Photo: James Rojas / WBZ News Radio
ALLSTON (WBZNewsRadio) - It's that time of year when the moving trucks descend upon the city of Boston, as hundreds of thousands of students flock to the city for so-called Allston Christmas. It's typically the city's biggest moving day of the year.
“The City of Boston is home to colleges and universities that attract students and families from all over the world,” said Chief of Operations Dion Irish. “We are excited to welcome students, families and visitors through the weekend. I’m grateful to the many city workers who have started preparations and will be working to ensure that all of our incoming students have safe housing, access to city services and understand how to be good neighbors.”
City officials gave an update ahead of Thursday's move-in day with representatives from the city's inspectional services, transportation, public works, fire and neighborhood service departments all on hand.
There are a number of things the city wants you to know as you move-in or out.
One of the biggest headaches for residents is the parking and traffic restrictions. With more people on the road, especially while the MBTA's Orange Line remains closed during it's maintenance shut-down, the city says the goal is to keep city streets safe for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers.
Parking restrictions are in effect through Monday, Sept. 5 for many Boston neighborhoods, including Allston, Brighton, Fenway, Mission Hill, South Boston, Back Bay and the North End.
The city's inspectional services will be out in city neighborhoods making sure the move-in process goes smoothly. They'll also be on the look out for any rodent infestations, deferred maintenance and other issues. If any of the sort is discovered, landlords could face violations.
Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Marshal Joseph Shea reminded students moving into their new homes that fire can be devastating and fatal. Since January of 2000, Shea said 86 percent of all college and university fire fatalities in the U.S. have occurred in off-campus housing. This is typically because many do not have adequate sprinkler systems and missing or disabled smoke alarms. Shea added that fires often start in upholstered furniture on decks and porches or by careless disposal of smoking materials.
Boston has a no open burning law, meaning no fire pits are allowed. Propane and charcoal grills cannot legally be located above interior first floors.
As for Allston Christmas, Sean Lydon, Boston's Inspectional Services Department commissioner advices against the common practice of leaving your trash/treasure on the street for grabs.
"If you want to bring something from the trash, there's a reason why it's in the trash," he said. "I'd think twice, three times before taking it home. You can't really determine what's safe and what's not safe. I've seen people taking mattresses, and I don't think that's probably the most sanitary thing to do. Electrical appliances, you don't know if they're short wired or short circuited."
With the additional volume of trash, Public Works will be issuing citations for the improper storage of household trash. The city will be providing additional trucks over the weekend to pick up trash that has been disposed of improperly.
Willie manages an apartment in Allston and told WBZ's James Rojas Allston Christmas isn't something to fear.
"It's good, it keeps the economy going, all the students moving into the dorms and colleges. We've got a lot of colleges here and it's great." He said. "If you happen to be moving into the Allston-Brighton area just enjoy it. It's good area to be living in. It's wonderful. I've been living in Allston-Brighton myself for 42 years, I myself came from Ireland, I just love it, it's just great."
New and current residents are encouraged to connect with Boston 311 to report non-emergency issues and get information.
There are three ways to do so:
- Call 617-635-4500
- visit boston.gov/311
- or download the BOS:311 app
WBZ's James Rojas (@JamesRojasNews) reports
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