Black Heritage Trail: Walking tour of Beacon Hill, which was home to Boston’s free African American community that led the nation in the movement to end slavery and achieve equal rights. 228-9833.
BPL: Boston Public Library, located in Copley Square, includes a general collection lending library and a research library. 536-5400. Other branches are located in the West End (523-3957) and South End (536-8241).
Charles, The: The Charles River runs from Hopkinton to the Atlantic. The dirty water famously sung about, which after cleanup efforts isn’t so dirty anymore.
Citgo Sign: A local landmark in Kenmore Square due to its visibility from Fenway Park.
Comm Ave.: Abbreviation of Commonwealth Avenue.
Common, The: The oldest public park in the country. Facilities include the Frog Pond (which offers ice skating in the winter and spray pool in the summer), a baseball field, tennis courts and a playground. Call it the “Commons” and show you’re new to the area.
Copley Square: Old South Church, Trinity Church, Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel and the Boston Public Library are all located here.
CSO: A Community Service Office is located in each Boston Police district. The officers are geared toward helping with neighborhood issues. For the Back Bay, Fenway and South End call 343-4457. For Bay Village, Beacon Hill and Downtown call 343-4627.
Downtown Crossing: Shopping district on Washington Street, between Temple and Bromfield Streets. Closed to most vehicular traffic. Due east of the Common and west of the Financial District.
Emerald Necklace: A park system designed by Frederick Law Olmsted that stretches through several neighborhoods and includes the Back Bay Fens and the Riverway.
Esplanade: Grassy area running parallel to the Charles River. Hatch Memorial Shell is a concert stage located at the Esplanade. Reached by a footbridge at the corner of Arlington and Beacon Streets.
Fenway Park: Home of the Red Sox baseball team.
Flat, The: area between Charles Street and the Charles River. Historically part of the Back Bay but now considered Beacon Hill.
Freedom Trail: A 2.5-mile red-lined route that leads to 16 significant sites in the American Revolution from the Boston Common, through downtown, the North End and Charlestown. 357-8300.
Garden, The: Not the same as the Public Garden. Formally the TD Garden, home of the Bruins and Celtics.
Greenway, The: The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway is a string of parks stretching through the North End, the Financial District, and Chinatown. It was built over the land of the old John F. Fitzgerald Expressway, which was demolished in the Big Dig.
Hancock, The: Boston’s tallest building, officially called 200 Clarendon Street but known by its longtime former name. Located one block from Copley Square.
Hatch Memorial Shell: Outdoor concert stage located on the Esplanade.
Hynes Convention Center: A conference center that’s home to many of Boston’s biggest events, including the city’s First Night New Year’s celebration. 900 Boylston Street.
IAG: Impact Advisory Group, a panel of citizens appointed by the mayor to review large development proposals and advise the BRA on potential impacts and mitigation.
LMA: Longwood Medical and Academic Area is a cluster of hospitals and schools bordering the Fenway. Often referred to as the medical area.
Mall, The: Commonwealth Avenue Mall is a strip of grass along Commonwealth Avenue that stretches from Arlington Street to Kenmore Square. The area was developed in the late 19th century as a version of a Parisian boulevard. Statues honor individuals with significant ties to Boston.
Mass Ave.: Abbreviation of Massachusetts Avenue.
MFA: The Museum of Fine Arts. The 5th largest museum in the USA, containing over 450,000 works of art.
MGH: Massachusetts General Hospital. The oldest and largest hospital associated with Harvard Medical School.
Muddy River: River in the Fenway connecting to the Charles River.
Newbury Street: Eight blocks of shops, boutiques, restaurants and art galleries. Runs between Arlington Street and Mass Ave.
Pats: The Patriots
Pike, The: Abbreviation for the Massachusetts Turnpike. Also called the Mass Pike.
PD: The City’s Planning Department. Formerly the Boston Planning and Development Agency.
Pru, The: The Prudential Center is a shopping mall located at 800 Boylston Street. It offers the only 360-degree view of the city from the Skywalk. The Pru connects to Copley Place, another shopping mall.
Public Garden: Features seasonal flowering plants and neatly clipped shrubs that line winding paths. Visitors may ride "swan boats" on the lagoon. Never refer to it as the “Gardens.”
Quincy Market: A shopping center with a variety of stores, food vendors, and street performers. Generally packed with tourists.
Rotary: Not a roundabout. Road junction where traffic moves in a circle around a central point to reach a road converging on it.
Seaport, The: The northern part of South Boston or “Southie,” situated along the Boston Harbor. Once a barren stretch of parking lots, it’s recently become one of Boston’s hottest neighborhoods, known for its trendy restaurants and nightlife. Also referred to as the Innovation District, due to the high number of startup businesses in the neighborhood.
SoWa: South of Washington Street. Hot spot of art galleries in the South End.
T, The: Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provides public bus and train service throughout Greater Boston. The Green Line, comprised of four trains, runs through the Back Bay and the Fenway. The B, C, D and E trains go through the Back Bay, and the D and E trains run through the Fenway. The Orange and Silver Lines access the South End. 222-3200.
Wicked: “really” or “very.”
Elected Officials
City Councilors
Gabriella Coletta
District 1: Waterfront, North End, Charlestown
617-635-3200
gabrela.coletta@boston.gov
Ed Flynn
District 2: Beacon Hill, Chinatown, South
End & South Boston
617-635-3203
ed.flynn@boston.gov
District 7: Parts of Fenway and South End
VACANT
617 635-3510
Sharon Durkan
District 8: Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Fenway, Kenmore, & West End
617-635-4225
City Councilors At-Large
Erin Murphy
617-635-3115
erin.murphy@boston.gov
Julia Mejia
617-635-4217
julia.mejia@boston.gov
Ruthzee Louijeune
617-635-4376
ruthzee.louijeune@boston.gov
Henry Santana
617-635-4205
State Representatives
Aaron Michlewitz
District 3: Bay Village, South End,
Financial District, Waterfront & North End
617-722-2220
aaron.m.michlewitz@mahouse.gov
David Biele
District 4: Seaport & South Boston
617-722-2460
david.biele@masshouse.gov
Chynah Tyler
District 7: Fenway & South End
617-722-2396
chynah.tyler@mahouse.gov
Jay Livingstone
District 8: Back Bay, Beacon Hill & Fenway
617-722-2013
jay.livingstone@mahouse.gov
John Moram
District 9: Back Bay, Fenway & South End
617-722-2130
Jonhn.moran@mahouse.gov
Mayor
Michelle Wu
City of Boston
617-635-3115
michelle.wu@boston.gov
State Senators
Lydia Edwards
First Suffolk & Middlesex: Beacon Hill,
North End, Bay Village & South End
617-722-1634
lydia.edwards@masenate.gov
William Brownsberger
Second Suffolk & Middlesex: Parts of Back
Bay & Fenway
617-722-1280
william.brownsberger@masenate.gov
Sal DiDomenico
Middlesex & Suffolk: The West End
617-722-1650
sal.didomenico@masenate.gov
Nick Collins
First Suffolk: Seaport & South Boston
617-722-1150
nick.collins@masenate.gov
Congressmen Ayanna Pressley
Back Bay, Fenway, Kenmore, South End,
Bay Village, St. Botolph
617-850-0040
pressley.house.gov
Stephen Lynch
Beacon Hill, South Boston, West End
617-428-2000
lynch.house.gov
Governor
Maura Healey
617-725-4005
24 Beacon St.
Senators
Edward Markey
617-565-8519
markey.senate.gov
Elizabeth Warren
617-565-3170
warren.senate.gov
Contacting City Hall
Report issues like potholes and graffiti to City Hall by calling 311, downloading
the BOS:311 app, or tweet @BOS311.
Assistance can also be found online: boston.gov/311.
Emergency Notifications
Receive alerts from the city via text, email or phone in the event of an emergency, weather warning, parking ban or street closure. Information is available in English, Spanish, French and Chinese. To enroll visit boston.gov/sign-emergency-alerts.
Utilities
Electric
Eversource
1 (800) 592-2000
eversource.com
There are numerous competitive suppliers operating within Eversource, and it is recommended to compare prices and terms of service.
Gas
National Grid
1 (800) 233-5325
nationalgridus.com
MBTA
1 (800) 392-6100
mbta.com
Blue Bikes Bike Share
bluebikes.com
There are thousands of Blue Bikes available for rent at stations around the city. Hourly, monthly and annual passes are available. Riders must be 16 years or older and you must bring your own helmet.
Theaters for Fine Arts
Berklee Performance Center
136 Massachusetts Ave.
617-747-2261
berklee.edu/BPC
Boch Center
270 Tremont St.
617-482-9393
bochcenter.org
Boston Center for the Arts
539 Tremont St.
617-426-5000
bostonarts.org
Calderwood Pavilion
527 Tremont St.
617-933-8600
huntingtontheatre.org/pavilion
Cutler Majestic Theatre
219 Tremont St.
617-824-8000
emersontheatres.org/online/default.asp
Huntington Theatre Company
264 Huntington Ave.
617-266-7900
huntingtontheatre.org
Jordan Hall, New England Conservatory
30 Gainsborough St.
617-585-1260
necmusic.edu
Lyric Stage
140 Clarendon St.
617-585-5678
lyricstage.com
Modern Theatre
525 Washington St.
617-557-6537
suffolk.edu
Boston Opera House
539 Washington St.
617-259-3400
citizensbankoperahouse.com
Orpheum Theater
1 Hamilton Pl.
617-482-0106
crossroadspresents.com/pages/orpheum-theatre
Paramount Center
559 Washington St.
617-824-8000
emersontheatres.org/online/default.asp
Shubert Theatre
265 Tremont St.
866-348-9738
bochcenter.org
The Wilbur
246 Tremont St.
617-248-9700
thewilbur.com/
Neighborhood Organizations
Audubon Circle Neighborhood Assn.
617-653-6844
auduboncircle.org
Bay Village Neighborhood Assn.
bayvillage.net
Beacon Hill Civic Assn.
617-227-1922
bhcivic.org
Blackstone/Franklin Sq. Neighborhood Assn.
blackstonefranklin.org
Claremont Neighborhood Assn.
617-635-4500
cnaboston.org
Downtown Boston Residents’ Assn.
downtownra.org
Eight Streets Neighborhood Assn.
eightstreets.org
Ellis South End Neighborhood Assn.
ellisneighborhood.org
Fenway Civic Assn.
fenwaycivic.org
Hurley Blocks Neighborhood Assn.
hurleyblocksneighborhood.org
Neighborhood Assn. of the Back Bay
247-3961
nabbonline.com
South End Forum
facebook.com/SouthEndForum
St. Botolph Neighborhood Assn.
clerk@stbotolph.org
stbotolph.org
Union Park Neighborhood Assn.
upna.president@gmail.com
upna.org
West End Civic Assn.
westendcivicassociation.com
Worcester Sq. Area Neighborhood Assn.
facebook.com/WorcesterSquare
Organizations
Back Bay Architectural Commission
617-635-3850
Beacon Hill Garden Club
beaconhillgardenclub.org
Beacon Hill Village
617-723-9713
beaconhillvillage.org
Community Boating Inc.
617-523-1038
community-boating.org
Esplanade Assn.
617-227-0365
esplanadeassociation.org
Fort Point Arts Community
617-423-4299
fortpointarts.org
Friends of the Public Garden
617-723-8144
friendsofthepublicgarden.org
Garden Club of the Back Bay
gardenclubbackbay@gmail.com
gardenclubbackbay.org
Hill House
617-227-5838
hillhouseboston.org
Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy
617-292-0020
rosekennedygreenway.org
West End Community Center
617-670-1900
westendcommunitycenter.com
Business Groups
Back Bay Assn.
617-266-1991
bostonbackbay.com
Beacon Hill Business Assn.
617-720-7888
Downtown Boston Businesst Alliance
617-482-2139
downtownboston.org
South End Business Alliance
617-304-4421
sebaboston.com
Emergency Notifications
Receive alerts from the city via text, email or phone in the event of an emergency, weather warning, parking ban or street closure. Information is available in English, Spanish, French and Chinese. To enroll visit boston.gov/sign-emergency-alerts.
Parking
Parking Clerk’s Resident Parking Division
617-635-4410
Parking permits for resident-only spaces in the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Bay Village, Fenway, South End or St. Botolph are available for free. Go to Boston City Hall, Room 224, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm, visit the City Hall To Go trucks, or apply online at: boston.gov/departments/parking-clerk.
You will need:
• A valid registration in your name showing that your vehicle is principally garaged at your address.
• Proof of residency, such as items mailed to you within the last 30 days bearing your address and the name that matches your vehicle registration like gas, electricity, telephone, credit card, water and sewage or cable bills, a signed apartment lease or a monthly bank statement.
• No outstanding Boston parking violations against your current or prior plates. Students are subject to the same regulations as other resident applicants. Permits are valid for two years.
Temporary Permits
If you have moved to the neighborhood within the last 30 days and do not have proof of residency, you may obtain a 60-day permit. The registration must be in your name and show that your vehicle is principally garaged at your address. Bring a copy of your apartment lease or home purchase and sales agreement. Temporary permits are issued only once.
Registration
First contact an insurance company. A vehicle must be insured in Boston before it can be registered in Boston.
Moving Permits
A permit is required to park a moving van on the street. Call 635-4909 or visit boston.gov/moving.
Visitor Parking
The Transportation Department does not offer visitor parking permits, but visitor parking spaces are provided. These spaces, usually at the end of the block, will be posted VISITOR PARKING ONLY or 2-HOUR PARKING ONLY. Visitor parking can be extended using the ParkBoston app.
Snow Emergency
Parking is prohibited on major arteries during declared snow emergencies to make streets more accessible for plows and emergency vehicles. For alternative parking options, visit boston.gov/departments/311/snow-emergency-parking.
All other parking regulations and meters remain in effect.
Street Cleaning
Public Works
617-635-4900
Areas with posted signs have regular street-sweeping schedules. Cars must be removed from the street on the appropriate days. Violators face a $40 parking ticket.
For exact restrictions refer to regulation signs or visit cityofboston.gov/publicworks/sweeping. You can also sign up for alerts.
The odd side is done on the first, third and fifth weeks of the month. The even side is done on the second and fourth weeks of the month.
Trash & Recycling
Public Works
617-635-4900
Trash, food waste and recycling are collected on the same days. Consult signs, download the City of Boston’s Trash Day app or visit boston.gov/trash-day-schedule.
Recycling
Boston provides residential pickup of recyclables. If your recycling was not picked up, call the mayor’s 24-hour hotline at 311. Not all streets are eligible for curbside pickup as some areas are too narrow for garbage trucks.
What can be recycled:
• Paper: newspaper, magazines, mail, paper bags, phone books, paperback books, cereal boxes, pizza boxes, flattened corrugated cardboard and cardboard cans
• Containers: glass bottles and jars, aluminum and metal cans, aluminum foil, empty aerosol cans, milk/juice cartons and rigid plastics
• Requirements: items can be mixed together; labels may stay; rinse containers; and no broken glass, light bulbs, plastic bags or soiled paper
Large buildings:
Residents of large apartment buildings (more than six units) with recycling service should place items in bins provided in your building. Those in large buildings with no program should ask their landlord to call 617-635-4900 for service.
Food waste:
Residents of buildings with six units or less can sign up for free food waste removal. Food scraps will be picked up weekly with trash and will be converted into compost. Visit bostoncomposts.com to sign up.
Hazardous & yard waste:
The city provides recycling for yard waste, paint and oil. For schedule visit boston.gov/trash-day-schedule.
Containers:
Residents with curbside trash collection may request a cart provided by the city or can convert a trashcan of no more than 32 gallons, with a lid, for the purpose. Clear plastic bags may also be used.
Dog Licenses
Animal Care and Control
617-635-5348
Dogs are required by law to be licensed in the City of Boston. You may face fines if your dog remains unlicensed. Licenses are valid from April 1 to March 31 of each year.
Applications:
Visit cityofboston.com/animals/licenseapp.
Applications with your check and a self-addressed, stamped envelope may be mailed to: Boston Animal Care and Control, 1010
Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118.
Historic District Commissions
Landmarks Commission
617-635-3850
The Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, St. Botolph and South End are historic districts, and changes to exteriors of buildings must be approved by the city. For regulations visit boston.gov/departments/landmarks-commission.
Air Conditioners
Air conditioners in the Back Bay must be removed from windows by Saturday, September 30. They may be installed again on Tuesday, May 1.
Public Safety
Call 911 for all emergencies and state whether the call is fire, police or medical related.
Police Department
For crime statistics and updates, visit bpdnews.com.
District A-1
Beacon Hill, Bay Village, Downtown
40 New Sudbury St.
617-343-4240
District C-6
Seaport/South Boston
101 West Broadway
617-343-4730
District D-4
Back Bay, Fenway, South End, Kenmore
Square, Audubon Circle & St. Botolph
650 Harrison Ave.
617-343-4250
Fire Department
617-343-3550
Engine #3
618 Harrison Ave.
Engine #4
200 Cambridge St.
Engine #7
200 Columbus Ave.
Engine #22
700 Tremont St.
Engine #33
941 Boylston St.
Engine #37
560 Huntington Ave.
Post Offices
Back Bay
133 Clarendon St., 617-587-5262
Mon.–Fri., 7:30 am–5:30 pm
Sat., 7:30 am to 4 pm
Beacon Hill
136 Charles St., 617-723-7434
Mon.–Fri., 8 am–5:30 pm
Sat., 8 am–12 pm
Downtown
31 Milk St., 617-482-1956
Mon.–Fri., 7:30 am–6 pm
Fenway
207 Massachusetts Ave., 617-247-2429
Mon.–Fri., 8 am–6 pm
Sat., 8 am–2 pm
Kenmore Square
11 Deerfield St., 617-437-1113
Mon.–Fri., 8 am–5:30 pm
Sat., 8 am–12 pm
Prudential Center
800 Boylston St., 617-267-4164
Mon.–Fri., 8 am–5:30 pm
Sat., 8 am–2 pm
South End
59 West Dedham St., 617-266-0989
Mon.–Fri., 7:30 am–5 pm
Sat., 8 am–12 pm
State House
24 Beacon St., 617-742-0012
Mon.–Fri., 9:30 am–5 pm
Public Library
For a complete list of hours, including branches in the West End and South End, visit bpl.org/general/hours/index.php
Central Library
Copley Square, 700 Boylston St.
617-536-5400
Churches and Synagogues
Arlington St. Church
351 Boylston St.
(617) 536-7050
Unitarian Universalist
Cathedral of the Holy Cross
1400 Washington St.
(617) 542-5682
Roman Catholic
Chabad of Downtown Boston
16 Piedmont St.
(617) 297-7282
Boston Synagogue
55 Martha Rd.
(617) 523-0453
Orthodox Judaism
Central Reform Temple
15 Newbury St.
(617 262-1202
Reform Judaism
Church of the Advent
30 Brimmer St.
(617) 523-2377
Episcopalian
Church of the Covenant
67 Newbury St.
(617) 266-7480
Presbyterian
Emmanuel Church
15 Newbury St
(617) 536-3355
Episcopalian
First Baptist Church
110 Comm Ave.
(617) 267-3148
Baptist
First Church Boston
66 Marlborough St.
(617) 267-6730
Unitarian Universalist
First Church of Christ, Scientist
250 Mass Ave.
(617) 450-3788
King’s Chapel
58 Tremont St.
(617) 227-2155
Christian Unitarian
Old South Church
645 Boylston St.
(617) 536-1970
United Church of Christ
Saint Anthony Shrine
100 Arch St.
(617) 542-6440
Roman Catholic
Saint Cecilia Parish
18 Belvidere St.
(617) 536-4548
Roman Catholic
Saint Paul Cathedral
138 Tremont St.
(617) 482-5800
Episcopalian
Trinity Church
206 Clarendon St.
(617) 536-0944
Episcopalian
