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Posts published by “Amanda Burke”

Jamaica Pond Reopens after Blue-Green Algae Bloom

The Boston Public Heath Commission said in a statement that recreational activities, including fishing and boating, may resume at Jamaica Pond following last month’s detection of blue-green algae, which the Commission said was potentially fatal if ingested. The announcement comes after two consecutive weeks of testing showed algae concentration below the state-recommended limit of 70,000 cells/milliliter. However, residents looking for place to beat the summer heat with a cool evening swim can keep looking: Swimming has been banned in Jamaica Pond since 1975 because…

Dangerousness of Algae Bloom Takes Residents By Surprise

James Parker, 48, of Brookline, plays with his dog Sonny on the shore of Jamaica Pond, which official confirmed on Friday is contaminated with toxic blue-green algae.
James Parker, 48, of Brookline, plays with his dog Sonny on the shore of Jamaica Pond, which officials confirmed on Friday is contaminated with toxic blue-green algae.

The big neighborhood news this week has been Jamaica Pond falling into the grip of a toxic bloom of blue-green algae. Some residents, though aware the Pond is closed, say they didn’t realize the seriousness of the danger.

Though officials say the toxin is not known to be absorbed through the skin, the blue-green algae is potentially deadly when ingested.

Porchfest will Bring Music, Dance, and Community to the Streets of Jamaica Plain

Sterling Rhyne plays on the porch of resident Betsaida Gutierrez at JP Porchfest 2014. Photo credit Samuel J. Sacks.
Sterling Rhyne plays on the porch of resident Betsaida Gutierrez at JP Porchfest 2014. Photo credit Samuel J. Sacks.

On Saturday, the streets of Jamaica Plain will be filled with the sights and sounds of music and dance, as thousands of attendees comb the sidewalks for the JP’s second annual celebration of art and community, Porchfest.

Boston 2024 Releases Olympic Proposal 2.0, Including Plans for Franklin Park

Rendering of equestrian and pentathlon facilities for Franklin Park in Boston 2024's '2.0' plan
Rendering of equestrian and pentathlon facilities for Franklin Park in Boston 2024’s 2.0 plan

Boston 2024, a private group spearheading the city’s bid to host the summer Olympics, unveiled an updated proposal Monday morning. One major change affecting JP would be that a pool is no longer being envisioned for Franklin Park.