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Luxury dream homes tour will benefit homeless shelter

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Small garden is tropical oasis – U

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Falling Waters Landscape Inc. created a tropical yet water-wise landscape destination in the Cardiff by the Sea backyard of Kim Nadel. FWLI complemented the modern lines of the architecture by Brett Farrow and met the needs of the client, while respecting the city of Encinitas’ strict guidelines for the space.

Tucked into the back of what was once a subtropical fruit and avocado orchard, the site had many constraints, including poor access, and there were multiple trades working simultaneously. The yard also had a single remaining avocado tree that was left when the site was developed. Ideas that involved removing the tree were floated, but in the end we made it a feature of the garden.

photo
A fire pit made of concrete is a gathering place in the garden.

The garden design consists of La Cantina doors that open to the Swim-Spa with built-in swim jets that allow the owner to swim laps in a 12-by-8-foot space. Integrated benches and 14 jets in the spa walls make it the ideal place to relax after a swim. The Swim-Spa is flanked by redwood decking, a solid teak Balinese-style daybed (provided by the owner) and a concrete fire pit in a bed of crushed rock. An aftermarket barbecue and outdoor shower complete the program. A plant palette of subtropical palms and grasses mixes with succulents and evergreens in a surprisingly low-maintenance garden.

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Plants in the small garden have a tropical look, but they actually are water-wise.

FWLI handled the design, permitting and installation of the small garden space as well as landscaping for each of the other four new homes in the development. Each home is unique yet has a vocabulary with the others. Each garden was commissioned by its new homeowner, allowing for customization of the space without a disjointed feeling.

This garden may be the smallest of all the homes in the development, but what it lacks in space it makes up for in usability and charm.

Ryan Prange is the owner and lead designer for Falling Waters Landscape Inc. a landscape design/build/maintain company. FWLI operates out of a studio space in Encinitas. To contact FWLI, visit online at www.fallingwaterslandscape.com or phone (619) 955-5595. This project recently won the sweepstakes award of the California Landscape Contractors Association, www.clcasandiego.org.

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Two Pasadena parking spaces to become ‘parklets’ for a day

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The Pasadena Playhouse District Assn., a nonprofit organization that promotes the 32-block district, will transform two 7-by-20-feet parking spaces into pocket parks from noon to 4 p.m.

The parklets will be on the north and south sides of Colorado Boulevard between El Molino and Oak Knoll, according to the organization.

The pocket parks will be installed on PARK(ing) Day, an international event in which communities turn metered parking spaces into temporary public places.

The event was started in 2005 in San Francisco, when an art and design studio laid sod and placed a bench and potted tree on a parking spot for two hours and rolled it up when the meter expired, according to the PARK(ing) Day website.

The Pasadena parklets will feature greenery, story tellings, displays by a local artist and a pop-up shop restaurant with hay bales and fall decorations, said Erlinda Romo, executive director for the Pasadena Playhouse District Assn.

The Pasadena Playhouse District Assn. will work with Pasadena’s La Loma Landscaping and Cal Poly Pomona landscape architecture students to create the parklets. Romo said the parks will take about two hours to set up.

The parklets are being seen by the association as a “trial run” to setting up permanent parklets on Colorado Boulevard, Romo said.

The association has been talking with city officials about establishing about six pocket parks on the boulevard between Los Robles and Hudson avenues, she said.

The association plans to present ideas to the City Council, which would later vote on the parklets. They would be the first permanent parklets in Pasadena, though they would be removed each year for the Rose Parade, she said.

“Building a park is a way to enhance the pedestrian environment,” Romo said. “It’s getting a little bit of rest aspace. It’s an all-around improvement for the person who comes to shop and dine in the district.”

In March 2012, Los Angeles introduced its first pocket park, Sunset Triangle Plaza, on a swath of pavement on Griffith Park Boulevard in Silver Lake.

The pocket park, funded by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, features concrete painted lime green with yellow-green polka dots, and a stretch of grass.

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hailey.branson@latimes.com

Twitter: @haileybranson | Google+

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Digest: Learn about landscaping, Nature Night

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Sept. 19: No-lawn landscaping: The California Native Plant Society presents Converting a Lawn to a Native Plant Garden at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 at the Morgan Hill Library, 660 W. Main Ave. Landscape designer Deva Luna will share a variety of no-lawn landscaping ideas and practical tips. Details: (408) 779-3196.


Nature Night

The Santa Clara County Open Space Authority invites you to a free Back-to-School Nature Night to learn about nature in your own back yard from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Morgan Hill Community Center. Enjoy a light supper and family-friendly activities, meet live educational animals, and visit with the Authority staff. This is a great opportunity to learn about the Authority’s work and the Conservation Vision they are developing. RSVP to www.openspacesanjose.eventbrite.com.

Chamber mixer

The Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly mixer from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 at Westmont of Morgan Hill, 1160 Cochrane Road. Chamber members are invited to attend and network with fellow chamber members. Feel free to bring a small raffle prize. Details: Erin Machado at (408) 779-9444.  

Breast cancer support group

A free drop-in group open to anyone diagnosed with breast cancer is held from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the first and third Thursday of every month at Pacific Hills Manor, 370 Noble Court.Details: Priti Zielinski (408) 842-1248 or Sandy Ludlow (408) 779-8004.

Thursday Night Street Dance

The Thursday Night Street Dance will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 26 at Monterey and Third Street. The line-up of performers will be listed on the Downtown Association’s website. Details: (408) 779-3190 or visit www.morganhilldowntown.org.

Sept. 20

Senior Center Friday matinee

Enjoy Friday movies at 1 p.m. at the Centennial Recreation Senior Center, 171 W. Edmundson Ave., Morgan Hill. Everyone welcome. Details: (408) 782-1284 or visit www.mhcrc.com.

Sept. 21

Together at the Center

The Learning and Loving Education Center will hold a silent auction and wine heist from 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 21 at 16890 Church St., Morgan Hill. Sample hors d’oeuvres from local eateries, along with desserts, with wine tastings from area vintners. Proceeds will benefit the ministry of the Sisters of the Presentation, funded solely by grants and donations. $40 donation per person. Details: www.learningandloving.org or call (408) 776-1196.

Democrats meet

Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate will be the speaker at the next South County Democratic Club membership meeting from 10 a.m. to noon, Sept. 21 at 17775 Monterey St., Morgan Hill. Burgundy cherry ice cream from Alaska Ice Cream shop in downtown Gilroy will be served. Details: eleanorvill@charter.net.

Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers meetings are held Thursdays at 8:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Villa Mira Monte,17860 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill, and Saturdays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. at the Hampton Inn, 16115 Condit Road, Morgan Hill. All are welcome and free to attend.

Teen basketball, soccer

All teens are invited to play basketball from 10 to 11 a.m. and soccer from 11 a.m. to noon Saturdays at Community Park, 171 W. Edmundson Ave., Morgan Hill. Members and guests (ages 12 to 18) are welcome. Details: (408) 310-4273.

Sept. 22

MH Lion’s Club’s 75th anniversary

Celebrate the Morgan Hill Lion’s Club’s 75th anniversary from 3 to 5 p.m. Sept. 22 at Morgan Hill Cellars, 1645 San Pedro Ave., Morgan Hill. Catered by Mansmith BBQ. Menu includes tri-tip, chicken, salads, beans, garlic bread, beverages and dessert. Make checks payable to MHLC, mail to: Morgan Hill Lions Club (MHLC), PO Box 464, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 or pay by credit card with Paypal to lpg777@aol.com. Details: Sandra Gomez at (408) 892-1500.  

Explore breath and reduce stress

Learn how to use breathing and meditation techniques to reduce stress during a free weekly class from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Sundays at the Holiday Inn Express, 17035 Condit Road, Morgan Hill. RSVP requested. Details: (408) 480-4493.

Sept. 23

Al-Anon meets

Al-Anon meets at 7 p.m. Mondays at Advent Lutheran Church, 16870 Murphy Ave., Morgan Hill. AnAlatween meeting (ages 9 to 13) is also held at this time and location in room 10.

Sept. 24

Tuesday Night Bingo

Bingo is held Tuesdays to raise funds to benefit the Senior Center. Bingo is played at the Community and Cultural Center, 17000 South Monterey Road, Morgan Hill. Doors open at 4:15 with registration starting at 5 p.m. Warm-up games are played starting at 5:45 p.m. Regular bingo games kick off at 6:30 p.m. Details: (408) 782-1284.

Overeaters Anonymous

Overeaters Anonymous meets from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Advent Lutheran Church, 16870 Murphy Ave., Morgan Hill. 90-day format. No dues, fees or weigh-ins. Details: Tony at (408) 859-8654.

Sept. 25

Senior Produce Market

A weekly Senior Produce Market is held from 10 a.m. to noon every Wednesday in the Centennial Recreation Center main lobby. It is designed to promote affordable and accessible produce for older adults, but is open to everyone. This new program comes through the Y’s partnership with Episcopal Community Services and The Health Trust.

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Beautify your lawn with Florida-friendly landscaping

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St. Petersburg, Florida — You can learn how to save water, time and energy as part of the free Florida Style Landscaping Workshop Series. Pinellas County Extension and St. Petersburg landscaping specialists will host the workshops at the St. Petersburg Water Resources Department’s “green” building located at at 1650 3rd Ave. North.

To pre-register, click here. For more information, call 727-551-3177. All classes are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Here’s the Workshop Schedule:

  • Sept. 26: Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM, Avoiding Bad Plants, Gardening for Wildlife
  • Oct. 3:Protect our Water Ways with Proper Fertilizer Use, Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels. After attending Workshop (this day only), Rain Barrels are available for purchase! ($25.00, incl. tax)
  • Oct. 10:Landscape Design 1- Basics (the first of two classes). Bring your landscaping ideas!
  • Oct. 24: Landscape Design 2- Clinic (continuation from Oct. 10th). Experts work with you on your landscape plan! Also, Proper Plant Installation Establishment (latest research)
  • Nov. 7: Landscape Maintenance – Everything from Proper Fertilizer and Pesticide Use to Pruning, Composting, and Mulching
  • Nov. 14: Sensible Sprinkler Systems and Micro-Irrigation Clinic

 

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Feast on vegie garden tips at library meeting

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Topics: 

gardening,

library,

vegie garden

Bruce Molloy from Edible Landscapes will visit the Gympie Library today to present two Edible Landscape workshops.
Bruce Molloy from Edible Landscapes will visit the Gympie Library today to present two Edible Landscape workshops. Contributed

EDIBLE landscaping is a fantastic way to grow food. It involves creating garden spaces that produce a feast for your eyes and of course your tummy, as well as making our home environment more sustainable.

Many of us are familiar with having a vegie garden growing down the back.

They have provided entertainment for young and old, as the plants grow from tiny seeds to strong plants with ripe produce. But gone are the days where they are hidden down the backyard while the roses, violets and other more “pleasing to the eye” plants are displayed in pots and front yards.

Tomatoes, squash, lettuce, peas, cauliflower and their many vegetable cousins are no longer planted out of sight. They now find new homes nestled beside the likes of roses and violets.

The flowers that were proudly displayed can no longer escape harvesting either, with edible varieties added to salads and sandwiches.

Bruce Molloy, director of Edible Landscapes, will visit the Gympie Library to present two Edible Landscape workshops today.

The 10am session is booked out, and limited spaces are left in the 1pm session.

Bruce’s organisation Edible Landscapes helps individuals, groups and communities to increase local food production.

Participants will be given the opportunity to learn about a wide range of topics and techniques for creating a sustainable food garden in their own backyard.

They will also learn about permaculture principles and how they relate to their home, as well as design ideas which make the most of backyard space, resources and time.

They will find out how to use every nook and cranny to create a beautiful and delicious edible landscape.

Participants will also be given money saving and sustainability tips, and techniques to produce an abundance of fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits as well as maintenance and pest management systems. Bookings are essential.

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It’s time to get outside

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Outdoor living space add-ons have become quite popular among Americans seeking to enjoy their properties to a much greater degree during the last decade.

Matt Jefferies, owner of Get It Done Enterprises in Toronto, says your work is your best advertising. “When a homeowner sees their neighbor’s home transformed to a beautiful landscape it motivates them. Once they see what you can do and are excited to have you do the work it makes the selling process much easier.” 

Here are some tips from top landscape professionals on how to approach homeowners, what to do and what not to do to interest them in add-on projects and then how to close the deal.

Sizeable investments. Mike Pennington, project manager for Lakeridge Contracting in Canada, says that homeowners signing on for smaller outdoor projects can sometimes feel as though contractors have minimized their project and that they have not received the service they deserve. 

“Here at Lakeridge we regard every client and every project the same, whether it’s a budget of $1,000 or $180,000. This attitude helps us close many sales calls where others have failed,” he says.

Pennington says he fears some contractors may lose sight that a project of any size is an investment by the client in his or her property, and they want the contractor to view it as being just as important as they do. “No matter the size, each project completed creates a larger client base and properly treating a client with a smaller project this year may help you be the sole source contractor for larger projects in upcoming years,” he says.

Jonathan Muirhead, owner of Greenline Lawn and Landscape Services in Las Vegas, says explaining to the customer that the add-on project will not only improve the look of their yard for years to come, but also that having a quality landscape installed is a good investment.  It will improve the re-sale value of the home, and helps it sell quicker compared to a yard with an unfinished or unusable space.


Revenue opportunities. John Welch, president of John Welch Enterprises of Victor, N.Y., sells add-ons on a daily basis to complement a hardscape installation. The firm also fields calls and sells add-ons to jobs where customers are facing problems with their existing landscapes and they are not sure where to start or what needs to be done.

The firm relies on advertising, direct mail, and the Internet to reach out to existing and potential customers. Recently, the firm dove headfirst into social media. “But most importantly, we are who we are today due to customer referrals.”

Welch also advises landscape professionals not to try and sell “impractical items” that will likely not be utilized or enjoyed by the homeowner. “When dealing with add-ons, the focus needs to be on the customer’s needs and lifestyle. Keep your focus on the design and do not lose sight of that while trying to make a high-dollar sale.”

Joe Trinh, co-owner of Western Pavers in San Diego, says to look at add-ons as a solution to a desire the homeowner may express. “That will get you the package sell,” he says. His firm finds clients through various sources of marketing, including referrals. “You should not push a project onto your customers. They will come to you,” he says.

Know your clientele. The minute you think you’re meeting with someone who has no clue about what you do, is when you can get yourself in trouble.

David Orsini, owner of Orsini Landscaping in Rotterdam, N.Y., says homeowners that can afford outdoor living space projects are educated and have a good idea of what it takes to do such a project.

“You can’t fool people. You need to be able to look them in the eye while talking to them,” he says.

“You need to have good design concepts and ideas, be very knowledgeable and answer any poignant question truthfully and honestly. I don’t look at myself as a salesman. When I’m meeting with people, they know I’m sincere in my suggestions and recommendations. You have to be able to listen. Often, good ideas on projects come from the homeowner and I get some of the credit because I installed it. But an idea or suggestion that they had actually sparked the end result.”

Jeffrey Taphouse, owner and operations manager of Pristine Acres in Arlington, Va., says the best opportunity to sell small- to mid-sized jobs to homeowners ready to spend is to arrive at the appointment with your reputation for quality, service and fair pricing in hand. “These homeowners typically are willing to spend more time negotiating and meeting with multiple contractors. This may be their first big construction project, so they will spend a lot of time researching and investigating, or they may be seriously relying on a return on the investment down the road, so they approach the process cautiously.”

He says many customers will have more on their wishlist than their budget will allow. Having the experience to tactfully negotiate through compromises can be the deciding factor on whether or not a firm lands the project. For a contractor to have success selling to well-educated and selective customers, he or she must come with references, be willing to provide several material options or phasing options to meet different budgets, and always guarantee quality of craftsmanship and service.

Jefferies always tries to offer the client as much as possible up front, letting them know how far the landscape professional can take a project. “In this day and age, lighting and water features can add a lot of ambience to a project. If you do not offer these things up front they can be difficult in many cases to install after the project is complete.

“If you don’t offer these services ahead of the commencement of work, you can appear unprofessional trying to add them after the fact due to the ease of installation prior to adding your aggregate base.”

 


The author is a freelance writer based in Hartford, Conn.

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Garden Calendar: Learn water-wise landscape techniques, see them in action

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AFRICAN VIOLETS: Three Dallas African violet clubs will host a sale, featuring named plants, gesneriads and leaves for propagation. 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday. North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Road, Dallas. 903-356-2540.

AUTUMN AT THE ARBORETUM: The fall festival features more than 50,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash that form the nationally acclaimed Pumpkin Village. Family activities also are planned. 8525 Garland Road.dallasarboretum.org.

WATER-WISE LANDSCAPE SEMINARS: Dallas Water Utilities offers free seminars on Saturday with Dallas landscape designer Bonnie Reese. Attendees will receive a copy of Reese’s Common Sense Landscaping. The 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. session will cover water-wise landscape design. The 1:30 to 5 p.m. session will focus on ideal plants for North Texas. Mountain View College Performance Hall, 4849 W. Illinois Ave., Dallas. Advance registration requested. 214-670-3155.savedallaswater.com.

SMARTSCAPE TOUR: The self-guided tour of Coppell gardens showcases Texas SmartScape techniques. Also included are medians the city has landscaped as examples to mimic on your own property. The landscapes employ native and adapted plants. 9 a.m. Saturday. Starting at 8:30 a.m., maps will be available at Helping Hands Garden, 255 Parkway Blvd., Coppell. A bike route also is mapped. Free.

FALL FLOWERS: Learn how to create a burst of festive colors to welcome fall in your flowerbeds and containers. 10:15 a.m. Saturday. All Calloway’s Nursery locations. Free.calloways.com.

TREES AND FALL PRUNING: Learn the top trees for our region and how to plant and maintain them. Also get tips on how, what and when to prune during the fall season. 11 a.m. Saturday. Get a guided tour through Covington’s gardens for fresh ideas on Texas-tough plants that will add color, interest and beauty to your landscape and will thrive in our heat and drought conditions. 1 p.m. Saturday. Covington’s Nursery, 5518 Bush Turnpike, Rowlett. Free. 972-475-5888.covingtonnursery.com.

CACTI AND SUCCULENTS: Learn how to cultivate them in home and garden. Class will cover the origins of species, cold-hardiness, growth habits, planting instructions, water requirements, general care and how to use these plants in your garden. 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Redenta’s, 5111 W. Arkansas Lane, Arlington. 817-451-2149. redentas.com.

GARDEN ED: North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Road, Dallas, offers the following events.

Landscape design, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, $80.

Chicken sale, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Mosquito control, 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Free.

Edible landscaping, 2 p.m. Sunday. Free.

Composting, 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Free.

ROSES: This workshop will introduce new varieties and offer tips on pruning, fertilizing and more. Marshall Grain Co. 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Fort Worth location, 2224 E. Lancaster Ave. 1 p.m. at Grapevine location, 3525 William D. Tate Ave. Free. 817-416-6600.marshallgrain.com.

HERBS: Author and crafter Amber Royer will discuss herbs and chocolate at the monthly meeting of the Greater Fort Worth Herb Society. 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Redbud Hall, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd. Free.

TEXAS WILDSCAPES: The Indian Trail Chapter of the Master Naturalist program will offer a lesson on how to define wildscapes, their values and more. 6 p.m. Monday. Red Oak Public Library, 200 Lakeview Parkway, Red Oak. Free. 972-415-4596.

HEIRLOOM ROSES: The Dallas Area Historical Rose Society’s meeting will include a discussion on the historical park in Farmers Branch. 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Farmers Branch Recreational Center, 14050 Heartside Place. Free. 972-620-1131.

DROUGHT-TOLERANT GARDENING: Director of Horticulture Roger Sanderson at Texas Discovery Gardens will talk about how to grow plants on only the typical amount of rainfall received in North Texas. 10 a.m. Tuesday. Stacy Furniture Community Room, 1900 S. Main St., Grapevine. Free. grapvinegardenclub.org.

SUCCULENTS: Cebolla Fine Flowers is offering a course on succulent designs in containers. Succulents and tools will be provided. 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. 5610 Maple Ave., Dallas. $75. Advance registration required. 214-369-7673.

ARBORETUM CLASSES: The Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, plans the following events. Advance registration is required. 214-515-6500. dallasarboretum.org.

Plants and practices for sustainable home landscapes, 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 28, $27.

Creating color in fall and winter with Bram Franklin, noon to 2 p.m. Sept. 28, $27.

SCARECROWS: Clark Gardens invites you to help create one of the largest displays of scarecrows in Texas. Clark Gardens will provide the scarecrow body, and guests add decorative touches. Scarecrows will be displayed through October and can be built through Sept. 30. 567 Maddux Road, Weatherford. Free. For more information or to schedule a time for a group to build scarecrows, call 940-682-4856 or go to clarkgardens.org.

EARTH-KIND LANDSCAPE DESIGN: The course will teach Earth-Kind Landscaping, which has a positive environmental impact. It includes classroom programs and outdoor lab sessions. A personalized landscape design consultation also is included. Oct. 4-6. Texas AM AgriLife Extension Center, 17360 Coit Road, Dallas. Advance registration required. $295 per household. 972-952-9248.

Event details are due at least 14 days before the Thursday publication date. Send to garden@dallasnews.com.

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Mayoral candidates’ responses to transportation questionnaire

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FELIX G. ARROYO

1. The MBTA has cited financial issues as the primary reason why it can’t provide late-night hours on the T or expanded service on the Fairmount commuter rail line. If you propose a partnership with the MBTA to improve public transit options, where will you find the money?

The Governor’s proposal earlier this year would have been a long term, progressive solution to many of our transportation needs. I believe the legislature dropped the ball and should have passed a package that addressed our transportation needs without putting the burden on those that can least afford it. We cannot continue to ask MBTA users to pay more for less service. As Mayor, I will work with legislators and the Governor to implement a package that would raise funds in a progressive way to help fix our transportation long term.

2. It’s a common complaint: It’s too hard to find parking in Boston. How do you plan to fix this problem?

We rely on four basic modes of transportation–the car, public transportation, biking, and walking–and we need to make sure that each of those choices is accessible to all of Boston’s residents in an equitable and safe way. By incorporating multi-modal transportation into new developments, redeveloping existing residential areas and promoting “smart growth” development, we can help ensure that Boston’s burgeoning business and residential districts provide residents and visitors with multiple transportation options, including mass transit, bikes, and walking. Making our city’s hubs complete, compact, and accessible while encouraging alternative methods of transportation is essential to decreasing the number of cars on Boston’s roads and reducing the demand for limited parking options.

3. You’ve found the money to install five new Hubway bike-share stations. Where would you put them?

As an organizer I practice “collaborative politics,” bringing people together so that everyone’s voice is heard. We have many opportunities to expand the Hubway stations and I believe in working with the cycling community and residents to determine the locations that fit into our vision for a bike network throughout the city and reach communities that do not currently have access to transportation.

4. Would you change Boston’s current policies on minimum off-street parking requirements for new housing developments and businesses?

We cannot talk about reducing parking until we ensure safe and equitable access to transportation. The more we can encourage alternative options of transportation, through public transportation, bicycling and walking, the more we will be able to relieve traffic and parking concerns. We must work with our residents and businesses to utilize the best opportunities and type of parking that should be available in our neighborhoods.

5. What is your best idea on how to make intersections work better?

We have to make sure that all modes of transportation are able to safely travel around our city. I believe we need to take a look at all of our intersections throughout the city as well as accident data through police and emergency response reports to identify the most problematic intersections in the city. By understanding our most dangerous intersections, we can prioritize places that need the most improvement and improve the safety for everyone who uses our streets.

6. What do you think is the biggest problem facing Boston’s taxi industry?

The Boston Globe spotlight on the industry exposed the many problems facing Boston’s taxi industry. At the core of the matter is that the workers, mainly comprised of immigrants have not been treated fairly. We cannot be a city where some freely accept the labor of immigrants, but stubbornly reject their humanity. An organizer at SEIU, I worked for janitors, security guards, and building service workers. Some do not see them, and many perceive them to be powerless, but by coming together, by organizing, and making sure that everyone’s voice was heard, we were able to win fair pay, good benefits, but – most importantly – the respect and dignity that everyone deserves. As Mayor, I will work to reform the industry to help improve the way our workers are treated.

7. Much of the rush hour traffic in Boston is a result of back-ups from state highways. How would you work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to alleviate gridlock at highway on-ramps?

If we are serious about investing in Boston, we must be serious about investing in transportation. As Mayor, I will work with our state partners and residents who use our highways to identify the root of the problems we have and work to alleviate gridlock at highway on-ramps.

8. Boston’s bicycle community has asked for separated bicycle facilities known as “cycle tracks,” but there are many different ways to design those facilities. What, to you, does an ideal “cycle track” look like, and where, if anywhere, would you put them?

Thanks in large part to the Boston Bikes program, bicycle ridership has more than doubled since 2007. We can continue to ride the momentum, towards a goal of a 10% mode share for cycling by 2020, by making more infrastructure improvements including cycletracks, and linking neighborhoods with the “Bike Network Plan.” Forward thinking street design in tandem with safety education efforts, data collection, and collaboration can make Boston a model bike city.

Government works better when it works with you and not over you. As Mayor, I will work with the cyclist community to identify the best opportunities for cycle tracks and bicycling infrastructure that will help connect our communities.

9. Discuss one idea on how you would make Boston’s roadways more beautiful.

One of the major components to a vibrant neighborhood and attractive roadways is a successful small business district with a diverse and full set of businesses. As Mayor, I will implement legislation that I authored called “Invest in Boston” that will ensure that we only do business with banks that are lending to small businesses, to qualified homebuyers, to development projects, and that are helping solve our foreclosure crisis. Small businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods, employing the majority of our workforce, contributing to the livelihood of our communities, and creating welcoming and attractive streets.

JOHN BARROS

1. The MBTA has cited financial issues as the primary reason why it can’t provide late-night hours on the T or expanded service on the Fairmount commuter rail line. If you propose a partnership with the MBTA to improve public transit options, where will you find the money?

I support the efforts to increase the state gas tax and implement a more progressive income tax as ways to address the overall transportation-funding gap, which includes the MBTA’s financial issues. As Mayor, I would advocate for MBTA at the state and federal levels. One funding solution that we can work on in the city is the U-Pass. As Mayor, I would work with our universities, hospitals, and other big institutions to offer a universal transit pass to their students and employees. These institutions would pay for these passes as a benefit for their people, but the result would be more funding for the T as well as more riders.

2. It’s a common complaint: It’s too hard to find parking in Boston. How do you plan to fix this problem?

Our parking infrastructure needs to be part of an overall transportation system in which people have real choices and not be as dependent on driving. The fix to the parking problem is improving transit and walking and biking infrastructure.

3. You’ve found the money to install five new Hubway bike-share stations. Where would you put them?

I’d prioritize putting the stations in an area that is currently underserved, but where the potential ridership exists. I believe that there are many areas of the city. I would consider concentrating all of the stations in the same area or corridor to enhance the network and boost ridership. The challenge is to get enough people using Hubway so that the system can pay for itself and fund future expansion.

4. Would you change Boston’s current policies on minimum off-street parking requirements for new housing developments and businesses?

I would start a community-driven process to comprehensively update the zoning code, which contains these requirements. Such a process needs to start at the neighborhood level, where each neighborhood can develop its vision, just like we did in the Dudley neighborhood. As I’ve said before, such a process needs to be guided by a new planning entity, that is not the same as the development agency. BRA currently does both. In this process, residents need to discuss and debate off-street parking requirements that they think will lead to a more livable neighborhood. I would encourage all to envision a 21st century city that is more livable, walkable, and bikeable, where we can reduce our over-dependence on the automobile.

In the short term, I believe we need to focus on Transit Oriented Development and incentivizing housing be providing density bonuses next to transit nodes.

5. What is your best idea on how to make intersections work better?

Our intersections need to work for all users, whether we are walking, biking, or in a car or bus, whether we live near the intersection or are just passing through. My best idea for intersections is to first identify the most dangerous intersections and then have our transportation department engineers partner with local users of each intersection to develop improvements. Local residents could help collect data and co-design better solutions. The users have the best data on what the problems are and can work with the city’s help to get to balanced solutions that work for all. For example, I have heard from our senior citizens that many of the crossing lights don’t give them enough time to cross wider streets.

6. What do you think is the biggest problem facing Boston’s taxi industry?

Taxi’s are a critical component of the City’s transportation system. The City needs to take a fresh look at how it’s licensing system and oversight responsibilities can be improved to ensure that taxi’s are reliable and safe.

7. Much of the rush hour traffic in Boston is a result of back-ups from state highways. How would you work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to alleviate gridlock at highway on-ramps?

We need to look at the overall transportation system and not just as a City, but with all our neighboring cities and towns, and our state and federal counterparts. I will partner with MassDOT to improve current bottle neck and ramps that are create traffic congestion. I will work with MBTA’s commuter rail and other mass transit so that fewer folks have to drive. I will also urge MassDOT to enhance its carpooling programs and high occupancy vehicle lanes to reduce the number of cars on the road.

8. Boston’s bicycle community has asked for separated bicycle facilities known as “cycle tracks,” but there are many different ways to design those facilities. What, to you, does an ideal “cycle track” look like, and where, if anywhere, would you put them?

Boston is a on a great trajectory to become as bikeable as it is walkable. Cycle tracks are just one of the ways that we can continue to improve our bike system. As with other public infrastructure, I believe that no one size fits all and that there are certain high volume roads and intersection that should be prioritized. Commonwealth Ave, Washington Street, Columbus Ave and Mass Ave could be where we start.

9. Discuss one idea on how you would make Boston’s roadways more beautiful.

Portland, Oregon has a city program that enables residents to paint and beautify their intersections. A similar program in Boston would both tap into the creative talent of our residents, give each neighborhood even more character and calm traffic in more residential areas.

DANIEL F. CONLEY

1. The MBTA has cited financial issues as the primary reason why it can’t provide late-night hours on the T or expanded service on the Fairmount commuter rail line. If you propose a partnership with the MBTA to improve public transit options, where will you find the money?

The city of Boston already contributes over $75 million in assessments to the MBTA. The MBTA is also a true regional transportation service over which the mayor of Boston has no real authority or control. As Mayor, I intend to advocate vigorously for Boston and its residents, and will work with neighboring municipalities to achieve a unified, regional vision and agenda, to ensure that public transportation throughout Greater Boston safe, efficient, affordable and sustainable. I support extended operation hours for the MBTA because I see it as one part of a larger transportation challenge that, if handled correctly, is not a fiscal burden but an economic growth strategy. It’s in this context that financing for the expanded service should be considered. One way to inject cash into the system is by encouraging colleges and universities and major employers to purchase Charlie Cards at discounted rates in bulk for students and employees. I will also encourage Boston’s sports teams and cultural institutions to include Charlie Cards in the purchase price of season tickets and memberships.

2. It’s a common complaint: It’s too hard to find parking in Boston. How do you plan to fix this problem?

I think we need to maintain a careful balance between our desire for a greener city and the reality that we still have a lot of people who really must rely on automobiles. I’m very progressive on the environment, but I am also practical so I don’t reflexively endorse every policy aimed at decreasing parking. I think the way to approach this is via master planning and consider each neighborhood differently based upon proximity of public transportation, density, demographics (younger residents are far less likely to own a car) and other factors.

3. You’ve found the money to install five new Hubway bike-share stations. Where would you put them?

I would like to see new Hubway bike-share stations in Franklin Park, Upham’s Corner, the Forest Hills T Station, the Arboretum, and Hyde Square. I’d also like to see helmet vending machines and kiosks. Hubway is a great service that should be steadily expanded to our outer neighborhoods.

4. Would you change Boston’s current policies on minimum off-street parking requirements for new housing developments and businesses?

I believe this policy should be carefully tested before it is too broadly implemented. Let’s start in neighborhoods where there is easy access to public transportation and demographics showing residents who are more apt to take public and other forms of transportation. Boston’s population has more young people who are less likely to own car or even have licenses. In those places it makes sense not to force developers to create parking spaces that would go unused and instead apply those resources to create more open space and so forth to benefit a neighborhood. But for families with young children or people caring for an aging parent, their car is a necessity and a lifeline. And while many residents prefer to walk to work, many still also own cars that need to be parked somewhere. And in those neighborhoods where there is less easy access to public transportation, where competition for limited spaces remains fierce, and the local population is still growing, I would proceed with caution and would actively seek out the full input of neighborhood residents. Those might not be easy conversations. In many instances, city officials can fully expect that residents won’t tell them what they want to hear. But these conversations need to be had. It’s what leadership requires, and they are critical to building consensus and support over the long term.

5. What is your best idea on how to make intersections work better?

Providing more exclusive lanes for public transport and engineering traffic signals to enable their speedy passage through intersections is a low- to no-cost way of making intersections (and traffic overall) work better. New York City introduced express bus services that in one year reduced travel time by an average of 11 minutes and helped to increased ridership. This change compliments a larger move I support towards a Bus Rapid Transit system which is the most cost-conscious means of finally creating the long dreamed of, and critically important, Urban Ring. The Urban Ring system connects residents of Boston’s neighborhoods to jobs hubs like the South Boston waterfront and Longwood medical area – easing congestion while facilitating future jobs growth.

6. What do you think is the biggest problem facing Boston’s taxi industry?

Ensuring that its drivers are treated fairly is a major issue, and was highlighted in dramatic fashion by the Boston Globe earlier this year. Apart from those abuses, my office was part of an investigation into a scheme at Logan Airport where attendants who directed travelers to taxis were demanding bribes so they could jump the line, so to speak. While I applaud the declaration of the Boston Police to crack down on these kinds of abuses, like many, I am awaiting the results of a study of the industry ordered by Mayor Menino in order to determine next steps.

7. Much of the rush hour traffic in Boston is a result of back-ups from state highways. How would you work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to alleviate gridlock at highway on-ramps?

We need to continue to encourage people to take public transportation. As our public transportation infrastructure crumbles, as the system itself continues to devolve into a less efficient, less pleasant but more expensive experience, it forces people back into their cars which adds to gridlock and costs Boston, its businesses and its workers, dearly in terms of lost productivity and increased pollution. Systemic solutions are required, including adoption of an Urban Ring based on an affordable and smart Rapid Bus Transit system which will immediately help to alleviate gridlock problems in vital and growing economic areas of the city, including the Innovation District and the Longwood medical area.

8. Boston’s bicycle community has asked for separated bicycle facilities known as “cycle tracks,” but there are many different ways to design those facilities. What, to you, does an ideal “cycle track” look like, and where, if anywhere, would you put them?

I don’t think there is an ideal cycle track in a congested city where cars, bicyclists and pedestrians need to share the roads and other space. For example, some designs might work well only on heavily traveled roads, with few intersections and a higher speed limit. I would rely on experts to make recommendations, depending on the street and the neighborhood.

9. Discuss one idea on how you would make Boston’s roadways more beautiful.

More trees. I’d like to expand the City’s investment in trees in a number of ways, including more aggressively seeking out private and non-profit partners, as well as public and private grants. In addition, I’ll enlist neighborhood, civic, business and advocacy groups to assist in the effort by helping to keep the trees healthy once they are planted – checking the trees for fungus, aerating the soil around the trees, and other measures that protect the investment and reduce tree loss.

JOHN R. CONNOLLY

1. The MBTA has cited financial issues as the primary reason why it can’t provide latenight hours on the T or expanded service on the Fairmount commuter rail line. If you propose a partnership with the MBTA to improve public transit options, where will you find the money?

We need to be creative about new sources of financing. A UPass program, wherein colleges and universities would purchase discounted T passes for all their students, was first proposed by advocates in 2012 and again this year, and it’s worth exploring. New Balance is funding the construction and operation of a new commuter rail station in Allston Brighton. We should look to leverage corporate and institutional dollars for things like expanded service hours. As mayor, I would also use the bully pulpit of the office to be a strong advocate for increased state funding for the MBTA and for holding the T accountable for wisely and efficiently using the resources it has. I would work with lawmakers and mayors from Gateway Cities, which have regional transit service, to create a coalition for transit across the Commonwealth.

2. It’s a common complaint: It’s too hard to find parking in Boston. How do you plan to fix this problem?

Given the cost of building more structured parking, this is not a problem we can build our way out of. We need to be willing to test different solutions. For example, by taking a smart approach to metered parking, we can encourage more turnover of parking spaces and decrease the time, traffic, frustration and wasted fuel motorists spend looking for spaces. Other cities like San Francisco are using new technology to control the supply and demand of parking, and we should explore whether those ideas would work here as well. We need to find ways to optimize the use of our parking and street space while also doing everything we can to provide people with safe, appealing alternatives to traveling by car. The Boston Redevelopment Authority reported recently that the number of registered automobiles in the city has dropped 14 percent in the last 5 years. We’re seeing that many Bostonians want to be able to take advantage of alternatives to driving walking, biking, and taking transit.

3. You’ve found the money to install five new Hubway bikeshare stations. Where would you put them?

I led the effort in the City Council to provide $5 million in funding for the Hubway bike share program, which I believe we need to expand farther out from downtown. It’s time for Hubway to start branching out into the neighborhoods, ideally near popular destinations like T stations, parks, health clinics and community centers, and our Main Street business districts. This will be a gradual process, because stations needs to be close to one another to really work effectively, but over time I believe our goal should be for every neighborhood to have Hubway.

4. Would you change Boston’s current policies on minimum offstreet parking requirements for new housing developments and businesses?

We will have opportunities to reexamine parking requirements, but we need to do it in a transparent way with meaningful community input. One of the biggest challenges we face in Boston is the high cost of housing. Reducing parking requirements, in appropriate places and with community buy-in, could be a key strategy for lowering construction costs and creating a true middle market for housing in Boston. This is not one-size-fits-all; in certain neighborhoods there is a real parking crisis that we must work to alleviate. Finally, we must recognize that any successful strategy must improve other modes of transportation.

5. What is your best idea on how to make intersections work better?

We need intersections that can accommodate all users cars, transit, pedestrians, and cyclists as safely and conveniently as possible. That’s what our planning, through what’s known as a “Complete Streets” approach, should accomplish. We also have to look at signalization. I will instruct the transportation department to review our signalized intersections and implement the appropriate solution for each situation. Signal times must be long enough for elderly pedestrians and pedestrians with disabilities to cross safely. Buses and trolleys should have signal priority at intersections.

6. What do you think is the biggest problem facing Boston’s taxi industry?

I think the Globe’s indepth reporting highlighted a number of issues that we really should not consider in isolation, including significant failures in the Hackney Division’s oversight; poor treatment of drivers, including classifying them as independent contractors; and inadequate liability insurance. We need to bring our taxi system into the 21st century so that it provides fair treatment for drivers, modern conveniences and reliable transportation for passengers, and adequate insurance coverage. We also need to make sure that Boston is friendly to alternatives, like Uber and car-sharing, that give residents additional ways to access a car without owning one themselves.

7. Much of the rush hour traffic in Boston is a result of backups from state highways. How would you work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to alleviate gridlock at highway on-ramps?

Every day, Boston’s population swells as commuters come into the city for work. The single best thing we can do to alleviate traffic is to provide those commuters options to take public transit for all or part of their trip. That’s why as mayor I will prioritize bicycle infrastructure and be a forceful advocate for funding of the MBTA system. We need more parking at our outer T stations and commuter rail stations, and we need to invest in new trains and train cars so that the system is reliable and not overcrowded.

8. Boston’s bicycle community has asked for separated bicycle facilities known as “cycle tracks,” but there are many different ways to design those facilities. What, to you, does an ideal “cycle track” look like, and where, if anywhere, would you put them?

Cycle tracks will be an important part of Boston’s transportation strategy and I will prioritize them in the city’s capital budget. Studies have shown that these separated facilities are the single best thing we can do to improve the rate of casual cycling, especially among women and children. But the “ideal” cycle track depends on the specific situation, based on factors like how much space we have.

9. Discuss one idea on how you would make Boston’s roadways more beautiful.

I strongly favor a “Complete Streets” approach to planning our streetscapes, which can make our streets more beautiful by including in their designs things like planted medians, landscaping, and public art. We should also be open to fun innovations like holding community competitions to design benches and bike racks.

ROB CONSALVO

1. The MBTA has cited financial issues as the primary reason why it can’t provide late-night hours on the T or expanded service on the Fairmount commuter rail line. If you propose a partnership with the MBTA to improve public transit options, where will you find the money?

The city of Boston has numerous budget priorities, and while efficient and effective transportation is certainly a priority, the cost of expanding service on the MBTA is well beyond our other priorities. I will look to form public-private partnerships, similar to the construction and operation agreement between the MBTA and New Balance for the new Boston Landing Commuter Rail Station in Brighton, to help generate funds for transportation and to hold the corporate community accountable for improving the quality of life in our city. Also, I will advocate to the federal government for more transportation funding for our city.

2. It’s a common complaint: It’s too hard to find parking in Boston. How do you plan to fix this problem?

First, we need to recognize, that a lot of people in Boston have cars and they need them for their job, to take their kids to school and to go to the grocery store. Cars play a major role in many people’s lives and that isn’t going to change any time soon. We need to create incentives to get people out of their cars –through programs like Ride Share, flexible work-schedules and telecommuting – but we can’t penalize people who need their cars on a daily basis. I’m going to make sure that no one in Boston lives more than 5-minute walk from an accessible form of alternative transportation, so that everyone has options. That means moving HubWay out into the neighborhoods, making safe bike travel easier, working with the MBTA to make its services for efficient and looking for good ideas from our universities, other cities and countries. I would be willing to pilot innovative new technologies like those that actually allow people to reserve parking spots via their smartphone as a way to potentially alleviate parking congestion. At the end of the day, we need parking out in the neighborhoods.

3. You’ve found the money to install five new Hubway bike-share stations. Where would you put them?

In the neighborhoods – particularly around transit oriented housing and along the Fairmount Indigo line.

4. Would you change Boston’s current policies on minimum off-street parking requirements for new housing developments and businesses?

No.

5. What is your best idea on how to make intersections work better?

We have to stop people from blocking the box. You can’t drive through another vehicle when it’s parked in the middle of an intersection. As mayor, I’ll identify the worst intersection and we’ll make sure be the appropriate enforcement personnel there to direct traffic and fine offenders. We have to change the driving culture in this city when it comes to blocking intersections and I’ll stand out there myself if I have to.

I’ve also proposed creating illuminated sidewalks to help pedestrians cross the street and move through intersections and installing transponders on fire and police vehicles to make sure they always get a green light when they are heading to an emergency.

6. What do you think is the biggest problem facing Boston’s taxi industry?

Balancing the interests of passengers, drivers, medallion owners and businesses remains an ongoing challenge – not just here, but in any major city. As mayor, I will strive to ensure the safety, and fair and equitable treatment of all parties.

7. Much of the rush hour traffic in Boston is a result of back-ups from state highways. How would you work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to alleviate gridlock at highway on-ramps?

Having worked in city, state and federal government, I have seen the debate surrounding highway funding from all sides. As government budgets continue to shrink, highway construction dollars will be less. As mayor, I will collaborate with federal, state and local governments to develop a modern transportation system that works for the entire region. While economic growth in our city is a good thing, it has also contributed to congestion and added traffic from neighboring communities and highway systems. I look forward to working with the MA DOT and local stakeholders who are involved in the Boston Ramps Study to determine the feasibility of new or revised ramp access to ease this problem.

8. Boston’s bicycle community has asked for separated bicycle facilities known as “cycle tracks,” but there are many different ways to design those facilities. What, to you, does an ideal “cycle track” look like, and where, if anywhere, would you put them?

Given Boston’s different neighborhoods and the condition of its roadways, there is no one-size fits all cycle track. In some areas, dedicated cycle tracks will work and in other neighborhoods, it is only possible to include dedicated bicycle lanes. As we work towards a “Complete Street” solution for our roadways, we will implement best practices for determining the appropriate type of track for the area. We have to remember that a lot of Boston residents still have cars that they need to use on a daily basis.

9. Discuss one idea on how you would make Boston’s roadways more beautiful.

The surest way to make a city street shine is to line it with beautiful blue Consalvo for Mayor signs!

Creating welcoming public spaces alongside our major roadways with street trees, greenscapes, street furniture, eco-friendly rubber sidewalks, planters and clean trash-free streets are other great ways tp add to a roadway’s beauty and should be incorporated into transportation design and engineering where possible.

MIKE ROSS

1. The MBTA has cited financial issues as the primary reason why it can’t provide late-night hours on the T or expanded service on the Fairmount commuter rail line. If you propose a partnership with the MBTA to improve public transit options, where will you find the money?

In 2001, working with partners in state government and the community, I led the fight to implement the MBTA’s late-night “Night Owl” bus service, which extended public transit service in Boston until 2:30 a.m. That extended bus service provided a safe, reliable, and convenient way home for third-shift workers coming home from jobs in our hospitals, restaurants, or dynamic start-up companies, for students studying late, and residents enjoying a night out in the city. As Boston continues to develop as a dynamic, global city, we need to reinstate the Night Owl to serve residents who are increasingly pushing Boston past its current closing time.

As Mayor, I will bring back the Night Owl service and commit to finding the funding to make it sustainable. Boston can no longer afford to shut down its transit system at 12:30 a.m.

To fund this service expansion, I will work with our area universities to implement the U-Pass program, which lets those institutions purchase MBTA passes for every one of their students at discounted rates. The U-Pass program has the potential to generate close to $50 million in revenue for the MBTA, more than covering the estimated $10 million cost of renewed and expanded late night service.

I also think we can consider offering special late-night licenses to bars and restaurants in some neighborhoods, which could provided added revenue for late night service.

2. It’s a common complaint: It’s too hard to find parking in Boston. How do you plan to fix this problem?

While I support the ultimate goal of getting people out of their cars and onto public transit or bikes, there are things we can do now to make parking easier.

I support the implementation of mobile apps that identify open parking spaces for drivers to reduce time spent driving in search of spaces. That means less congestion and carbon emissions from circling vehicle. We also need to replace coin-only parking meters with a city-wide transition to smart kiosks that accept coins, cash, and credit cards to make paying for parking more convenient and help increase potential street spaces by eliminating space-specific meters.

3. You’ve found the money to install five new Hubway bike-share stations. Where would you put them?

The subway network to all neighborhoods, especially those underserved by public transit. Right now, I’d favor expanding subway stations into Southie and Dorchester — neighborhoods that are lacking in subway stations but close to the network.

4. Would you change Boston’s current policies on minimum off-street parking requirements for new housing developments and businesses?

I support reducing parking minimums where it makes sense. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to a city as diverse as Boston. As mayor, I would aggressively pursue more transit-oriented development, and support easing parking requirements near subway stations or transit hubs.

5. What is your best idea on how to make intersections work better?

I would establish a Problem Intersection Task Force to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians at key intersections across city. This multi-agency, community-connected effort will work to identify simple street improvements that can be implemented ahead of comprehensive “complete street” redesign efforts. Sometimes all that is needed is to move a bus stop 50 feet or install a turning signal to make a dangerous intersection safer.

6. What do you think is the biggest problem facing Boston’s taxi industry?

Today, Boston’s fleet of taxis and livery cars are managed and regulated by a special unit in the Boston Police Department – the Hackney Carriage Unit. Over 100 years after it was first established to oversee horse-drawn hackney service, it’s time to transfer these responsibilities to the City’s Transportation Department. We are more aware then ever that the Boston Police have very serious public safety concerns to focus on; managing a rapidly evolving transportation industry should not divert their attention from keeping our streets safe from violent crime. The regulation of the taxi industry also needs serious study and reform to protect both drivers and passengers. As Mayor, I will move taxi oversight to the Transportation Department and modernize it in a number of ways including more policies to protect drivers and riders.

7. Much of the rush hour traffic in Boston is a result of back-ups from state highways. How would you work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to alleviate gridlock at highway on-ramps?

One reason highway ramps are backed up is because traffic is flowing directly off of them and into a street grid system with little to no signal timing, coordination of flow patterns, or plans for managing peak hour traffic. By improving our city streets brought smart traffic grid technologies, traffic coming off highways won’t be entering bottlenecks which cause the off ramp back ups. I would be sure to coordinate all of these improvements with our partners at MassDOT to make sure our networks are connected.

8. Boston’s bicycle community has asked for separated bicycle facilities known as “cycle tracks,” but there are many different ways to design those facilities. What, to you, does an ideal “cycle track” look like, and where, if anywhere, would you put them?

First, I would hire a transportation commissioner with a background in cycling and a commitment to multi-modal transportation and “complete streets” design principles. In an ideal world, cycle tracks should be separated from the street and connect our neighborhoods so that cycling can become a more viable commuting option.

9. Discuss one idea on how you would make Boston’s roadways more beautiful.

Following through on planting 100,000 trees in Boston as part of the Grow Boston Greener initiative, focusing plantings first in neighborhoods with the lowest levels of tree canopy.

BILL WALCZAK

1. The MBTA has cited financial issues as the primary reason why it can’t provide late-night hours on the T or expanded service on the Fairmount commuter rail line. If you propose a partnership with the MBTA to improve public transit options, where will you find the money?

Because of the nature of the MBTA, I believe funding should come from the state and federal levels. The MBTA is not relegated to Boston, it is a regional issue, one that pertains to outlying cities and towns as far as Worcester and Lowell. I support extended 24-hour transportation, but considering the fact that transportation is not relegated to city operation, the state has an obligation to provide funding for extended runtime.

2. It’s a common complaint: It’s too hard to find parking in Boston. How do you plan to fix this problem?

Our first step would be to reduce traffic in the city. Less cars on the road results in less of an need for parking. We can achieve that in two different ways. First, we must increase safety and access to cycling in the city. This means delineating bike lanes and expanding them to every neighborhood in the city. The more bikers on the road, the less traffic congestion and the less need for parking space for automobiles. Second, we need to employ a method of development called Transit Oriented Development, which orients housing near T stations and bus lines to not only provide easier access of the entire city to all of our residents, but also to increase ridership which will the again reduce the amount of cars on the road. In a metropolitan area, there are many easy ways to get from point A to point B, we must do our best to encourage and facilitate them to allow for safer, less congested roads and easier access to parking.

3. You’ve found the money to install five new Hubway bike-share stations. Where would you put them?

In all neighborhoods that need them that have limited access to public transportation –such as Roxbury, Hyde Park, and Mattapan.

4. Would you change Boston’s current policies on minimum off-street parking requirements for new housing developments and businesses?

No.

5. What is your best idea on how to make intersections work better?

I like what they do with “Block the Box” in NYC where they fine you for tying up intersection. I would like to see something similar put in place and enforced in Boston.

6. What do you think is the biggest problem facing Boston’s taxi industry?

The biggest problem with the taxi industry in Boston is the way it looks at its employees. We need to ensure that taxi drivers are looked at as full-time workers with wages and benefits instead of contractors. We also need to make sure that we have the right amount of medallions for the city. It takes too long to hail a taxi in Boston, and I understand the frustration that comes with needing quick access to a ride. I plan on bringing an independent group in to analyze and determine the proper amount of medallions for taxis in this city to make sure we are serving Boston residents in the best way possible.

7. Much of the rush hour traffic in Boston is a result of back-ups from state highways. How would you work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to alleviate gridlock at highway on-ramps?

I think we need to encourage more people to commute through public transportation options and make those offerings more attractive. We can do this in Boston by working with the state and regionally with other municipalities to create commuter programs and transit-oriented housing so commuting into Boston is easier and people have options other than driving

8. Boston’s bicycle community has asked for separated bicycle facilities known as “cycle tracks,” but there are many different ways to design those facilities. What, to you, does an ideal “cycle track” look like, and where, if anywhere, would you put them?

I support the idea of cycle tracks. I believe cycle tracks need to be delineated by a different color with bicycle markings, they need to be separated by barriers from car lanes, and the must be expanded into every neighborhood in the city. If we are encouraging and increase in ridership, we must take all of the necessary measures to make sure that our riders are safe. There have been too many horrific stories because of lack of clarity and understanding between bikers and drivers in this city, and in order to have the healthiest, safest city in the country, in order to have a city that is devoid of crippling traffic and a lack of parking spots, we need to be serious about reforming the infrastructure for biking in Boston.

9. Discuss one idea on how you would make Boston’s roadways more beautiful.

I would like to create a crowdsourcing program for more public art in the Boston area – and this includes our roadways. I think there are numerous places to put art throughout Boston and crowdsourcing ideas for art along our roadways is a great way to start.

MARTY WALSH

1. The MBTA has cited financial issues as the primary reason why it can’t provide late-night hours on the T or expanded service on the Fairmount commuter rail line. If you propose a partnership with the MBTA to improve public transit options, where will you find the money?

I am a strong proponent of expanded late-night T service, and, as mayor, would coordinate with the MBTA and MassDOT and work with businesses (24-hour businesses, restaurants/bars) and colleges and universities to assess demand. The most realistic funding approach is probably a mix of state aid and creative public-private partnerships here in the city. Having represented Boston for 16 years on Beacon Hill, I am the candidate best positioned to win the necessary support from the Legislature. Beyond that, I would work with private institutions, especially universities whose students are likely to be major users, to fully fund the extended service.

2. It’s a common complaint: It’s too hard to find parking in Boston. How do you plan to fix this problem?

Parking presents very different problems depending on whether we’re talking about the downtown or the neighborhoods. I would work with the Boston Transportation Department, Technology Department, and private sector to develop applications that could locate available parking Downtown and in commercial areas. I would also work with the MBTA and MassDOT specifically to encourage residents and visitors to leave their cars at home and use public transportation, bicycles, or walk when applicable, helping to relieve parking constraints. The MBTA is underused by many commuters into Boston. I will work to make public transportation a more attractive option for commuters so that vehicle congestion is lowered in the city. This will not only help with parking but will also help to reduce pollution in the city that can impact public health and climate change.

3. You’ve found the money to install five new Hubway bike-share stations. Where would you put them?

I would favor locations that expand Hubway to more Boston neighborhoods, and would ask the Boston Transportation Department to review user data collected as part of the Hubway program to determine where demand is greatest. It will also be important to continue to coordinate with Cambridge, Somerville, and other surrounding communities that are currently part of the Hubway program, as well as those considering becoming part of the program to determine the routes and locations with the highest demand. Uphams Corner/Jones Hill seems like a natural spot, since it not too far from UMass Boston and South Bay Plaza, where there are existing stations.

4. Would you change Boston’s current policies on minimum off-street parking requirements for new housing developments and businesses?

Different policies should apply to different areas of the city depending on local parking situations. Minimum off-street parking requirements should be required for new residential development in neighborhoods where parking is at a premium. Incentives could be provided for those developers to promote transit-oriented development which would require less parking.

5. What is your best idea on how to make intersections work better?

Many of the intersections in the city are controlled with signals using old technology. The first step would be to identify the older signals and determine if they need to be upgraded. For newer signals, retiming may provide for improved traffic flow, especially on entry roads to the city such as Mass. Ave. If lights are timed correctly congestion will be greatly reduced. Other actions would be to increase the monitoring of busy intersections by the city’s traffic operations center to improve traffic flow on a daily basis.

6. What do you think is the biggest problem facing Boston’s taxi industry?

I think that the biggest problem facing the taxi industry in Boston is the way in which it is regulated. As the Boston Globe pointed out in a 2013 series, the system is currently not working and has created great inequality within the sector. I think we need to investigate taking the regulatory authority and shifting it to another part of city government. It has been suggested that the Transportation Department is a proper place for taxis to be regulated. I am open to talking about this change or any other ideas for improving the current system.

7. Much of the rush hour traffic in Boston is a result of back-ups from state highways. How would you work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to alleviate gridlock at highway on-ramps?

I would continue to coordinate with MassDOT and the MBTA and find areas where Intelligent Transportation Systems and Technology can be used to improve traffic flow. Applications and communications allowing drivers to make decisions on the best routes to take to avoid congestion and determine the timing of their travel will prove extremely useful. We reconfigured Glover’s Corner in Dorchester (Freeport Street and Dorchester Avenue) and that’s working well. If that one could be fixed, they all can!

8. Boston’s bicycle community has asked for separated bicycle facilities known as “cycle tracks,” but there are many different ways to design those facilities. What, to you, does an ideal “cycle track” look like, and where, if anywhere, would you put them?

An ideal “cycle track” is safe and allows easy access for bikers to get through the city quickly. “Cycle tracks” can only be implemented where there is adequate right-of-way. There are many additional factors involved in choosing appropriate locations, such as parking and connections to other bike lanes and/or facilities.

9. Discuss one idea on how you would make Boston’s roadways more beautiful.

Landscaping and greenspace, including flower pots and trees, could make a big difference. Small changes can make Boston’s concrete jungle much less menacing. I would work with neighborhoods to develop an Adopt-A-Roadway or Adopt-An-Area program (much like the Adopt-A-Highway program on major roadways) to keep roadways and neighborhoods clean. Those big planters on Boylston Street near Mass. Ave always looks nice. There’s no reason why we can’t do something similar everywhere.

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Architectural home tour to focus on Forest Hills area in Longview – Longview News

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Anyone who enjoys taking a peek inside the homes of others will get a chance to do so this weekend at: Landmarks of Longview XIV, an Architectural Home Tour.


The event is an annual fundraiser for the Gregg County Historical Museum. This year’s tour focuses on the Forest Hills Subdivision, located off of Judson Road between Pegues Place and Marshall Avenue, said Debbie Hancock, committee chair.

“This is our third year of concentrating on a particular neighborhood,” Hancock said. “We’ve found that makes it easier for everybody, instead of having the homes on the tour spread out all over Longview.”

The homes on this year’s tour are: the Ruff home, 200 Sunset Dr., the Salmon home, 1111 Yates Dr., the Wells home, 1115 Yates Dr., and the Goolsby home, 1205 Yates Dr.

While a shuttle bus will be provided for people who need one, the homes are all within walking distance of one another.

“The tour is a lot of fun and people enjoy it for different reasons,” Hancock said. “People who have lived here a long time enjoy seeing the interiors of a home they may have visited in their childhood, when it was under different ownership. Others enjoy seeing the architectural details and home decor choices.”

The houses date from different eras.

The Ruff home was built in 1938, the Salmon home in 1942 and the Goolsby home in 1952. The Wells home was built in 1987, making it one of the newest homes ever featured on the tour.

The Ruff home is built in a traditional Federalist style and is complimented by classic colonial blue gray paint. Many of the furnishings have been collected during family trips to various places around the world.

The Salmon home is a Greek Revival style house which retains the original flooring, windows, light fixtures and tile. The interior showcases and extensive collection of art.

The Wells home is a traditional red brick with black shutters and white trim in a Georgian style. The grounds include a sparkling, well-landscaped pool in a park-like atmosphere.

The Goolsby home is an expansive mid-century home which has undergone extensive remodeling in recent years. Additions include a new master bedroom, two cozy fireplaces and a complete renovation of the kitchen.

“They’re all different, but each house has a lot of interesting elements and beautiful interiors,” Hancock said. “The yards are also part of the tour, so people can get ideas for landscaping as well as decorating.”

The owners of the homes put a lot of effort in getting them ready for the tour, she said. In most cases, the whole home is open, although some owners do chooses to block off bedrooms or other private spaces.

“We’re expecting a good turnout,” Hancock said. “More younger people seem to be showing an interest in these tours lately and that’s always good for the continued success of the event.”

The Landmarks of Longview tour goes from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 during the tour; all tickets are valid for both days. Advance tickets are available at the Gregg County Historical Museum, Barron’s, Horaney’s, Louis Morgan #4, Pen and Company, C.S. Cutting and Texas Bank and Trust (downtown). Tickets will be available at all the homes on the days of the tour. For more information, call (903) 753-5840 or visit www.gregghistorical.org.

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