Walsh Departure from Senate Touches off Criticism, Competition

The imminent departure of long-serving State Senator Marian Walsh has set off a political scramble to fill the seat, and critism of Governor Deval Patrick. Walsh's successor will most likely be chosen by special election. Her Suffolk and Norfolk district includes parts of Hyde Park and Roslindale, along with West Roxbury and Dedham. Governor Patrick announced last week that he intends to appoint Walsh -- an early supporter -- as the assistant executive director of the Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority. The announcement set off a firestorm of criticism from the state GOP and other quarters when it was disclosed Walsh would be paid $175,000 per year for a job that has been vacant for nearly a dozen years.

So far, the only candidate to openly express his interest in running for the open seat is State Rep. Michael Rush (D-West Roxbury). An aide to Rush confirmed this last week to Neighborhood Network News. Also reportedly considering a bid is District 6 City Councilor John Tobin and state Rep. Paul McMurtry of Dedham. District 5 Councilor Rob Consalvo, who was earlier reported to be interested in running as well, told the Transcript he will not run.

City Approves Redevelopment of Gas Station Site in Roslindale Sq.

The Boston Zoning Board has given final approval to a plan to redevelop a decrepit former gas station (right) across from Adams Park in Roslindale Square. For decades, the property has been a scourge to merchants -- an eyesore, according to local activists. The new owner plans a new 25,000 square foot, three-story commercial structure that will house among others, the Roslindale branch of the Social Security Administration. Construction on the $5 million project is expected to begin sometime this summer, and could provide up to 50 jobs.

"Healthy Roslindale" Finds Two People to Fill Cathy Slade's Shoes

How many people does it take to replace one Cathy Slade? Two is the answer as the longtime community activist finally takes her leave from the Healthy Roslindale Coalition to continue her new job at Agewell in West Roxbury. Slade has been a tireless advocate for local youth, as well as active on several other community issues. She will be replaced by Steve Godfrey and Imanga Wells-Wingfield after a 13 month search to replace her.

New Reports Examine Hyde Park Service, Business, Health Needs

A recent needs assessment by the Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation shows a major demographic shift in Hyde Park. According to the report, there's a growing number of recent immigrants and people of color, many of whom are not receiving the services they need. The assessment says 50% of Hyde Park's residents are African-Americans, Caribbeans, and Latinos. Also part of the change are immigrants from Haiti, Jamaica , the Dominican Republic, Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago, according to the Hyde Park Bulletin. The survey shows that many newer residents fail to get the human and social services they might need, due to unfamiliarity with the neighborhood, or language issues.

Local business owners also have a new retail market analysis to digest. It was done for Hyde Park Main Streets by two consultants from Cambridge. It rated a new farmer's market, more evening entertainment options and better litter control and prevention as the top priorities for Cleary Square (photo, above) and Logan Square. Those residents surveyed also wanted more healthier eating opportunities, including perhaps a health food supermarket.

A new study by the Boston Public Health Commission found Hyde Park has the fourth lowest smoking rates among the city's neighborhoods, but that mortality rates for lung and prostate cancer were the highest among city neighborhoods. The report contains data from the period 1995 to 2005 and it has drawn criticism from some quarters. At a recent meeting of the Fairmount Hill Neighborhood Association, president Bob Vance wondered why the report did not focus more on the possible health effects of the abandoned former Lewis Chemical Plant, which is located at the bottom of the hill, directly adjacent to the Neponset River.