Jamaica Plain Elected Representatives Discuss State of JP

BOSTON/Jamaica Plain - One of Boston's dozen or so distinct neighborhoods, Jamaica Plain (or JP for short) has one of the most outspoken and activist populations in the city. Hundreds of those residents interested in the past, present, and future of their community took part in a special meeting on Tuesday, February 15th at English High School and sponsored by the Jamaica Plain Forum and the JP Neighborhood Development Corporation.

Topics addressed by JP's City Councilors, State Representatives and Senator and participating audience members included the controversy swirling around the replacement of the Hi-Lo Supermarket in Hyde Square with a Whole Foods Store, development of the area around the Forest Hills MBTA station, and economic and social opportunities for local youth.

Following presentations by elected officials and youth activists from the Beantown Society, participants broke out into small groups to discuss a range of issues including gentrification, environmental sustainability, and crime and safety concerns.

OMB Audio Speakers at Feb 15 , 2011 "State of JP" event:

1.Juan Gonzalez, JPNDC

2. Orien Kriegman, Tellus Institute

3. Sandee Storey, Retiring Editor, JP Gazette

4. Jeffrey Sanchez, State Representative

5. Felix Arroyo, Jr., Boston City Council

6. Matt O'Malley, Boston City Council

7. Sonia Chang-Diaz, State Senator

8. Liz Malia, State Representative

9. Youth from Spontaneous Celebrations Community Center

10. Q and A with audience

COMING