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| February 9, 2010 |
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Public Safety Discussed at South Boston Parade Meeting
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| By Deirdra Dostou |
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Over a dozen non-profit leaders, city officials, and parade organizers gathered at South Boston Action Center to discuss safety for the 109th St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14.
“Last year we put in a significant presence but we also disappointed you” explained Boston Police Department Superintendent-in-chief Daniel Linskey.
Along with Superintendent William Evans and Captain Richard Evans, Linskey continued, “We have a strong desire that it return to a family event. You have our commitment from the BPD that we will give you the same commitment but better. We are sending out letters to all participating police and fire department unions that they need to send the appropriate message to kids.”
Last Friday members from the Boston Police Department, South Boston Association of Non Profits, Boston Police Department, Mayor’s Office and parade organizers Phil Wuschke and Wacko Hurley from the Allied War Veterans Council met with Kay Walsh, Executive Director of South Boston CAN Reduce Underage Drinking to discuss improving safety concerns along the parade route. Walsh explained, “The family zones are really nice. People behave well and people come for that safety factor. The zones feel very cared for”.
Superintendent Chief William Evans continued the entire St. Patrick’s Day Parade weekend will be closely monitored in South Boston, “It’s sort of been Mardi Gras over here with people who never lived or had anything to do with South Boston coming over to party. Most people I know who’ve lived here their whole life want to get out of town”.
Chief Linskey agreed local residents were not the biggest problem. “There weren’t a lot of South Boston residents that got tickets last year. It was people from the outside coming here to do their party.” He continued, “For some officers it’s a cultural change. They were used to turning a blind eye but we’ve made it clear that it’s the community that has asked us for this.”
Meeting attendees voiced support of safety enforcement improvements witnessed last year. Bob Monahan, Executive Director of Julie’s Place and member of South Boston Association of Non Profits explained, “Last year the message was clearer. The families get it. I think having officers outside of the liquor stores was key especially with the wave that comes from the T.”
Harry Duvall, Executive Director, South Boston Boys and Girls Club explained, “No one is telling anyone not to have a good time, but to do it safely and in moderation.”
Walsh continued the message they hope to send to residents is, “This is our community; you have a vested interest in making this a positive event”.
For more information on the 2010 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Family Zones please contact Kay Walsh at South Boston Action Center (617) 269-5160.
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