|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
Articles in this
issue: |
|
Opinion
Rating Beachmont's Quality of Life
by Matthew Kruse
As a neighborhood association, one of the catch phrases we often hear about is ‘quality of life’. In this article, I’ve tried to give some flesh to that phrase with some opinions about how Beachmont stacks up in light of the United Nation's human development index (selected categories in bold), which measures quality of life in the countries of the world. Hopefully this piece will challenge you to appreciate the good around you and to commit to improving the bad.
Location and Access
The Good Beachmont is the envy of many North Shore communities because of the
convenient access it provides to just about all major modes of transportation. Most homes
are within walking distance of the MBTA’s Blue line (12 minute access to downtown
Boston). Logan is a 10 minute car or subway ride away. Routes 1 and 1A are both within a 5
minute drive. Parking within 30 seconds of your home is generally not a problem. The Beach
is right around the corner. In many ways, Beachmont gives the best of both worlds with its
location: secluded in a way, yet conveniently close to the City.
The Bad Traffic can be a problem, especially mornings and late afternoons trying
to get through Donnelly Square. Most homes don’t have garages, which are lifesavers
in the wintertime. And no community likes being located right underneath a major airport
landing pattern
Grade A-. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles – what more can you ask for? OK,
I’d ask for a little quieter dinnertime, too.
Climate and Air Quality
The Good The beauty of a climate is really in the eye of the beholder (people
do live year-round in soaking wet Seattle). Being in New England, Beachmont defines the
true meaning of seasonality: ice cold and snowy in the winter, crisp and beautiful in the
fall, wet and green in the spring, hot and sunny in the summer. It takes a diversified
wardrobe to take advantage of all that our weather has to offer. Where else can you lose
10 lbs. of fluids and get sunburned in a pickup basketball game one month, then turn
rosy-cheeked and sneeze ice cycles as you hurl snowballs in another?
The Bad Winters are too long (does March ever end?) and the heat waves can be
unbearable. Oh, and falling plane fuel must pose some kind of air quality problems.
Grade A-. I’ve been in Miami, Dallas, Tulsa, Nebraska, Phoenix, Las Vegas,
Houston, and New Orleans. I’ll take New England’s climate over them all.
Cost of Living
The Good Not too much good to say about the cost of living in our area.
Although 85c for the subway is a bargain. Oh, and Shaw’s is now doubling
manufacturer’s coupons.
The Bad Housing costs are incredibly high compared to most burgeoning
metropolises throughout our country. Have you seen what you can get for $150,000 in
Dallas, Pheonix, or Charlotte? Look into it and you may be contacting Century 21 in the
morning. As far as other costs, you can’t get a plate and drink at Beachmont Roast
Beef anymore for less than $6. And doesn’t it seem like our cable bill goes up every
month? Add all that to one of the state’s highest car insurance premiums, and
you’ll see why so many of the area’s young professionals are making their exodus
to the South and Southwest.
Grade D-. $50,000 a year in Beachmont disappears in a hurry. $50,000 a year in
Tulsa and you’re rich.
Eating In and Out
The Good Although your thighs may not think so, you can’t beat having a
genuine Italian bakery on the corner. Beachmont Roast Beef isn’t so good for the
physique either, but when it’s 2AM and you’re starving, there’s no better
place to be. Luigi’s has the "best pizza in the city." And what’s a
Massachusetts city without a Dunkin Donuts nearby!
The Bad If you were required to eat all your meals within Beachmont’s
borders, you’d be 300 lbs and dead by 45. And where’s the cultural variety?
Grade C+. Eat at home. It’s cheaper and healthier.
Public Safety
The Good The basics are in place for a safe community. Pedestrians are served
by strategically placed stop signs (like the new one on Crescent Ave.) and a well designed
traffic light system in Donnelly Square. The presence of a local police station and local
fire station ensure rapid response in case of emergency.
The Bad Drunk driving and alcohol-related domestic abuse is prevalent in our
community. Can someone tell me why 3 Beachmont businesses have liquor licenses? Alcohol
abuse is ruining many lives in our community. Prohibiting alcohol is obviously not the
answer, but there is no way we should have 3 liquor vendors in that tiny square of ours.
Grade B-. Not too many overt problems, but there’s still that slim feeling
that things can go bad at anytime.
Health Care
The Good Boston is America’s best in providing the gamete of health
care.
The Bad Chances are, if you’re calling 911, someone at 35 Crescent Ave. has
beat you to it.
Grade A-. If I was going to get sick anywhere it would be here.
Education
The Good In case you haven’t noticed, Revere’s public schools are undeniably
on the rise under the leadership of Carol Tye and Paul Dakin. Case in point: Revere High
is now enrolling 90% of the honor students the city graduates from its 8th
grade. Motivated teachers, dedicated Directors and Principals, and strong leadership
ensure that things will only improve. Of course, if you still want a parochial education
for your children, Immaculate Conception, Parkway Christian Academy, St. Mary’s-Lynn,
and Savio Prep are all within a 10 minute drive.
Grade B and rising. Jump on the bandwagon now… Revere will become a name
synonymous with innovative, high-quality education in Massachusetts.
Sports and Recreation
The Good Beachmont/Boston offers storied franchises in each of the 4 major
sports. Although the Celtics may never win again, and the Red Sox will break our hearts
every year, no metropolitan area provides more exciting professional sports than Boston.
McMackin Little League field is the envy of most in the area, and the communities youth
soccer program is blooming (although it deals with the same issues all youth sports must
face: too many obnoxious, get-a-life parents drive away normal parents from involvement).
And don’t forget the Beach and its many opportunities for fun and relaxation. Plus
there’s Louis Pasteur Park, heaven-on-earth for Beachmont’s under 10 population,
and Suffolk Downs within a stone’s throw.
The Bad Ok, so the Red Sox will never win the World Series.
Grade A. Gotta be a Bahston fan to get it.
Language and Cultural Communities
The Good Cultural diversity continues to flourish in Beachmont as individuals
of all races continue to make Beachmont their home. Remember, this is a good thing.
Exposing ourselves to other cultures broadens our horizons and allows us to appreciate
people who are different than us. Also, the Beachmont Youth Assoc. has done a tremendous
job of involving our kids in culturally stimulating activities.
The Bad Getting participation in the BNA is more of a struggle than it should be.
Grade B-. Individuals make up a community, and until more individuals in our
community are willing to give a little of themselves, their time, and their energy, our
community will be lacking.
bna home page - the beachmont bulletin - our mission statement - community pictures
beachmont@yahoo.com
this web site designed for and by the
©1998 all rights reserved
last update: July 27, 1999
