The Community Alliance of Mission Hill (CAMH) met on Oct. 20, where it discussed the age-old problem of loud student parties and also voted on two petitions. Around 50 members of the public attended.
Residents from around Mission Hill complained that law enforcement, building owners and local colleges were not doing enough to address the longstanding issue of noisy student parties.
A Calumet Street resident reported being “violently attacked” when he confronted partygoers next door after his calls to 911 were not taken seriously. He alleges that one student punched him in the face, telling him, “This is a student neighborhood.”
But CAMH members emphasized that the problem was not limited to one area of Mission Hill. Furthermore, they questioned the effectiveness of the Mission Hill Problem Properties Task Force as it is currently organized, adding that it’s been the “worst year ever” for student parties.
Following the meeting, the CAMH board alerted the mayor and city councilors, calling for a membership committee “to improve mechanisms to ensure safety and quality of life in Mission Hill.” It has already received several pledges of support.
The matter was discussed at a meeting of the Mission Hill Crime Committee. Residents can contact BPD Officer Michael O’Rourke at [email protected] for updates.
In addition to calling 911, CAMH asked residents to report all incidents to [email protected] and to include photos when safe to do so. Data will be tabulated weekly to identify problem properties and evaluate police response.
Mission Hill residents fear that the problem is escalating and urge immediate action be taken to remedy it. But the issue is not isolated to Mission Hill. According to the Boston Redevelopment Authority, Boston is home to 35 colleges and universities. Earlier this year, City Councilor Ed Flynn told the Globe that BPD received 600 student-related noise complaints over a single weekend.
818 Huntington Ave.
Huntington Market owner Harry Patel petitioned to upgrade his current liquor license, which allows the sale of wine and beer, to include all alcoholic beverages. Seventy-two percent of CAMH members supported the petition, and only nine percent opposed it. Nineteen percent abstained from voting.
14 Eldora St.
The Boston Landmarks Commission (BLC) is proposing the demolition of a two-story, one-family home at 14 Eldora St., with a vision to construct a three-story building with three residential units.
Abutters at 16 Eldora St. requested CAMH support for a demolition delay in order to further discussion between developers and neighbors. Eighty-six percent of CAMH members voted to support the delay.
Following the meeting, CAMH sent a letter to BLC expressing its support for a delay. BLC responded by issuing a 90-day demolition delay.
CAMH meets every third Wednesday of the month at 7pm on Zoom.