Eat Jamaica Plain

Shopping for local food in Jamaica Plain needs to be your priority.

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to beat my head against the wall over this Whole Foods vs. local food community upheaval. The answer seems so obvious but many seem to be more interested in the sound of their own voice than a viable solution. “Can you hear the words coming out of my mouth?” Ever since T.S.H.T.F. and the community caught wind of the approach of the Deathstar Whole Foods I’ve been vexed by the complete lack of creative thought and logical reasoning being employed to understand and solve this issue. There is no local food tractor beam people.

I’m not even going to get into anything that happened in the past or who should have done what, or who deserves to live in Jamaica Plain, or the definition of gentrification or why you should buy local food. You can read that all over the place. I will assume you know why you should buy local food and move on. The big question in my mind is who says anyone has to shop at Whole Foods at all let alone make it their local food source? No one is forcing you. The best way to vote is with your dollars. For food, for fuel, for change, for everything. That’s what America understands. I’m not saying it’s right but that’s the way it is. As a Jamaica Plain real estate agent I know all too well – buyers set the market. Supply and demand, right? If more of us demand fresh local food, someone will supply it.

Local food is right around the corner.

In a recent article by adamg of Universal Hub I learned there are 20 bodegas in Jamaica Plain. I’m familiar with many and I have been patronizing El Progresso Market on the corner of Boylston and Amory for about 6 years. In addition The Plaza Market at Boylston and Haverford began selling local pork, eggs, butter and milk. Unfortunately, I bet they won’t for long. I’m not sure, but the owner doesn’t seem too enthusiastic about this segment of his business when I visit. We need to not only support these small businesses, but repeatedly tell them what we want from them in order to give them our business. If you don’t like Whole Foods go somewhere else. Seek out the nearest mom & pop and buy some groceries. You know what’s kind of fun? Grab something random of which you have no idea what it is. I like the fruit drinks personally. I had never even seen some of those crazy fruits but they’re yummy.

Not surprisingly, I found the Compra Aqui (buy local food eat local food) website featuring all the small local food shops in Jamaica Plain. One of the major problems I see with the small local food movement success strategy is the lack of self promotion and a sustainable marketing effort. Hopefully this will change and maybe they are getting some help.

Direct from the local food website Compra Aqui:

“Jamaica Plain local business districts have a variety of stores that can provide a range of products to satisfy the diverse needs and wants of local residents, and the more people shop in these local businesses, the better these businesses will be able to respond to the needs of our diverse neighborhood.   
First, we hope to promote the dozens of shops in JP with affordably priced food, most of which are owned by local residents from within the Latino/Caribbean community.  Many of these shops currently sell Latino/Caribbean foods, and certainly would entertain offering other products that previously were only available at Hi-Lo.  
At the same time, we hope to promote the local businesses that offer more options of local and organic food than any other neighborhood in Boston.  These businesses include City Feed & Supply (two locations), Harvest Co-op, Plaza Meat Market, two Farmer’s Markets (six months a year), several CSA drop offs and direct farmer-consumer sales.”

This is a great idea. I’m really excited about the Jamaica Plain Shopping Spree this Saturday, April 16th. Here’s what they are offering:

“Come out and support your neighbors on April 16th during the J.P. Shopping Spree.  Our shops will highlights their specialties, offer sales and specials, cooking demos and tips.  Meet the owners of your neighborhood shops and engage in dialogue about what you’re looking for.  Chances are you will find it, and if not, let the local shops know what they are missing on their shelves.  Find the benefits of shopping locally.
Pick up a J.P. Shopping Spree Passport at any of the participating shops the week of the Shopping Spree.  On the 16th, visit 6 shops, and turn your stamped passport in for a raffle.  Winners will receive gift certificates, specials, discounts and more from our local shops. Take the 48 J.P. Loop to conveniently get to all three shopping districts.”

Now where talking! If you don’t want to support Whole Foods, put your money where your mouth is and support the local little guys! Don’t forget the farmer’s markets too! Check out this video of my fellow former Ozarkian and owner of City Feed, David Warner talking about local food.

Reblogging this from Boston.com:

I am very excited that each week, fresh, local food will be arriving at the Plaza Meat Market. Located at 207 Boylston Street, between Amory and Washington, just a short walk from Stony Brook station.  A whole pig arrives every other Friday for now. Every cut will be available including offal and bones. They should be able to offer very competitive prices because they are buying the whole pig. They also have local butter, eggs and milk! They hope to also patronize City Growers produce when the season begins in June.

The Plaza Meat Market has been in the neighborhood for 30 years and they hope to expand their local food stocks if the interest is there. Vote with your dollars!

Jamaica Plain kicks off 2011 with the addition of Bartlett Square

2010 was box office year for Jamaica Plain real estate. There were certainly some ups and downs and working with the banks has been no cake walk – but Jamaica Plain homes have held in there for the long haul. JP has that certain je ne sais quoi that can be found no where else in Boston.

Although the commercial side of Jamaica Plain had some shake ups along Centre and South Streets, and there’s some controversy over the new Whole Foods market scheduled to fill the Hi-Lo space, the east side of the MBTA tracks is still decidedly lacking restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, etc. making those locations somewhat less desirable due to the distance to amenities. However, it look like Jamaica Plain might be inching closer to a balanced commercial and retail base as several large projects move forward

While I reserve my opinions on some of the proposed and partially completed projects for a later date, some of them I find downright exciting. I happen to live on Amory Street near The Brewery and the new project at Bartlett Square has my eye.

I attended one of the community meetings when the project was in the planning stage and I was immediately impressed with how well Maple Hurst Builders handled the design integration with the surrounding buildings not to mention the complicated traffic and parking issues in the area. I held my breath that the project would pull through and maintain the overall “spirit” that had been proposed at that meeting. It has surpassed all expectations thus far.

I was immediately impressed with how well Maple Hurst Builders handled the design integration of Bartlett Square with the surrounding buildings, not to mention the complicated traffic and parking issues in the area.

I’ve done a lot of traveling throughout the United States, paying special attention to the architecture and infrastructure of various places along the way. It’s something I find very interesting, and to be frank, after visiting some of these places, parts of Boston are underwhelming in terms of development. It seems that often in an attempt to maintain strict planning and zoning rules in an effort to maintain a rigid historic Boston vernacular – the overall city suffers. I yearn for more creativity and variance but it is so rare.

Enters Bartlett Square. Don’t get me wrong, it’s no Frank Gehry fantasy (not a fan actually) but rather a very well designed addition to the neighborhood. The project fits nicely with the rows of old brick buildings between Amory and Washington Streets while tipping it’s hat to a more and more eco-conscious, modernist market.

Specializing in the redevelopment of under-utilized urban properties, Maple Hurst Builders has earned particular acclaim for the development, design and construction of in-fill projects that enhance their respective Boston neighborhoods by artfully blending classic architecture with contemporary details.

Each residence crafted by Maple Hurst Builders is distinctive, featuring amenities and workmanship typically reserved for custom-built homes.

Respect for the environment has always been an integral element of the design and construction of every project. Green building and sustainable construction are not merely marketing terms at Maple Hurst Builders. Resource and energy conservation, judicious use of materials and permanence of the structure are paramount. Maple Hurst Builders always will strive to deliver properties of unsurpassed value and enduring beauty.

The development at Bartlett Square is pursuing a rigorous eco-conscious design including solar panels that will support hot water and common electric needs, bike storage, a Kone “eco-efficient” elevator, Energy Star appliances, high efficiency heating and cooling and vegetative green roof, etc.

Bartlett Square employs serious eco-conscious design

In addition to the 13 condo units (two of which are affordable units per city of Boston guidelines) there will be three desperately needed retail spaces ranging from 775 SF to 1875 SF. I’m swooning at the mere idea of some healthy food options. Personally, I have my eye on a certain live foods restaurant. I suppose what stores go in will have a dramatic effect on the area and help determine the personality of that portion of the neighborhood.

I believe this section of Jamaica Plain has some amazing history and architecture, setting it apart from the more bucolic JP that is west of the MBTA line. The Brewery District and abutting neighborhoods seem to have the potential to be something like Williamsburg in Brooklyn or parts of Portland, OR. I like the grittier feel and the antique brick structures.

Locationally, the project is the bomb. Some of my favorite places in Jamaica Plain are all within walking distance. Just a few doors down from a little bodega and a block from Canto 6 with it’s steamed up windows and ridiculously mouth watering pastries and sandwiches. BMS Paper is Valhalla for party people. One of the best kept secrets in Boston IMO. You can get anything from industrial kitchen supplies to wine glasses for about $.50 each. I’m saving up for the “diner” plates they have. You know, those thick, heavy plain white plates and cups that are so strong they last for 50 years? Next on the list is Axiom Center for New and Experimental Media.

AXIOM is located at the corner of Green and Armory Streets. The gallery is on the ground floor level of the Green Street train stop on the Orange line at 141 Green St. A little about Axiom from their website:

Axiom was founded in 2004 by Heidi Kayser as an artist’s collective who originally exhibited work in a collaborative studio space. From 2005 to 2009, Axiom grew into a non-profit center whose mission is to support and nurture cutting-edge contemporary art practice through exhibitions, events, education and collaboration.

In 2010, Axiom merged with Boston Cyberarts, the organizers of the renowned biennial festival, the Boston Cyberarts Festival.

In 2011, Axiom returns to a collaborative management practice by forming the new Axiom Group, a collective of artists who curate exhibitions and events, provide educational programming, exhibit their own work, and participate in day-to-day operations. We are not currently accepting new members, but we love short term volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering or interning, (up to three college credits available) contact us: info@axiomart.org.

From the gallery at Green Street station, heading north up a gorgeous bike and pedestrian path takes you right by The Brewery complex which is home to some of Jamaica Plain’s favorite businesses. Bella Luna and the Milky Way pump out the best hand made galactic eats this side of the galaxy. You can’t go wrong with a Simple Simon and one of the Sam Adams brew made specially for this establishment. Next door is Ula Cafe, a treasure trove of delectable breakfast yummy treats and creatively combined sandwiches. Everything there seems to be fair trade, consciously sourced, etc. Stop in for an excellent cup a Joe and free Wi-Fi. When you’ve had your fill of some exotic strada or your favorite – the bacon, cheddar and chive scones, and you’re feeling a bit lumpy, you can jog upstairs to the massive Mike’s Fitness. Mike’s is a great gym and you’ll find, like the rest of Jamaica Plain, Mike’s is pretty diverse. Anyone will feel comfortable working out here. My favorite spot is on the recumbant bike or the Cybex elliptical in front of the huge windows overlooking the MBTA tracks and the Southwest Corridor.

As the project proceeds, I’ll keep you informed with more updates. If you have any questions in the meantime don’t hesitate to ask. If you’d like to hear it from the horse’s mouth in person, you can speak to the developers of Bartlett Square at the 1st Annual Jamaica Plain Home Energy Fair, Saturday March 5th, 9:30-1 pm at Bella Luna.

- 10:30 Introduction by MC (BJ Ray of Prudential Unlimited Realty).

- 10:35 Presentation on energy in homes, energy in the electrical grid, your energy footprint.

- 10:50 Presentation on energy reduction measures big and small.

- 11:05 Quick testimonials from DER homeowners.

- 11:15 Quick pitch from Green Justice Coalition on action items for their campaign.

- 11:25 Introduction of “Ask an Expert” participants.

- 11:30 Pizza is served!

- 11:30 Participants are free to mingle, have pizza, and ask questions of experts.

- 12:30 MC announce contest winners.

Some of the presenters:

- Dave Legg or other from National Grid on DER program

- Irina Rasputnis (NEEP) on the bewildering array of energy incentive programs

- Mass Energy Consumers Alliance on purchasing renewable electricity

- BBMC: Linda or Kim on materials choices for kitchens&  baths

- Ben Crouch Organics on local food production

- Green City Growers on local food production

- Cool JP on their block-by-block “Carbon Diet” campaign

- Green Justice Coalition on their efforts to create “Green Jobs” in weatherization

- Bikes Not Bombs, JP Bikes on pedal-powered transportation, here and abroad

- Living Structures, on reducing your home’s operating energy

- Roxbury Green Power/Green Grease Monkey, on waste veggie oil for transportation and home heating fuel

- 350.org on climate activism and why 350 matters

The most recent barrage of snow has been an overwhelming amount of work for me. Between constantly shoveling the sidewalks an driveway to clearing ice dams and shoveling the roof. (Which by the way sucks.) As soon as the house down the street collapsed all of my neighbors got up on the roof too. Mine started leaking just after the snow fell and I’ve got 24 hours to fix the damage before my next guests arrive!

Josh Sweeden & Myrta Montijo shovel their roofs.

Porter Street home falls under the weight of the snow and ice.

I’m not a huge fan of Boston winters. Well let’s be fair – I loathe winter in Boston. My house is something like 140 years old and although I’ve got it in pretty darn good condition, all the snow and rain and sleet and wind make me nervous. I lay awake on my second floor during these storms imagining what the noises are as my house battles Mother Nature. This particular season has been quite harsh in case you have been at the beach for the last several months and unaware. Yesterday was the culmination of a perfect storm of sorts. After having been pummeled repeatedly, one storm after another Jamaica Plainers shoveled out fresh rabbit runs in the sidewalks and sat down to rest their backs and watch their basements flood from the melting snow and rain that had no where to go and then…KABOOM! An ambulance blows up on the Jamaicaway!

Oxygen canisters blow up while firemen extinguish blaze.

Patch summed it up pretty well:

Fantastic apartment near Stony Brook T

Our team sold this home to the current landlord just a short time ago. A woman and her aunt had lived here for 40 years and it was in absolutely perfect condition. The garden has been lovingly maintained and the grounds are perfect. Locationally, this rental 2BD rental unit is fantastic. It is only a five minute walk to Stony Brook T, there are shops and restaurants at the end of the street and The Brewery is maybe 6-7 minutes walking. There you’ll find Ula Cafe (coffee/baked goods/sandwiches), Bella Luna & Milky Way (bar/restaurant/dancing) and Jamaica Plain’s only gym, Mike’s Fitness.

The owner is asking $1400/mth. The unit has a three season porch, hardwood floors and washer dryer in-unit! Don’t miss this opportunity to live in one of the best neighborhoods in Boston.

Call Christine Li at 617-828-7725 if you have any questions.

I came home from work to find a new crosswalk being painted across Amory Street from the Southwest Corridor across the street. I’ve been fighting for this for the better part of two years and now thanks to the exceptional work of Officer Mike Santry at E13 and Michael Halle from the traffic and parking meetings, we have succeeded in securing a safer place to cross.

Since the Brewery ramped up operations the pedestrian traffic here has been growing exponentially. This is a good thing, but getting across the street here in the past has been a little like playing Frogger.

As I said, I believe the crosswalk is only temporary until a more permanent traffic and parking solution is created. I am very pleased that the city was able to see that a temporary solution was better than no solution. Big round of applause for Mike Halle, Mike Santry and everyone who made this happen.