The latest political advertising

 Where was the author all these years? Did he not still live in the hood for the past 20 years or more? Funny how these things appear now, just in time for the election season.

From the MWDN:

The city is comprised of a variety of diverse neighborhoods, from Nobscot to Saxonville to Lokerville, each with its own identity and history.

“We’re really a community of a bunch of neighborhoods,” said District 8 City Councilor John Stefanini, a resident of the Coburnville-Tripoli neighborhood.

Stefanini is seeking an ordinance to create Neighborhood Advisory Groups throughout the city that would harness neighbors’ expertise, experience and energy, create a stronger sense of community and give residents a louder voice in city government.

Several other cities, including Boston and Newton, have formed neighborhood groups to connect community members with city leaders to promote their neighborhoods and ensure the areas retain their unique characteristics and vitality. Stefanini said strong, engaged neighborhoods are key to creating a healthy, vibrant and thriving city.

“We as a community need to put out a welcome wagon for our neighborhoods because they are what binds us together,” he said.

Under Stefanini’s proposal, neighborhood groups would help evaluate impacts and propose mitigation for local development projects; propose beautification, signage and capital projects; and evaluate municipal services and suggest sustainability strategies.

The groups will secure support and funding for annual block parties, cleanup days and crime watches, along with sending out advance notification of municipal-related public works or utility projects, access and disseminate information through city lists and the website and establish permit parking.

“This is all about community-building,” said Stefanini. “…A stronger community is built one neighborhood at time.”

 The mayor would annually assess the strengths and challenges, neighborhood by neighborhood, and make recommendations to the council for positive changes to bylaws and municipal practices.

Residents would request the establishment of a neighborhood group to the City Council, which would hold a public hearing and eventually vote. Neighborhood groups would be self-selecting and shall include an 11- to 19-member executive committee, with membership open to all residents of the neighborhood as set out in the group’s bylaws, according to the proposed ordinance.

Stefanini said there are several former Town Meeting members, community activists, newcomers and townies who want to work with city government to represent neighborhood interests and issues. He cited the Friends of Saxonville as a model neighborhood group.

In the Coburnville-Tripoli neighborhood, a group was started 15 years ago and faded, but has begun to return. The group introduced neighbors living a few doors down or a street away, as well as strengthened connections.

“It’s helped us get to know each other,” said Stefanini.

Stefanini’s request is before the City Council’s Ordinance and Rules Committee, which will provide a recommendation to the full council.