-ahead forecast

Next week looks dry until we get to around Wednesday. A weather system may bring a few showers sometime on Wednesday, but it doesn’t look significant. This means great travel weather starts the work week. I don’t see any major storms nationwide to create travel delays. Thanksgiving also looks dry as of now.

Advertisement
Here’s the 7-day outlook for the Boston area.Boston Globe

Greater Boston: Look for a blend of clouds and sunshine on Friday with temperatures starting in the low to mid-30s and reaching near 50 in the afternoon. An early shower gives way to sunshine on Saturday with highs in the 40s.

Central/Western Mass.: Look for temperatures starting in the 20s on Friday, reaching the upper 40s in the afternoon, along with a blend of clouds and sun. Clearing takes place Saturday morning with highs in the 40s along with sunshine.

Southeastern Mass.: Plenty of sunshine mixed with clouds on Friday with temperatures near 50. An early shower Saturday leads to clearing in the afternoon. Highs will be in the 40s with lows back in the 20s. Sunday features sunshine with temperatures back into the mid-40s.

Cape and Islands: Look for a blend of sunshine and a few clouds on Friday with temperatures in the mid-40s. The weekend starts on a cloudy note with clearing developing in the afternoon on Saturday and highs near 50. It’s cold Saturday night with temperatures near 30 and in the 40s with sunshine on Sunday.

Rhode Island: Sunshine is abundant on Friday with temperatures near 50. Look for clearing from north to south on Saturday morning after an early sprinkle across the south coast. Temperatures will be near 50 in the afternoon sunshine, with temperatures in the 40s for Sunday.

New Hampshire: You can expect sunshine on Friday with temperatures near 40. Look for a dry weekend ahead with temperatures within a few degrees of 40 on Saturday and just under 40 on Sunday. Both days will feature sunshine; it’s a bit breezy on Saturday.

Advertisement

Sign up here for our daily Globe Weather Forecast that will arrive straight into your inbox bright and early each weekday morning.





Source link

Continue Reading

Boston, MA

‘Game-changer’ as Michelin Guide recommends Boston-area restaurants

Published

on

‘Game-changer’ as Michelin Guide recommends Boston-area restaurants


Boston finally has its first Michelin star.

311 Omakase in the South End received one star at Michelin’s Northeast Cities ceremony in Philadelphia Tuesday night. The 10-seat restaurant is tucked away in a basement, and the price starts at $250 per person. It was the only restaurant to receive a star in Boston’s inaugural year with the Michelin Guide.

“It’s a starting point. It’s going to build momentum for us,” said David O’Donnell, vice president of communications for Meet Boston.

Meet Boston was influential in bringing the Michelin Guide to Boston, but would not disclose how much the organization paid for it.

Advertisement

“Any recognition you get from Michelin is a game-changer, not only for those restaurants and chefs, but for the destination,” O’Donnell said.

The legendary recognition goes to 311 Omakase on Tremont Street in the city’s South End.

Six restaurants received Bib Gourmand awards recognizing high-quality food at a reasonable price, including Bar Volpe and Fox & the Knife in South Boston, both owned by Karen Akunowicz.

“I want to cry. I mean, I was shocked, and I still am,” said Akunowicz. “For me, that was like getting three stars. Our teams work tirelessly to bring excellent food and amazing hospitality experiences to the folks in Boston and beyond.”

In Cambridge, three restaurants — Jahunger, Pagu, and Sumiao Hunan Kitchen — also earned Bib Gourmands, along with Mahaniyom in Brookline.

Advertisement

On top of that, 20 eateries were named Recommended Restaurants, including Select Oyster Bar in Boston’s Back Bay.

“We try and serve the best seafood we can get our hands on, and if it’s not top-shelf, A+ grade, we don’t let it in the door,” said Benjamin Sandrof, a bartender at Select Oyster Bar.

Toro in the South End also earned the honor of Recommended Restaurant after two decades in the neighborhood.

“This long in, we’re like, ‘Who would ever even recognize us for what we’re doing?’ Because there’s so many new, great chefs in Boston, and we’re not the new kid on the block anymore, and it’s just so nice that people still notice the effort,” said Ken Oringer, the chef and owner.

See the full list of Boston-area restaurants recognized in the Michelin Guide.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending