Michael Ross

City Council to consider honoring fire lieutenant who died in crash and telling annoyed Charlestown yuppies to shut it

adamg — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:59:59 -0500

The City Council tomorrow considers a proposal by Council President Michael Ross to designate Huntington Avenue between Longwood and Ruggles as Lt. Kevin M. Kelley Avenue, in honor of the fire officer who died on Jan. 9 when the brakes on his firetruck failed on a steep Mission Hill Street.

The council is also scheduled to consider a resolution by Councilors Sal LaMattina and Steve Murphy to support "the preservation of the USS Constitution’s heritage and time-honored traditions of daily gun salutes and playing of the national anthem in Boston's Charlestown Navy Yard."

The council meeting begins at noon in the fifth-floor council room in City Hall.

Mike Ross to RCN: Give up your monopolistic ways

adamg — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:19:47 -0400

City Council President Michael Ross (Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Fenway, and Mission Hill) plans a hearing on exclusive contracts Boston's second-ranked cable company has with many apartment-building owners to provide cable service. In a statement, he says:

By law, residents can choose which cable provider offers them the best service for the best price. However, for many Bostonians this choice has been taken away from them as RCN has entered into long-term contracts that limit renters’ rights to choose a provider in the marketplace. Many of these subscribers are disabled, elderly, or low-income residents who rely on cable TV for entertainment and information. We must ensure that telecommunications companies are not gouging these subscribers to line their own pockets.

No more Hyatt stays for Boston city councilors

adamg — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:31:29 -0400

City Council President Mike Ross tweets the City Council unanimously passed a resolution today to boycot stays and functions at Hyatt hotels until the chain resolves the issue of those fired workers.

Mike Ross: Cops in Fens going after vandals and slobs, not gays

adamg — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:39:08 -0400

City Councilor Mike Ross answers the Bay Windows article alleging harassment of gay cruisers in the reeds:

... I want to be clear that nothing is more important than protecting the rights of a group that, in the past, has been targeted for discrimination. The clearing of the tall reeds, or phragmites, and the increased police patrols around the Fenway Gardens is not so much a civil rights issue as it is an issue that goes to the core of what makes Boston vibrant, attractive, and accessible to all. Community gardens are important gems within a neighborhood, attracting positive outdoor activity within an urban environment and encouraging families -- both gay and straight -- to enjoy our green spaces. Residents feel unsafe in their own gardens. They have found condoms, needles, and garbage, and are afraid to bring their children to the Fens. Residents have a legitimate complaint. ...

Local blogger goes over to the other side

adamg — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:47:53 -0500

Amy Derjue, late of Boston Magazine, is now City Councilor Mike Ross's communications director, Boston Magazine reports.

Hmm, if Ross runs for mayor against John Tobin (hey, it could happen), we'd have blog wars: She'd be competing with blogger Steve Garfield, who put together Tobin's campaign site.

Time to increase the sales tax in Boston?

adamg — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:36:50 -0500

City Councilor Sam Yoon will seek a home-rule petition to let Boston tack a half-percent onto the current state sales tax, Kevin McCrea reports, adding that new council President Mike Ross's proposed rules changes, which include posting proposed rules changes online, are not online.

Read more

Draft proposal for upgrading Boston Common released

adamg — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:51:17 -0500

Here (3.8M PDF file).

The report, by councilors Michael Ross, Bill Linehan and Sal LaMattina, calls for some major changes to the Common, including:

An ornamental fence along Tremont to delineate the park and keep Tremont Street pedestrians off the grass while keeping it open to sunbathers;
A "Grand Entrance" to the park at a rebuilt visitors center;
a low-cost cafe on the site of either the old men's room or parks maintenance building; a dedicated dog run;
A permanent carousel at the Frog Pond
Permanent underground facilities for storing equipment needed for events at the bandstand.

In addition, the report calls for increased maintenance (everything from sidewalk to the Soliders and Sailors Monument are in poor shape) and efforts to help the homeless who congregate on the Common find permanent housing. To pay for it, the councilors propose a betterment fund paid for by neighboring landowners and gradually increasing the amount of money now raised by Boys and Girls Club kiosks on the Common dedicated to the Common.

Some initial comments by Kevin McCrea.

Plotting out the future of Boston Common

adamg — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:02:06 -0500

Kevin McCrea relays the news that the City Council's Special Committee on Boston Common, chaired by Councilor Ross, is holding a "working session" on Monday, Dec. 8, starting at 3:30 p.m. in City Hall's Curley Room.

The commercialization of Boston Common

adamg — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:55:42 -0400

The Alliance of Boston Neighborhoods wonders what happens when City Hall moves to South Boston - where will all the large events the city wants to move to the plaza from the Common go? And given how many of those events have been political in nature, what does Councilor Michael Ross, who represents Beacon Hil and the Back Bay have against democracy?

... For some reason, the discussion seems to have turned from protecting the green to raking in the green, and Councilor Ross opined that "cafés, restaurants, and other commercial ventures might be a good replacement for large-scale events." Of course! Commerce is pretty much the same as democratic assembly, except for the doorman in front and the bill at the end. Customers are citizens -- even better, right? Sure keeps out the poor and homeless, and good riddance, I say! The public realm is no place for 'em! And Ross responded to Tom Kershaw's complaint that he can't make enough money on Common land with his skating business on our Frog Pond, and would now like a liquor license for a night club. The alcohol prohibition on the Common, Ross offered, should be reconsidered. ...

Ban rooftop parties?

adamg — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 13:33:29 -0500

City Councilor Michael Ross wants to try, following the fatal fall of Shawn Dow from an Allston rooftop earlier this month.