Tuesday August 28, 2001
Main Streets Moves Forward
West Roxbury Main Streets Application Approved by City

In a press release dated August 23, 2001, Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced that West Roxbury, along with Jamaica Plain would be the final two designated areas to take part in the highly successful Boston Main Streets program.

"Merchants, residents and non-profits in both neighborhoods share a common vision and desire to improve their commercial districts-an essential ingredient for success," said Mayor Menino. "I welcome them to our award winning Boston Main Streets program. Together we are bringing our neighborhood commercial centers back to life, and installing renewed pride in our communities."

The addition of two new districts brings the number of Main Streets Districts in Boston to 21. Through the program, each new district will receive $258,000 in funding and technical assistance over the next four years.

Mayor Menino will make the official announcement on West Roxbury's designation as a Main Streets District on Saturday September 22, 2001 at 11:15 AM at the Municipal lot on the corner of Centre and Hastings Streets.

West Roxbury Main Streets Exploratory Committee member John McCarthy of James Devaney Fuel Company received the good news over the phone from the Mayor himself. " He said he read our application and was very impressed." McCarthy said. "He appreciated the hard work that the committee put into the application." In addition to the Mayor, West Roxbury Neighborhood Coordinator Jay Walsh echoed the sentiments of Mayor Menino in lauding the efforts of the committee. "The members of the West Roxbury Main Streets Committee have worked extremely hard over the past eight months to put the application together." Walsh said. "They got input from business owners, residents and community groups. They did the work required and put together a great presentation. They deserve a lot of credit." According to an anonymous committee member, three people especially deserving of praise were Shirley Walsh, McCarthy and Lisa Maregni, who gave the actual presentation on August 9.

McCarthy also spoke the praises of his fellow committee members. "Working with these people has been a great experience. They are funny, smart and nice. And they are business people, they know what a business district needs." He said. "An improved business district is good for everyone. It's good for the businesses, the residents and for real estate values." He also added that the committee has received hundreds of calls, letters and emails from people voicing their support and offering their services.

Now that the application has been approved, what happens next? The committee will now begin to build a business plan, appoint a director and find somewhere to live. Members are now eligible to participate in training seminars presented by both the Boston and National Main Streets programs. Once the program is in full swing, it will, among other things, provide marketing research and assistance, appoint a design committee that will assist in a façade improvement program and aid businesses in obtaining loans and grants.

Log on to WestRoxbury.com for the latest news about West Roxbury Main Streets.

The Members of the West Roxbury Main Streets Exploratory Committee are:
Business Members:
Lois Baho, Jack Conway Realty
Tony Bligh, the Corrib Pub
Bill Lawlor, Robert J. Lawlor Funeral Home
Alan McKinnon, Gethsemane Cemetery
Michael Macredis, Hercules Press
John McCarthy, Devaney Fuel
Jim Visconti, Roche Brothers
Jack Kennedy- The Continental Shoppe

Resident Members:
Kristen Buckley
Ann Donaldson
Maxine Hunter
Lisa Marengi
Joyce Murphy
Margaret Sullivan
Christine McDermott
Shirley Walsh
Tracey Duffy
Mike Lynch-Resident

Mayor Menino Announces New Main Streets Districts

Click Here to view 'West Roxbury Main Streets' Web Site

WestRoxbury.com is optimized for
* Microsoft Internet Explorer
Copyright 2001 WestRoxbury.com. All Rights Reserved
'The Quickest Way Around Town' is a trademark of WestRoxbury.com

Yes
No
Undecided

Current Results