Squares may be named for local leaders

Two Mission Hill intersections may be dedicated to longtime community leaders Carmen Pola and Maria Sánchez.

The Parker and Gurney Streets crossing would become Carmen Pola Square, and Tremont and Gurney would become Maria Sánchez Square. The City’s Public Improvement Commission was slated to consider the proposal at a Sept. 6 hearing after the Gazette’s deadline.

“It’s good. These are people who have dedicated most of their lives to the community,” said Miguel Fuentes, owner of Fuentes Market at 680 Parker St., who helped to organize the effort.

Pola and Sánchez have been involved in many activist efforts over the decades, including for public housing tenants’ rights. Pola works extensively in mental health and elderly services issues and serves on the board of ABCD Parker Hill/Fenway. Sánchez is known for her work with Mission Church’s Social Hispanic Committee and is the mother of local state Rep. Jeffrey Sánchez.

The dedication effort was spearheaded by former Mission Hill resident Maria Alamo, another longtime activist with such organizations as Oiste?

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