1.2 min readBy Published On: May 9th, 2016Categories: News10 Comments on The area in front of the Post Office

What is going on?

After a three year construction plan, the absolute mess of a parking area in front of the Post Office on East Third Street is finally done. We’re thankful for that.   The end result,  however has some residents scratching their heads, over the weird “tar islands” on the sidewalk. Evidently, “some neighbors”complained that they didn’t want trees or grass due to dogs.

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We’re not exactly sure if this is the City of Boston’s look they were hoping for but it seems very bizarre to have these curb islands in the middle of the sidewalk.  What exactly is their purpose other than tripping some unsuspecting pedestrian texting and walking. Without trees, they look ridiculous.

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We spoke with John Allison, Neighborhood Coordinator for the City of Boston about “Tar Island.”  “The project is not complete,” said Allison.  The City plans to “stamp” the asphalt – which gives it a more decorative look.  The possibility of planters could also be a possibility in the future.  As for trees, Allison stated that during planning the neighbors objected to trees and benches in the area.  So hopefully, the new stamped asphalt will be an improvement.  We also learned that the “island” on the sidewalk is for ADA (American with Disabilities Act) compliance.  The sidewalk would have been too wide without it.

More to follow.

10 Comments

  1. Christa May 10, 2016 at 12:10 am - Reply

    They should put huge planters there like they have up by the M St. Park…. So many better solutions that just leaving the “tar islands”.

  2. Ers May 10, 2016 at 12:30 am - Reply

    $10 bucks says someone parks on one.

  3. Hadley May 10, 2016 at 2:10 am - Reply

    My condo looks out over this randomness! The other day the public works guys were out there so I asked them what the plan to fill it all in. I brought up planters and was told no, the city won’t pay for them or maintain them, but maybe the residents could get them donated/sponsored by a local business/organization. It’s frustrating that the city relys on tax paying residents to make big open area like this look nice.

    This is a quiet little residential, family-oriented pocket of South Boston and it makes me sad the city is turning it turned it into a cold concrete jungle, probably just because it’s the easiest route. Standards should be higher.

  4. Jennifer Statsky May 10, 2016 at 7:17 pm - Reply

    Now the took perfectly too parkinspots away for this random weirdness now can someone tell me where did the bright idea come from ? Oh please tell me our wonderful politicians did this !! Because the ideas that have come out of city hall are complete bull !! If they could I’m sure they would have put a condo !!! Now there’s still a few good churches left go get them !!
    Jesus I grew up here all my life and the random stupid I am seeing in town is getting worse and worse daily
    My South Boston is gone !!!

  5. Terry May 11, 2016 at 3:56 pm - Reply

    Looks like they could have added some valuable parking spots there. I live over by here, they’ve made parking worse than when they started and have took away several spots.

  6. Donna May 11, 2016 at 8:24 pm - Reply

    The neighbors were told grass and trees. We only asked that no benches be installed. We were told trees and grass and what we got leaves me shaking my head in disbelief. …

  7. Maryann Harty May 11, 2016 at 11:49 pm - Reply

    it’s a waste of space and now there are LESS places to park…. I think the contractor got paid by how much cement and black top he used….POOR design!!

  8. Karen May 13, 2016 at 12:09 am - Reply

    Trees would provide shade and a breeze but these tar islands will make a hot day even hotter. Completely senseless use of space and beyond ugly. And a liability. For sure people will trip on these! Why? Because they make no sense!

  9. KT May 13, 2016 at 2:59 am - Reply

    This is crazy – How on earth are decisions made on these issues? I don’t recall anyone soliciting resident’s opinions. I like to trust the decision makers – but that isn’t working well here. It’s a shame because the footprint is nice enough – but all tarred in ? Not so nice at all. You’re welcome future generations.

  10. Mo May 13, 2016 at 5:46 pm - Reply

    How about a community garden or raised beds. I think we all complain about this. That definately wouldnt happen in the south end or beacon hill.

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