http://mem-winterhill.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] mem-winterhill.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] davis_square2014-02-08 11:18 am

Shoveling sidewalks

So some drama erupted about Somerville shoveling today on the intertubz.

What do you guys think?

https://twitter.com/universalhub/status/432168697395154944

[identity profile] enhf94.livejournal.com 2014-02-09 03:42 am (UTC)(link)
Maybe, but I suspect finding a phone number takes less time than printing a sign.

[identity profile] francescadavis.livejournal.com 2014-02-12 02:51 am (UTC)(link)
The phone number for the church on the corner of Chapel/College is right on the sign. I have called to politely ask if they would consider shoveling the College/Morrison property to the same level as the Chapel/College property. This was several storms ago when there was a layer of ice a few feet wide that was clearly dangerous not just for elderly, but for anyone walking, even with sensible shoes, but the Chapel/College property was completely clear. And I have called 311. But it doesn't seem to make a difference as nothing changes until the sun, temperature and the wear of foot traffic reduces the dangerous conditions. It is highly offensive that the church shovels the property they most use, but not the other, that is most passed by the community traveling to the T. It is incredibly ironic that a church has no concern for the community within which it is set. If they have no use or care for the building, it should be sold.

[personal profile] ron_newman 2014-02-12 07:20 pm (UTC)(link)
The Chapel/College and Morrison/College church buildings belong to different congregations.

[identity profile] francescadavis.livejournal.com 2014-02-12 07:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Perhaps they are two different congregations, but the Holy Bible Baptist Church owns both buildings. The Holy Bible Baptist Church began at 45 College Avenue, purchased in 1995, and then purchased 64 College Avenue in 2010 (http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/somerville/2010/04/church_changes_hands_on_colleg.html). Unless there is a sale not registered, they are still the owners of the church at 45 College Avenue.

At the time of the sale of the 64 College Avenue church, there were numerous community organizations that utilized the large meeting space in the back of the building. Unless things have changed, only the homeless shelter in the basement was required to remain as terms for the purchase and the other organizations had to find new places to meet.