SMACA Meeting
April 27, 2021, Zoom meeting
Minutes: Laurie Martinelli; 34 people attended on Zoom, including speakers
1. Welcome: Doug Hurley, President
2. Police Report: Police Officer Mike Keaney had only a few items to report: a) attempted
breaking and entry on 4/12/21 at a neighborhood school. b) shots fired on Lonsdale Street 4/21;
and c) robbery of gypsy cab driver and 200 rounds of ammunition recovered in car. New
Serjeant Tim Golden was present also.
3. Greater Ashmont Main Street, new Executive Director, Jeanne Dasaro spoke. Jeanne is a
Boston native, originally from the N. End but also lived in Dorchester’s Polish Triangle and on St.
Mark’s Street. She’s a new mom and thrilled to be ED of GAMS. Jeanne summarized GAMS
current projects:
• Support for small businesses such as PPP and other COVID support, connecting businesses to
resources;
• Farmers Market will start at Peabody Square in July.
• GAMS recently created 2 little free libraries on Dot Ave where someone can “take a book and
leave a book.”
• GAMS is hosting story time on 6/5, stay tuned for details;
• The Dot Jazz series at All Saints church will resume this summer with a free, virtual concert in
May.
• GAMS is hiring a Program Coordinator if you know anyone who may be interested; please
contact [email protected]
Jeanne reported their big focus is on assessing businesses on Dot Ave, along with vacant properties.
Following Jeanne’s report there was a robust discussion about high density developments and lack of
adequate parking and the differences between GAMS approach and SMACA approach. While
recognizing the two organizations have different missions, Jeanne felt it important that GAMS do a
better job of explaining its position. Several SMACA members reported on the tension in
neighborhoods around the lack of adequate parking when development projects are proposed and built.
Growing up in the N. End where off street parking wasn’t even an option, Jeanne said she is very
sensitive to parking issues.
4. Elected Officials:
Julie Ryan from Councilor Baker’s office reported that a new Vaccine pop up has opened on 4/30 at
U Mass Boston and Community Preservation Act (CPA) is having an information session and grant
due dates is in early May.
5. 1700 – 1710 Dot Ave and corner of King Street: Patrick Mahoney, developer, owner and real
estate attorney, and Marc Savatsky spoke about their project to build a 4 story, 25- unit
apartment building at 1700 Dot Ave and a 4-story 11-unit condo at 1710 Dot Ave, at the corner 2
of King Street. There will be 3 apartments and 2 condos that are income restricted. This
development has been approved by the BPDA and ZBA.
Groundbreaking scheduled for June and development projected to be completed by Sept. 2022.
Any questions, email [email protected]
6. Update on Governing: Because no one was interested or able to run for President this year,
the SMACA board will operate as a committee to ensure that all the President’s functions are
accomplished. We will continue to ask for volunteers to perform various functions such as
taking attendance and minutes, running Zoom meetings, perhaps assisting with distributing
flyers in your neighborhood and more.
• We hope to be able to resume our “live” meeting at St. Marks Church in the fall and
have an election then. In the meantime, this is a great opportunity to get involved if you
are so inclined. We could really use volunteers. If interested, please email us:
[email protected]
7. Summer Activities: There are several active summer programs for kids happening in the
neighborhood this summer:
• All Dorchester Sports and Leadership (ADSL): Doug Shaheen reported on their very
active summer program. Go to their website for more information.
(www.alldorchestersports.org)
• Dorchester YMCA Summer Explorers Camp: Laurie Martinelli gave this report. Call 617-
436-7750 for more information.
• Daniel Marr Boys and Girls Club, Jim Rodenmacher gave this report. Call Mike Joyce at
617-288-7120 for more information.
ADSL and Dorchester Y have flyers on their programs that were circulated to the entire SMACA
membership via email after the meeting.
8. Community Announcements:
The only announcement was the Mother’s Day walk for Peace happening on Mother’s Day, May
9 th. This will be an all virtual event. For information on their 25 days of Virtual walking, how to
donate and the live broadcast happening on Mother’s Day (May 9th) at 9am go to:
www.mothersdaywalk4peace.org
9. Goodbye and thank you to Doug Hurley: We ended the meeting with a tribute to Doug Hurley
for his many years of dedication and enthusiasm as SMACA’s President. Several SMACA board
members thanked Doug for his leadership since May, 2013.
Doug H. said none of SMACA’s work would have happened if it weren’t for the SMACA board
and its members.
Thank you, Doug Hurley.
Meeting adjourned: 8:35pm
NEXT MEETING DATES: May 25th and June 29, 2021
