QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Questions from the Neighborhood
What geographic area does the Bellevue Hill Improvement Association, Inc. include?
The BHIA geographic boundary is the area bordered by the West Roxbury Parkway, Washington Street, Maplewood Street, Saint Theresa Avenue and Center Street.
All residents, even those living outside our area, are welcome to join and participate in our organization. We strive to find common ground and want to include all who are interested.
Of course, neighborhood issues do not always follow strict geographical boundaries. A very rough map of our boundaries appears to the right.
There used to be a Stratford Street neighborhood association.
Over the years, "subgroups” have formed in the stated areas of neighborhood associations. For examples, some years ago there was a Stratford Street association, whose members eventually blended into our organization. We want to know what concerns or ideas residents have and find that working in a larger groups brings more ideas and better resolution to issues.
What is the difference between the groups Progressive West Roxbury and Bellevue Hill Improvement Assoc? And what area do these associations cover?
The organization “Progressive West Roxbury Massachusetts” is affiliated with the statewide organization “Progressive Massachusetts.” The organization’s mantra is “Grassroots organizing for Progressive Change.” The organization is very heavily involved in local political races. They offer candidates extensive questionnaires on progressive political issues dealing with regional or statewide issues. They endorse candidates, and work to support endorsed candidates. There is a good presence of this political organization on the web.
BHIA is a neighborhood association fanning out from Bellevue Hill to the areas detailed on the map above. Some of our members may belong to various political organizations, and we see no conflict with that. While we stay in touch with local elected officials, and ask them about neighborhood matters, we do not endorse candidates.
Our leaders all live in the area, and serve on a volunteer basis, in addition to other life activities and careers. BHIA is a good way to keep up with neighborhood matters and news.
The Association does not to serve as a political advocacy organization or mediator among neighbors.
Submitted by George Embleton, Secretary
Bellevue Hill Improvement Association, Inc.
