JPNA Meeting Minutes
November 10, 2014
Board Members Present:
Margaret Farmer
Renee Scalfani
Matt Barison
Margaret Hammond
Next meeting: December 8 2014 (Holiday Party)
I. JPNA Housekeeping
- Fall Fling event was a success, and raised over $2000 to support operating costs to run the JPNA, as well as future initiatives.
- Holiday Potluck to be held at December 8th, 7pm. Please bring your favorite dish to share with the community!
II. Police Update- Officer Danny Simons
- Recent successful events held by BPD: Local Youth Soccer tournament, Halloween block party. Well attended.
- Overall crime in JP down 7%
- 6 Robberies, 5 Assaults, 5 Housebreaks
- 10/16 Orleans street home invasion at 5am, owner being charged with having a disorderly building, and problem tenants being evicted
- 11/4- Armed Robbery: Woman approached and shown knife in 326 Sumner St. vicinity. Suspect is Hispanic male, yet to be apprehended.
- 11/1: Woman sexually assaulted on Border Street, Surveillance footage captured suspect, a Hispanic male, suspect not yet apprehended.
Armed Robbery at D&M Convenience, suspect still being sought.
Open Business: A motion was made from the floor to change the by-laws to allow active military personnel to vote by absentee ballot. Jay was asked to stay after the meeting to assist in writing verbage. As the December meeting is a party this issue will be discussed in January, and voted on in February.
III. City Councilor Update: Michelle Wu
- Has worked with ZBA to refine procedures including a “small business” night to focus on supporting small business owners through the city process. ZBA has extended their hours as well.
- City Hall To Go truck has been a tremendous success, and can now be requested to come to community events
- Working with city hall to have a change in culture with employees geared at better customer service, and more streamlines process/ electronic documents
IV. New Restaurant: La Sanghita
New restaurant at corner of Maverick and Jeffries Street (old Mama Blancas) will use organic and local produce and be open 6am-3pm. Yoga classes also offered. Grand opening to be held first week in December. For more info: http://www.lasanghitacafe.com
V. Voting Issue: JPNA Logo
The JPNA Solicited the community, as well as designers online through hatchwise.com to create a logo for the organization. The final two options, per online polling were presented for a vote. The winning logo is a seal design encompassing the Piers Park Pavilion with 17 votes. Close behind was the Boston Skyline. Logo will now appear on official documents, social media and branding opportunities.
VI. Voting Issue: Maverick marketplace
Maverick Marketplace, located at 154 Maverick Street will be applying for 3 city licenses. The following were voted on
- Live entertainment license: Approved, 30 yay, 3 nay
- Non-live entertainment- Approved-31 yay, 2 nay
- Alcohol pour license for beer/ wine: Approved: 32 yay, 1 nay
VII. Speaker: Sherri Rafferty, East Boston Chamber of Commerce
Meeting adjourned at 9:30pm.