Freedom Trail after dark experiences Discover the Freedom Trail in a new light – after dark – on the official Freedom Trail Lantern Tours. Freedom Trail Foundation announces the return of the unique Lantern Tours, offering visitors and residents the...
Engaging With The Past: 2026 Historical Events This summer and fall, the Jamaica Plain Historical Society (JPHS) alongside local researchers invites the public to engage directly with the history of the area through a series of expertly guided walking tours...
By Gazette Staff The Public Service Committee of the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 1. Chair Michael Reiskind and fellow members Adam Burrows, Willie Mitchell, Louise Johnson, Dorothy Farrell, Bianca Terry, and Bernie Doherty...
One Bead has been selected as one of 150 nonprofits to receive funding through Cummings Foundation’s annual grant program, which awarded $35 million this year. Chosen through a competitive review process that drew a record 959 applicants, the Boston-based organization...
Special to the Regional Review Emerald Necklace Conservancy President Karen Mauney-Brodek issued the following statement in response to the court’s decision on the Franklin Park White Stadium case: “We’re disappointed by this outcome, which means that a new professional for-profit...
As families prepare for the upcoming school year, many are focused on school supplies, schedules and getting back into routines. But one of the most important back-to-school steps happens before the first day of class: scheduling a well-child visit. Because...
Despite being a bustling urban neighborhood, Jamaica Plain is a true haven for nature lovers. It is embraced on three sides by the famous Emerald Necklace, a system of parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. With hundreds of acres of...
As hunger reaches new heights across Massachusetts, Project Bread has secured a major investment to connect households with food. The leading statewide food security organization has been selected as one of 150 nonprofits to receive funding through Cummings Foundation's annual...
Sail Boston 2026 is proud to announce the launch of its official interactive Fleet Tracker, powered by Aqua Map technology. Designed to enhance the viewing experience for maritime enthusiasts, locals, and visitors, this new tool provides an unparalleled and close-up look at this summer’s historic maritime celebration...
Mayor Michelle Wu announced the nomination of Felicia Jacques to the BPDA Board. Jacques currently serves as the Principal Developer and Manager for Maloney Development. The new appointment, which would fill a vacant seat on the Board most recently held...
At a brand-new community center where Jamaica Plain meets Roxbury, nearly 100 people gathered on July 25 to celebrate the launch of the Jackson Square Neighborhood Association (JSNA) as the voice of their community. “This is a huge step for...
By Cary Shuman Isabella Castro Correa may be just now embarking on her journey to become an internationally known fashion designer, but she already has a prestigious accomplishment on her resume, thanks to the Boston Arts Academy Foundation. Castro Correa,...
The newly-elected Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) held its first meeting on Tuesday, May 26. On hand for the session were Alcurtis Clark, Bernie Doherty, Michael Reiskind, Willie Mitchell, Purple Reign, Carla Lisa Caliga, Lorenzo Bartoloni, Sarah Freeman, Dave Baron,...
Mayor Michelle Wu, this week, joined City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune, Mass Senior Action, local elected officials, and residents to sign a city order that lets Boston adjust the senior property tax break each year to keep up with the cost...
By Gazette Staff The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) held its regular monthly meeting this past Tuesday, June 23. On hand for the session were chair Alcurtis Clark, vice-chair Bernie Doherty, secretary-treasurer Michael Reiskind, Willie Mitchell, Lisa Marie Caliga,...
“Boston should be a home for everyone,” Michelle Wu said, gazing forward with measured confidence as she reflected on the city’s future. For Wu, that idea has shaped both her leadership and her vision for Boston since first taking office...
The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) announced that a mosquito test sample obtained from Jamaica Plain tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The virus is carried by mosquitoes and can be spread to humans through the bite of an...
It was almost 55 years ago — on December 23, 1971, to be precise — that President Richard M.Nixon officially declared the “war on cancer” when he signed the National Cancer Act of 1971. The legislation committed $1.5 billion ($12...
Memorial Day is the most solemn of our national holidays, commemorating the Supreme Sacrifice that has been made by an estimated one million of our fellow citizens, which now includes the 15 members of our military who have died in...
We recently welcomed new neighbors and their dog to our floor and let them know we had an animal first-aid kit ready if they ever needed it. Since our Poppy is our third Westie, we’ve fostered other Westies, and we...
July was THE hottest month on record in the U.S. For anyone who still doubts that we are in the beginning stages of an epic transformation of our climate, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released data that...
The Housing and Development Committee of the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) held its regular monthly meeting this past Tuesday evening (July 22) via Zoom. On hand for the session were chair Purple Reign, vice chair Willie Mitchell, and fellow members...
Attorney, community leader, former Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney, educator, and longtime housing advocate, Linda Champion announces her campaign to be the next Suffolk County District Attorney at Florian Hall in Dorchester before a crowd of more than 120 residents,...
If you haven’t checked it out yet, Jamaica Plain’s first official dog park is fast approaching its one-year anniversary. Having opened last August, the newly renovated Flaherty Playground—located at the intersection of Cornwall Avenue and Brookside Avenue—features a spacious,...
Nearly 74 percent of Boston’s Democratic voters in the Sept. 1 primary supported Sen. Ed Markey in his successful reelection bid, according to the city’s unofficial election results. Sen. Markey garnered 55,163 votes citywide, while his challenger, Rep. Seth Moulton,...
Rogerson Communities announced today the receipt of a charitable gift of $250,000 made by Darlene L. Boroviak. The gift will cover predevelopment expenses related to the organization’s planned redevelopment of its Daggett-Crandall-Newcomb Home (DCN) community in Norton. The transformational project...
More than 50 Tufts incoming first-year students are volunteering to help Clean Water Action expand waste-free dining in Jamaica Plain. The students, part of the Tufts SHAPE program, will be canvassing neighbors and downtown business owners to build awareness of...
Derek Kouyoumjian Photos This year’s Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival celebrated our city with the theme “Boston Welcomes The World,” recognizing the recent excitement of the World Cup and Sail Boston events here in the metro area. While rainy...
Community Servings, a nonprofit provider of medically tailored meals and nutrition services, and a leader in Food is Medicine research, advocacy and policy, has announced the election of seven new members to its Board of Directors: • Kara Becker is Corporate...
To the Editor, The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) is re-establishing its Outreach Committee, and we are looking for 10 community members who want to help strengthen neighborhood outreach, engagement, and participation. Whether you have been involved in the community...
This year’s Basketball for Peace event drew a record 150 teens for a day of friendly hoops competition, marking the highest participation in the program’s history, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced. The event received support from organizations such as...
Jamaica Plain is a neighborhood that stands out for its vibrant character, a dynamic blend of a close-knit community and a thriving urban center. It’s no wonder an 1800s visitor once called it “the Eden of America.” An Urban Oasis:...
Dine Out Boston® is back for its summer edition from August 1-15, 2026. Presented by Meet Boston, and in partnership with the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism and new sponsor Toast, this two-week culinary celebration features close to 200...
Special to the Gazette Suffolk University and Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) have announced a Joint Admission and Transfer Partnership Program that will benefit students wishing to complete four-year university degrees. The Suffolk-BHCC partnership builds upon the longstanding commitment of...
Mayor Michelle Wu, joined by Boston Public Schools leaders, student-athletes and coaches, after-school youth organizations, park advocates, parents, residents, elected officials, small business owners, and Boston Legacy FC welcomed the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s (SJC) unanimous decision affirming the City’s...
Special to the Gazette Mayor Michelle Wu has announced Zavia Dickerson as the new neighborhood liaison for Jamaica Plain and Michaela Nee as the new neighborhood liaison for South End and Bay Village within the Office of Neighborhood Services...
this week Although Gay Pride Month is observed for the entire month of June, we wish to make note of the specific date and events during the nighttime hours on June 27-28, 1969, when a series of riots and demonstrations...
The constant cacophony of bumbling babbling from our leaders in Washington these days with regard to the ongoing conflict with Iran brings to mind the wisdom of former President Theodore Roosevelt. On September 1, 1901 — just two weeks before...
Local employees honored for vision, innovation, and leadership Volunteers of America of Massachusetts (VOAMASS), a nonprofit that creates opportunities for individuals through residential and outpatient behavioral health treatment, re-entry services for justice-involved individuals, veteran services, and senior living, announced today...
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce the return of free Arts & Crafts Workshops and the introduction of STEM & Youth Preparedness Workshops for children through the ParkARTS program. Starting today, kids ages three to ten...
The City of Boston Planning Dept. held a public meeting pursuant to Article 80 via Zoom regarding the proposal for a 44-unit apartment building at 408 South Huntington Ave. last Monday evening. The meeting was conducted by Tyler Ross, who...
The evolution of Green Street between 1836 and 1900 serves as a perfect microcosm for the broader demographic and architectural shifts that transformed the neighborhood from an elite agrarian retreat into a bustling streetcar suburb. Prior to 1836, wealthy Bostonians...
Mayor Michelle Wu has announced Kerry Jordan as the new Executive Director of the City of Boston Election Department and provided an update on the department’s ongoing operational and modernization efforts ahead of the September 1 State Primary. Jordan will...
Special to the Gazette The Zoning Committee of the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) held a regular meeting on Wednesday, June 17, via Zoom. Chair David Baron and fellow committee members Willie Mitchell, Purple Reign, Peg Preble, Gerard O’Connor,...
Ranya Al Tikriti Elected to Membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Ranya Al Tikriti of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective...
For every generation of Americans for the past near-century, there have been seminal events for which those who were of a certain age can recall “where they were” when they “heard the news.” Every member of the Greatest Generation could...
Dear Editor, My name is Lindsay Dancy, and I am the founder of Drakie’s Dream, a Boston-based nonprofit created in memory of my beloved rescue dog, Drake. Our mission is to help local families experiencing financial hardship keep their dogs...
When historians seek to uncover the past, they typically turn to written municipal archives. Yet, in Jamaica Plain, the landscape itself serves as a living, breathing historical text. Deep within the Arnold Arboretum, a towering white oak tree stands as...
Dear Editor, America has many personal, social, and political problems such as emotional and behavioral disorders, alienation, distorted values, lack of empathy and compassion, ignoring common interest, antisocial behavior, and violence. However, we do not pay much attention to the...
On Sept. 26-27, from 11am-6 pm (Saturday) and 11am-6pm (Sunday), Jamaica Plain Open Studios (JPOS) returns! Organized by the Jamaica Plain Arts Council, JP Open Studios has been taking place annually for more than 30 years. JPOS offers a forum...
The Board of Directors of the Jamaica Pond Association (JPA) held its regular monthly meeting last Monday, June 1. On hand for the session were treasurer Michael Reiskind, Mark Zanger, Jerry Wright, Tony Dreyfus, Kevin Moloney, Michael Frank, Peter Elmuts, Peter...
By Eliza Parad I’m sure most of you by now have heard about this contentious city budget cycle. The Mayor released her proposed budget in April, cutting many of the areas that Bostonians support as top investment priorities: affordable housing,...
For the first time in over a decade, total annual opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts fell below 1,000, according to Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) preliminary 2025 data recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)...
Of Jamaica Plain, owner of former Winnie’s Pub in Mission Hill...
Special to the Gazette In recognition of National Bike Month and National Mental Health Awareness Month, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (“Blue Cross”), the title sponsor of Greater Boston’s municipally owned bike-sharing system, Bluebikes, will offer a free...
The Footlight Club, Americas oldest continuously running community theatre and a beloved gem in Boson’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood, is gearing up to celebrate its 150th anniversary season with a series of special events, in addition to another stellar roster of...
Whittier Street Health Center, a community health center with a mission to serve as a center of excellence that provides high quality and accessible health care and social services that achieve health equity, social justice, and the economic well-being of...
Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation (JPNDC) is proud to announce that the Mildred Hailey Apartments Building 2 project has received Phius Design Certification, marking a significant milestone in the development of high-quality, energy-efficient housing designed to support resident health, comfort,...
Special to the Gazette Mayor Michelle Wu has announced the winners of the 2026 Legacy Business Awards, an event that recognizes businesses that have been operating in the City for at least 10 years and contributed to the cultural,...
By Adam Swift The Stonybrook Neighborhood Association held an informal discussion on the possibility of bringing a grocery story to the Doyle’s Cafe development on Washington Street. At its June meeting, SNA member Chase Brewster asked if the...
Since 2014 JP Porchfest has been a day of music, exploration, and celebration of Jamaica Plain. Porches and driveways throughout the neigborhood open their spaces to local bands as music lovers can drop by and visit...
For the past six years, Fredlyne (Fred) Daphnis, Director of Nursing at Laurel Ridge, has consistently told her staff: “We are a deficiency free facility. It's just a matter of time before they realize it.” This year, they realized it...
The City of Boston is calling on residents and visitors to explore our vibrant neighborhoods and support small businesses during the FIFA World Cup Quarter Finals. As tournament excitement sweeps the city this summer, Jamaica Plain residents have ample opportunities...
The following 17 residents have qualified for the May 16 ballot. Voters may cast ballots at any of the three designated polling locations between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Area A • Willy Mitchell • Bianca Terry • Eryn Ashlei...
City arts leaders, artists fight to restore city funding Special to the Gazette More than 160 artists, teaching artists, arts leaders, and representatives from arts organizations across Boston gathered last Thursday, April 30 at Boston City Hall to advocate...
Hyde Square Task Force (HSTF) recently completed its third cultural immersion trip to Puerto Rico, where 10 youth and several staff members embarked on a multi-day trip to connect with their Afro-Latin roots. From June 26 to 30, the group...
The MBTA has announced the availability of special edition collectible CharlieCards featuring iconic Boston landmarks to celebrate an exciting summer of events taking place in Boston and the surrounding Commonwealth this year. “The MBTA is excited to welcome thousands of...
Euler Receives Degree From Georgia Tech Erik Euler of Jamaica Plain has earned a Master of Science in Analytics from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. Euler was among approximately 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students to be...
The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 28. On hand for the session were chair Alcurtis Clark, vice-chair Bernie Doherty, secretary-treasurer Michael Reiskind, Willie Mitchell, Dave Baron, Purple Reign, Sarah Freeman, Lorenzo Bartoloni,...
Staff Report The future of transit in Roslindale is currently under the microscope as state officials finalize a critical feasibility study for the extension of the Orange Line. The study, which was greenlit by the Massachusetts House with a...
By Gazette Staff The upcoming biennial election of the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) was the main topic of discussion at the JPNC’s regular monthly meeting that was held last Tuesday, April 28. On hand for the meeting...
Boston Building Resources is one of 125 local nonprofits to receive grants of $30,000 to $300,000 each through Cummings Foundation’s $30 Million Grant Program. The Roxbury Crossing-based organization was chosen from a total of 580 applicants during a competitive review process. It will receive $75,000 over 3 years. Boston Building Resources is a Roxbury Crossing-based nonprofit that diverts reusable building materials...
Special to the Gazette Pennrose and Hyde Square Task Force (HSTF) today celebrated the groundbreaking of the Blessed Sacrament redevelopment, which will transform the vacant 1913 historic church in Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood into a vibrant mixed-use, mixed-income development...
Memorial Day weekend marks the traditional start of the summer season, bringing with it the anticipation of sunshine and warmth and of time spent with family and friends. But while we contemplate all of the good things that will occur...
Five years ago this week, an unspeakable act of violence, motivated solely by racial hatred, shattered the peace and calm of an early-summer Saturday afternoon in the community of Winthrop. A 28 year-old white man, a native of Wareham who...
The Housing and Development Committee of the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) held its regular monthly meeting last Tuesday evening, August 18, via Zoom. On hand for the session were chair Purple Reign, vice chair Willie Mitchell, and fellow members...
When you grab your summer ice cream, don’t leave your dog out of the fun. Local institution J.P. Licks caters directly to the neighborhood’s canine demographic with “Cow Paws,” a dairy-free frozen treat formulated specifically for dogs. Retailing for...
Special to the Gazette The Planning Department this month recommended approval of the Harvard ERC District and Greenway Plan. In addition, staff recommended approval of four new development projects representing approximately 1,738,114 square feet (SF). All were approved. The...
Among the most profoundly influential residents of Jamaica Plain was Maud Cuney Hare, who lived at 43 Sheridan Street from 1904 until her death in 1936. Hare orchestrated a lifetime of boundary-breaking work as a pianist, musicologist, playwright, and civil...
Nine young musicians from Boston and beyond received scholarships, housing awards, and financial aid towards a Berklee education at a ceremony and concert on Tuesday, August 4 at the Berklee Performance Center. Among them was Jamaica Plain’s own Tomas Labrador...
From the turn of the twentieth century to the present day, few local institutions have navigated the neighborhood’s real estate evolution quite like Robert T. Fowler & Sons. Spanning three generations, the Fowler family business stands as a remarkable testament...
Americans’ optimism about their future has sunk to an all-time low, according to a recent Gallup Poll (which was conducted, we might add, before the war with Iran had begun). Why the malaise when we have record-low unemployment...
The streets of Jamaica Plain hold centuries of memory, etched into the architecture of its bustling commercial corridors, the sprawling roots of its ancient trees, and the generational endurance of its family-owned businesses. While previous retrospectives in the Jamaica Plain...
The City of Boston, the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation (JPNDC), Causeway Development LLC, MassHousing, community partners, and residents celebrated the grand opening of Brookley Flats in Jamaica Plain with a block party. Located on Stonley Street, the new development...
Mayor Michelle Wu today joined the Boston Housing Authority (BHA), The Community Builders (TCB), the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED), MassHousing, and the Mildred C. Hailey Tenant Organization to celebrate the completion of phase one of Mildred C. Hailey...
Known for its vibrant community and lush green spaces, Jamaica Plain holds a storied past that earned it the moniker “the Eden of America.” A distinctive part of Boston, its journey to becoming the neighborhood we know today began as...
re: 3326 Washington St. Dear All, At the June 17 meeting of the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council Housing & Development Committee (JPNC H&D), neighbors from the working group convened by former H&D Chair Danielle Kieta-Sommer presented an update regarding...
Special to the Gazette Whittier Street Health Center, a community health center with a mission to serve as a center of excellence that provides high quality and accessible health care and social services that achieve health equity, social justice,...
Special to the Gazette The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) Outreach Committee is excited to roll out a heartwarming new community feature: JP Pet of the Month! To kick things off this September, the council is featuring two wonderful neighborhood...
The Zoning Committee of the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) held a regular meeting last Wednesday evening, August 19, via Zoom. Chair David Baron, vice chair Purple Reign, JPNC chair Alcurtis Clark, and fellow committee members Kendra Halliwell, Andrea Howley,...
By Daniela Ginsburg Brown water gushed from a broken 12-inch main pipe, flooding into Columbus Avenue and several Jamaica Plain businesses. Over a month has passed since the 130-year-old pipe burst; officials say it’s still unclear what caused...
High school graduation season is upon us, the time of year when communities across America celebrate the accomplishments of young people receiving their high school diplomas. Graduation is a bittersweet occasion, marking both an ending and a beginning. For the...
For nearly 30 years, the South Street Youth Center (SSYC) has served as a lifeline for generations of young people and families throughout Jamaica Plain and the City of Boston. Founded in 1996 in response to violence, gang activity, and...
The Egleston Square Neighborhood Association held its July meeting on Monday. With no major development reviews on the agenda, the conversation focused on public safety in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood, as well as quality of life issues. While there were...
Special to the Gazette JGE Architecture + Design is pleased to announce the completion of Brookley Flats, a new multifamily residential development in Jamaica Plain that delivers 45 affordable homeownership opportunities, including dedicated artist live/work units, within a thoughtfully...
BAA graduate Tomas Labrador Flores receives $5,000 James Taylor Scholarship from Boston Arts Academy Foundation By Cary Shuman Two years ago, aspiring musician Tomas Labrador Flores of Jamaica Plain made a very impactful decision in his life and academic...
Staff Report The Boston Planning Department has announced a virtual public meeting to provide an informational update regarding the proposed development at 3326 Washington Street in Jamaica Plain. Scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026, the session will run from...
Special to the Gazette The Jamaica Plain Community Centers Adult Learning Program (ALP) proudly celebrated the accomplishments of its students during its 2025–2026 Graduation and Certificate Ceremony, recognizing adult learners for their dedication, perseverance, and academic success throughout the...
Special to the Gazette On Sunday, May 3, nearly 4,000 participants gathered on Boston Common and joined virtually from across the country and around the world for Project Bread’s 58th Annual Walk for Hunger, the nation’s oldest continually running pledge...
Members of the Stonybrook Neighborhood Association in Jamaica Plain voiced their continued concerns with the state of a landmark property at 19 Kenton Road at its August meeting this week. In 2024, developer Marc Federico presented plans for a new...