Franklin Park was as soon as well-known for its lovely zoo, adjoining golf course and majestic pathways. Franklin Park is now infamous for loud events, consuming and grime bikers which have besieged zoo animals and residents for years through the summer time.
It can be notorious for violence; only recently, a 91-year-old lady was stabbed whereas strolling her canine. The secluded, overgrown paths are an excellent setting for criminals to lie in wait for his or her subsequent sufferer – even in broad daylight. Drugs and different unlawful actions have infiltrated the park now that Shattuck Hospital is sheltering former Methadone Mile residents.
Neglect has eroded the once-great park. Thanks to reactionary police reform, the Boston Police Department was unable to crack down on noisy events and grime bikes through the summer time. Then- Acting Mayor Kim Janey argued that chasing ATVs was harmful and would possible damage folks. The Boston Park Rangers function “park keepers” quite than a patrol centered solely on legal apprehension.
Meanwhile, 5 miles away is Boston Common, America’s oldest park, surrounded by luxurious residences, high-end lodges, and the headquarters of elite Boston, Beacon Hill. It’s nicely policed by each uniformed and plainclothes officers. The rich neighbors of the Common usually are not affected by loud music or grime bikes. While assaults usually are not unprecedented, shootings and stabbings are unusual, although drug use does plague the world..
So which park bought a $28 million infusion for renovations? Boston Common, due to metropolis authorities, led by Mayor Michelle Wu. Though a Franklin Park Action Plan additionally goals to revitalize the park, it’s simply now within the “action” stage. Why did the Common challenge get placed on the entrance burner?
Residents of Franklin Park pay taxes identical to everybody else, however the park is in an space the place Democrats couldn’t care much less concerning the Black Community. If it have been native election season, Franklin Park would possible be bestowed with secure injection areas and judgment-free crack-smoking secure areas.
Clifford Park, which was previously a stunning spot the place kids might play soccer and different sports activities with out concern of being caught by a grimy needle, is now a satellite tv for pc of the Methadone Mile’s excesses. Another Boston park on the receiving finish of funding, maintenance, and safety is the Charles River Esplanade. The esplanade, its upper-class neighbors, and guests are lucky that the park is managed by the state, which seems to be extra competent in managing public parks than town of Boston.
If Franklin Park had been prioritized over the luxurious Common, a few of that $28 million might have been spent on fast-tracking a beefed-up Boston Police presence. Adding extra surveillance gear, sprucing up the park’s panorama to make it really feel much less desolate, and putting in leisure are all good concepts for Franklin Park. However, a noise ordinance is priceless – very like the one Mayor Wu enforced for herself. Those who play loud music all hours of the evening, maintaining taxpayers who should go to work within the morning, may be arrested, fined, and have their musical gear seized.
Equity and variety are merely buzzwords in Boston – they don’t impression the real issues that have an effect on its residents.
Rasheed Walters is an entrepreneur, political commentator and historian. He is a member of Project 21, and resides in Boston. Follow him on Twitter @rasheednwalters.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”