Dorchester Heights National Historical Register Nomination - No major updates on this issue this month. The gathering of information for the neighborhood book is just about completed. Tom Glover came through with a very impressive story on the history of Dorchester Heights, which we are planning to include in the book. There is a committee meeting scheduled for February 29^th, which will provide more information to be passed along at the next DHA meeting on March 9^th at 7pm.

National Park Service - Marc Vagos reported the fence has finally been installed at the top of the slope at the main entrance to the park. Marc thanked the association for pushing and keeping this hot item on our agenda. Kevin Delehanty assured him we would always push when necessary. Marc also told us of an increase in drug use and vandalism in the park. Someone had paint balled the monument, however most of the paint has been removed. There was also an incident involving some 50 youths. They were throwing ice and snow at the police and park rangers and when they left the area they damaged about 16 trees along Thomas Park. On 2/9/00 Park Rangers saw 2 youths smoking pot in the park and when they shined their flashlight on them they threw a pipe (which was confiscated) and ran off. The NPS is going to put an article in the Tribune about the incidents. Saturday March 4^th has been designated park cleanup day. The cleanup will begin promptly at 9 am. The NPS will supply bags and equipment. Anyone wishing to help us out should meet up in the park.

South Boston High School - Walter Wood addressed the membership and informed us of a letter from Superintendent which stated all students must pass the MCAS test. Walter also told us Head Master Lorraine Hamilton has retired and Mr. Tom Pilleri is acting headmaster until the vacancy is filled.

Bus Stop Issue - Kevin Delehanty reported the Bus Stop has been moved back to the corner of G and East Broadway where it was originally located. The DHA and local residents win the battle!

Boston Police Department - Sgt. Bill Meade & Officer Rich Doherty informed us there were a total of 37 incidents, 19 non- criminal and 18 criminal. Two house breaks occurred, one on Old Harbor, the other on Telegraph St. Two breaking and entering of motor vehicles occurred, one at 50 Thomas Park, the other on Linden St. Sgt. Meade stressed "don’t leave anything valuable in the car". Items stolen included a purse and cell phones.

Future agenda items - One item to be discussed will be the old issue of resident parking. It seems there are still some people who would like to talk about this issue so we will have it on the agenda as an open topic of discussion. Please feel free to bring up items you would like to see placed on the agenda at the next meeting you attend.

Neighborhood Crime Watch – There will be discussions on this topic at the Jan 13^th meeting.

SEE YOU ALL AT THE NEXT MEETING!

Thursday March 9^TH 2000

Marian Manor 7pm