PAX Centurion - March / April 2013

Page 42 • PAX CENTURION • March/April 2013 617-989-BPPA (2772) Eire Pub 795 Adams Street Dorchester, MA 02124 Salutes the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association I was recently hospitalized for pneumonia, and as a result missed my yearly insult also known as drug testing. I immediately notified HQ, and rescheduled for after my release. I was told parking was avail- able. This may join the list of other notable Urban Legends. I’d sooner find alligators in the sewers or theAtlanta Leprechaun before a mere Patrolman finds legal parking at BPD Headquarters. After circling the Crystal Palace several times, I eyed the overflow lot at Cass and Tremont warily. In my weakened condition ( I would require five more sick days before returning to work) it dawned on me that I would not physically be able to cover that distance without risking a return to the Brigham Emergency Room. I finally secured a coveted MIS spot after burning a half a tank of gas and pulling out all but the required amount of hair, then proceeded to the Medical Unit for non-compensated scalping. Now I know this sounds a little whiny (or wheezy if you heard me that day), but it brings me to my point. Why is there no crosswalk in front of HQ? It is a public building visited by hundreds of citizens weekly on official busi- ness. It is more than dangerous to navigate the roadway, and although there are traffic signals at the end of the block, sometimes that distance can’t be negotiated by sick/injured Officers or handicapped persons visit- ing the building. I brought this up to then Commissioner Kathleen O’Toole, and was informed PublicWorks and Transportation determined the distance between the lights was too short to accommodate a crosswalk at the entrance of BPD HQ. So I measured it with a device I borrowed from a friend in the DCU that they use to measure proximity to School Zones for drug arrests. I then measured other areas that have crosswalks, namely Back Bay T Station, and Mass. Ave. T Station. Both it should be noted have underground walkways which enable passengers/pedestrians to cross safely without being subject to weather or traffic. Both these crosswalks are controlled by pedestrian lights and both are located between intersections that have crosswalks, oh and yes both are shorter in distance that the two lights at HQ. Another example is Berkeley St. From Tremont to Chandler there are FIVE crosswalks, three of which are controlled by lights, in a length of roadway that is considerably shorter than that span in front of HQ. Examples are all over our so-called “Walking City”.You can walk safely anywhere in the Hub except at the center of Public Safety in the city. I wouldn’t disparage the temerity of another City Department, BUT... Why is this travesty allowed to continue? Do we have to wait until someone (other than a Cadet) gets hit out front and is killed or seriously injured?Are the Police Officers of this city no less important than its other citizens? Is our safety taken so lightly by the powers that be? If there is one good reason, (that can be backed up with FACTS) that a crosswalk cannot be placed in front of this building, please forward to me via the PAX, and I will see that it is acknowledged. I have asked that the BPPA look into this, and if necessary, I’m prepared to start a petition or letter campaign, or even a grievance, in order to enhance the safety of not only my brother and sister Officers but the general public we serve who use this edifice. Stay safe – especially if you’re going to Headquarters! Author’s note: I had touched on this topic before in the PAX, but without as much righteous indignation as it deserves. By P.O. Jay Moccia Boston – a walking city, huh… 281 Neponset Ave. Dorchester 617-265-2665 Spring Sign-up Half Days • Full Days Secure Play Area 4,000 sq. ft. 3 Classrooms 2 yrs. 8 mo to 6 yrs. Massachusetts Early Education License #291031 • Daughter of BPPA Retiree Neponset Preschool $37.00 per day