We’re just about there. The time of year everyone loves when people are as in bloom as the flowers. We might have had a mild winter, but it’s always refreshing to welcome springtime.

We’re now a bit more than four months officially on the job, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. There is no shortage of work to do, and I’ve found each conversation and exchange with fellow residents to be educational and enlightening. It’s comforting to know that people trust in you to share their opinions, and gratifying to help solve problems.

We are in an exciting time in Quincy’s development. As you can see, there is a lot going on. I wanted to take an opportunity to provide an update on a few pertinent issues.

MassDOT Capital Investment Plan Meeting

In the fall of 2015, MassDOT held Capital Conversations throughout Massachusetts to solicit public input for the preparation of the MassDOT Five-Year Capital Investment Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2017–2021.

This multi-billion dollar program makes long-term, multi-modal investments across the Commonwealth and covers all MassDOT highway and municipal projects, regional airports, rail and transit, including MBTA and Regional Transit Authorities as well as the Registry of Motor Vehicles. MassDOT will hold a series of public meetings across the Commonwealth to present and discuss the Draft Five-Year Capital Investment Plan.

Please join as MassDOT presents the Draft CIP plan, seeks additional public comments, and answer your questions on Tuesday, May 3, at the Thomas Crane Public Library, 40 Washington Street, Quincy at 6:00 pm. Your participation is critical to its success!

If you are unable to attend a meeting, a copy of the presentation is available at www.mass.gov/massdot/cip. Public comment may be submitted by email to [email protected]

Cleaner Greener Quincy

The 27th Annual Cleaner Greener Quincy is taking place this Saturday, May 7, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Please join the City of Quincy in participating in this wonderful event.

In the Ward 3 area, we have five locations that you can chose to participate:

  • Safford Park – Trash bags and rakes will be here at 9:00 a.m.
  • Forbes Hill Park – Trash bags and rakes will be here at 9:00 a.m.
  • Bishop Field – Trash bags and rakes will be here at 9:30 a.m.
  • Furnace Brook Parkway & Adams St. – Folks can pick up trash bags and rakes on the driveway of 872 Furnace Brook Parkway 10:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m.
  • Glendale Park (Hospital Hill) – Please feel free to arrive anytime after 9:45 a.m.

At 12:30 PM, Mayor Koch invites you to Pageant Field to enjoy a free cookout sponsored by Hannaford Supermarkets! We would also like to thank our other sponsors, Curry Hardware, MJ Nicholls Landcaping, and the Quincy Park Conservancy for their continued support of this great event. If you have any questions, please contact Christopher Rooney at [email protected] or by telephone at 617-376-1251. We look forward to seeing you on May 7th!

A Rodent Affair

You may be aware of the rodent problem that has been a burden on parts of Montclair since February 2014.

  • At the March 7 City Council Meeting, Councilor Palmucci and I introduced a resolution seeking a report by the Commissioner of Public Health on the efforts to control and eradicate this issue.
  • At the April 25 City Council Meeting, Drew Scheele, Commissioner of Public Health provided information and an update on measures the city has made to address the rodent problem.

After speaking with neighbors and the Health Department, here is some information that will help all of us in our efforts to alleviate this issue.

This issue is certainly a burden on Montclair and other neighborhoods, and the city is actively  taking appropriate measures to alleviate the problem. Please know, however, that there are resources at our disposal should you notice any suspicious rodent activity in your neighborhood.

As always, please be sure to take measures to ensure that the rodent problem is not exacerbated.

PorchFest Quincy

Please check out this upcoming event, which will take place on June 18. This is a first-of-a-kind event to take place in Quincy, and guaranteed to be a day that everyone can enjoy!

www.PorchFestQuincy.org

We are looking for performers and porch locations in the neighborhood, as well as volunteers to help out.  Please sign-up on the website or email me with any questions.

Survey

In case you never saw, or didn’t get a chance when I last sent the survey out, I want to know what matters most to you in Ward 3 and in the city. Please follow this link to a short survey that I have put together that will allow you to do just that!

Blog & Newsletter

I will be keeping information on this blog, and sending out an e-newsletter periodically. If you would like to be included on the e-newsletter distribution, please follow this link and leave me your e-mail address.

Coffee Hours

If you’d prefer to meet in person to say hello or have a chat, here’s your opportunity! Every other Friday, I will be at Panera Bread (200 Hancock St.) in North Quincy from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. The next Friday that I will be at Panera will be May 13. I will keep the calendar on my website updated.

Stay tuned on the blog and via the e-newsletter for periodic updates, and please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have questions, comments, or I can be of assistance.

I am excited and proud to be your ward councilor, and look forward to working with you to make Quincy better than it already is.

Contact Information

The best ways to reach me are by phone or by e-mail. I have a council phone number that will reach me directly. If I don’t answer the phone, please be sure to leave a voice message so I can get back to you. If e-mail is more convenient for you, by all means, send away!

telephone: 617-376-1353

e-mail: [email protected]

You can also continue to follow my Facebook page.