Newly formed Library Renovation Committe to hold first meeting

The Library Renovation Committee will hold its first meeting Wednesday, July 16th at 5:30pm at the North End Library - 25 Parmenter Street.

Organizer Rory Harrington shares:

The BPL identified our branch for renovation nearly a decade ago, but unfortunately, we've been passed over for improvements year after year. By forming this committee, I hope we can raise awareness about the urgent need for a renovation and finally secure a modern facility that better serves our community and the many visitors who rely on the library daily.

NEW Health Elaine Wilson Scholarship now open to applications

North End Waterfront Health (NEW Health) announced the opening of applications for the 2nd annual 2025 Elaine Wilson Scholarship for Community Health Outreach and Service. The scholarship will recognize a resident of Boston’s North End and Charlestown neighborhood who is a matriculating student or applying to an institute of higher learning, who displays a genuine interest in community primary care, public health, and/or community outreach to those who are low income, underserved or facing health inequities.

Two issues to look out for at Thursday night's new Community Center meeting

The city is building a new community center adjacent to the pool to replace the existing Nazzaro Center. The project will also include new community pools - replacing the current Mirabella pools - and a hardscape outdoor water feature to replace the existing kiddie pool.

There will be a community meeting on the project this Thursday, June 26, at 6:30 pm at the Nazzaro.

Following the meeting in March, here are two key issues that we should seek answers to:

Pedestrian underpass open - ahead of schedule?

Underpromise, overdeliver?

The last time MassDOT gave an update to the Neighborhood Council on the North Washington St Bridge, they said that the pedestrian underpass would be open by December 2025.

The bike lanes on both the east (northbound) and west (southbound) sides are also mostly open, save for some construction staging. Video by Peter Cheung.

Hospital requests extension of man charged in connection with Margaret Street attack

Cornelius Ivey Williams was originally due back in court today for a detention hearing in connection with a May 14th attack on Margaret Street. But the hospital, to which he is currently committed to undergo an evaluation to determine his competence to stand trial and criminal responsibility, requested an extension of hospitalization and evaluation on June 4th - which was granted.

In a neighborhood where cash is king, does phasing out pennies really save?

I was shocked to see a credit card terminal appear in Sulmona last year. And I'll never get used to being asked "cash or credit" in Parziale's. So we're headed in a cash-less direction in the North End. But there are still many hold outs that only accept cash in our little corner. How will the Treasury's plan to stop minting pennies play out?

Hospitalization and psychiatric evaluation order issued for for accused Margaret St attacker

Cornelius Ivey Williams appeared today with his attorney in front of Judge Richard Sinnott at Boston Municipal Court Central where a Doctor Jackson recommended hospitalization and a psychiatric evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital for Williams.

Williams was arrested in connection with the assault that took place the night of May 14th on Margaret street and has been charged with INDECENT A&B ON PERSON 14 OR OVER and ASSAULT TO RAPE.