Golf Course Tops List of Mayor's Capital Projects in Hyde Park

The George Wright Golf Municipal Golf Course (photo, right) in Hyde Park was among a number of projects designated for major upgrades under the city's newest capital outlay budget. Mayor Thomas Menino unveiled the capital spending plan last week along with his proposed $2.4 billion operating budget. The $1.5 billion five-year capital plan includes nearly $5 million to repair the golf course's clubhouse and maintenance facility, and money for drainage and paving as well. In Hyde Park, more than $36 million in total was set aside for several projects, including the expansion of the Roosevelt School to a K-8 facility and the addition there of four new classrooms. The Hyde Park Community Center will also get a major infusion of cash, with $7.5 million budgeted for its reconstruction. Also scheduled for upgrades and renovations is the roof of the Engine 48 station house, the Fairview Cemetery and the Area E-18 police station in Cleary Square. The Rogers School is also slated for a $4million overhaul under the mayor's plan. A priority for City Councilor Rob Consalvo that funding for the design and reconstruction of the Dana Avenue bridge.

Governor Sets Aside Money
to Clean up Neponset River

Governor Deval Patrick has agreed to support an amendment to the state budget that would set aside $12 million for the environmental clean-up of the Neponset River, including the possible removal of several dams at Lower Mills and near the former James River paper mill (photo, left) in Hyde Park. Pushing the proposed amendment is Senator Brian Joyce of Milton, according to the Hyde Park Bulletin. But while the state Department of Conservation and Recreation is getting kudos for try to clean up the waterway, it is under fire for failing to maintain several local facilities, including the Thompson Center in the Stony Brook Reservation. At a recent community meeting, DCR's South Region manager said the center will be boarded up and remain out of order. The facility is covered with graffiti and the surrounding area littered with trash.