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October 15,  2018
Featured Stories
In The News
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Meetings & Notices
Announcements
Deals & Promos
Construction, Utility Work and City Updates
City Services & Important Hotlines
BID Services & Links
In The News
Boston Globe: Downtown Boston Company, Vesper, Converts Sound Waves to Electricity 10/12/18

Boston Globe: Head to Democracy Brewing for Good Food and Drink 10/12/18

Boston Business Journal: Photo Gallery of New Arcade Bar, Versus, Now Open in Downtown Crossing 10/11/18

Boston Globe: ArtsEmerson Presents a Tale of Prison Injustice, Told From the Inside Out 10/11/18

Eater: Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe and haley.henry wine bar Among Boston's Essential Restaurants 10/11/18

Bostonguide.com: Downtown Boston Doggone Halloween Costume Parade One of Best Ways to Celebrate Halloween in Boston 10/10/18 

Boston Globe: An Evening with the Clintons at Boston Opera House in April 10/10/18

Eater: Better Sorts Social Club and Boston Chops are Two Hot Places to Get Cocktails 10/10/18

Boston Globe: A New Arcade-Themed Bar Called Versus is Now Open in Downtown Boston 10/10/18
This Week's Featured Event
ArtsEmerson Presents 
'The Peculiar Patriot' Starting Oct. 17th

ArtsEmerson
is presenting Liza Jessie Peterson's one-person show "The Peculiar Patriot" starting Oct. 17th at the Paramount Center


The play is inspired by Peterson's decades of working with prison populations, including New York City's notorious Riker's Island. 

The show runs through Oct. 28th. Click here for more information, showtimes and tickets.

Arts, Entertainment & Events
Tonight: Author Talk & Book Signing 
'Frederick Douglass -- Prophet of Freedom' at Old South Meeting House

Historian and author David Blight will be talking about his new book "Frederick Douglass -- Prophet of Freedom" at the Old South Meeting House tonight (Monday, Oct. 15th)


Blight has drawn on new information from both a private collection and recently discovered issues of Douglass's newspapers. The first major biography of Douglass in a quarter-century tells the fascinating story of Douglass' two marriages, his complex extended family, and his fierce support of the Republican party together with African-American civil and political rights. 

This is a free event that is open to the public, and registration is requested by clicking here. The event starts at 6:30 pm. Blight will also be signing copies of the book.
 
Explorateur Screening 'The Shining' 
Oct. 17th 

Explorateur Cafe, Restaurant and Bar (186 Tremont St.) is getting into the Halloween spirit and screening  "The Shining" on  Wednesday, Oct. 17th


The screening will be in Explorateur's Library and tickets include admission, a house-made candy bar and popcorn. Alcoholic beverages will be available at extra cost with a valid 21+ ID. Limited seating is available so get your tickets by clicking here. The screening starts at 8 pm.  
ArtsEmerson Presenting 
Boston Asian American Film Festival 
Oct. 18th - Oct. 28th

The  Boston Asian American Film Festival is highlighting the Asian-American experience around the Greater Boston area during a 10-day festival presented by  ArtsEmerson at the Paramount Center from Oct. 18th through Oct. 28th


The festival includes a wide range of short films, feature films and documentaries and there are often Q&As with filmmakers following most screenings. 

Please click here for information about screenings, showtimes and tickets.
Mayor's Fall Pumpkin Float on 
Boston Common Frog Pond Oct. 19th

The annual  Fall Pumpkin Float will be held on the  Boston Common Frog Pond on Friday, Oct. 19th from 5 to 8 pm


Hundreds of jack-o-lanterns will be floated on the water and there will be spooky family activities.

Attendees are asked to bring an 8-inch or smaller carved pumpkin to be lit and floated. Everyone is encouraged to wear costumes. Children can decorate luminary bags to be displayed along the edge of the pond. There will be a Pumpkin Bounce, fun house maze, bean bag toss and more. There will also be glow-in-the-dark games, children's crafts, free giveaways and more. This is a free event! For more info visit facebook.com/bostonparksdepartment
 
Boston Lyric Opera's 
'The Barber of Seville' at 
Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre 
Thru Oct. 21st

BID member  Boston Lyric Opera (11 Avenue de Lafayette)  kicked off its 2018-2019 season with  "The Barber of Seville" at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre


The opera is about Rosina, who is determined to marry the man she loves. The zany and witty opera includes schemes and delights with help from the cunning barber Figaro.

The show is running through Oct. 21st. Please click here for showtimes and to purchase tickets.
 
IIIC Hosting 'At Our Doors: 
Central America and Immigration Today' 
Oct. 23rd 

In the wake of the ongoing family separation crisis, join the  Irish International Immigrant Center (One State St., 11th Floor) for a brief film and discussion of Central America's modern history and its intersection with US immigration today on  Tuesday, Oct. 23rd .


IIIC immigration attorney Becky Minahan will share her experience volunteering on the front lines at a family detention facility in Dilley, Texas, providing legal assistance to mothers and children seeking asylum.

If you have questions or want to attend please RSVP to Francesca Paranzino at 617-542-7654 or [email protected]. This free event starts at 5:30 pm.
Bibliophile Birthdays: Celebrating the Authors of Old South Meeting House 
Oct. 26th

The Middays at the Old South Meeting House series continues by celebrating authors who were banned in Boston. On Friday, Oct. 26th, Neil Miller, author of "Banned in Boston: The Watch and Ward Society's Crusade Against Books, Burlesque, and the Social Evil," will talk about the banning of Eugene O'Neill's "Strange Interlude."


The Pulitzer Prize-winning "Strange Interlude" was barred from production at Boston's Hollis Street Theatre in 1928, so the producers relocated the staging to Quincy.

Admission is $6 or free for OSMH members. This event is at 1 pm.
 
WalkBoston 'Step On It!' Scavenger Hunt in Downtown Boston Oct. 27th

Think you have seen everything in Downtown Boston?  Guess again.  Join in a sidewalk scavenger hunt through Downtown Boston on Saturday, October 27th and see just how much you know.


Here's how the scavenger hunt works:
  1. Participants (teams of 1-6 people) will receive clues challenging them to find specific items embedded or engraved in the Downtown Boston sidewalks and pathways. Bonus questions provide opportunities for groups to earn additional points.
  2. Answer the questions/riddles and travel as a team to each spot. Take a team picture showing the answer. No vehicles or rideshares needed; all locations are within walking distance.
  3. Document it on Twitter or Instagram using the official event hashtag #StepOnItBoston. Make sure to include teammates in the photos.
Once all the riddles and locations are found, meet at Scholars Bistro (25 School St.) for the post-hunt celebration and prizes for top finishers. Free entry for paid participants. Prizes are generously donated by local businesses and valued at more than $1,000.
100% of all proceeds will support WalkBoston, a non-profit organization dedicated to making Massachusetts more walkable.   

Registration is at noon at Old City Hall (45 School St.). The hunt is from 1 to 3 pm. Click here to register for the event.
Sign Your Dog Up! 
Downtown Boston Doggone Halloween 
Costume Parade Oct. 29th

Who doesn't love dogs in costumes?! The 5th Downtown Boston Doggone Halloween Costume Parade will be in Downtown Crossing on Monday, Oct. 29th


This is a free event to enter and all dogs receive prizes. There are also several grand prizes, including one-night stays at area hotels! Grand prizes are awarded for the Best Costume, Scariest Costume, Best Dog and Human Costumes and Most Creative Costume. 

The parade is on Monday, October 29th from noon to 2 pmThis year's event will be held on Summer Street between Washington and Hawley streets.

Click  here to register your dog!  
Author Jenna Blum Discusses Her New Book 'The Lost Family' at 
Old South Meeting House Oct. 29th 

The Vilna Shul, Boston's Center for Jewish Culture, is presenting author Jenna Blum as she reads from her new book "The Lost Family" at the Old South Meeting House on Monday, Oct. 29th.


This event is part of Old South Meeting House's Partners in Public Dialogue series.

Blum will also answer questions with author Randy Susan Meyers


For details and tickets, please visit Vilna Shul's event page here OSMH members may receive a discount by using the following codes:  To receive $5 off the price of admission, use code OSMH5;  To receive $5 off the price of admission and copy of Blum's book, use OSMH33.  This event is at 7 pm
New Artist Installation on 
Washington Street Brings 
ILLUMINUS Light Festival Closer

A new artist installation at  349 Washington Street  recently debuted, bringing the free nighttime   ILLUMINUS Light Festival (Nov. 2nd and 3rd, starting at 6 pm)   closer.


Artist Pamela Hersch's "Ventana" video art was specifically created for the storefront of 349 Washington St. "Ventana" is the Spanish word for "window."

"This piece invites the viewer to look through the window panels to find another window. The wooden molding frames the space where video footage of the present alternates with footage that represents the future, drawing a comparison between both images," said Hersch. " The videos change every second and simultaneously zoom out to the distance until they disappear, forming a 'time tunnel'." 

The exhibit will be on display through Oct. 25th, leading up to the ILLUMINUS festival. 
Discover the Dark Side of Boston's Freedom Trail! Lantern Tours are Back This Fall

Discover the Freedom Trail in a new light -- after dark -- on the official Freedom Trail Lantern Tours. These unique Lantern Tours offer visitors and residents the opportunity to experience the sinister history and mystery along the Freedom Trail! 


Explore the ghastly side of Boston's iconic red-lined path and hear historic tales too macabre for daytime. Join Freedom Trail Players, darkly garbed with lanterns, who bring true accounts of appalling crimes, spies and assassins, cold-blooded killings and demonic possession to life on these 90-minute walking tours. 

Tickets may be purchased at the ArtsBoston Booth at Faneuil Hall, the Boston Common Visitor Information Center, Cheers Retail Gift Shop at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and tickets are discounted when purchased online by clicking here.

The lantern tours are on Thursdays, Sept. 20th through Oct. 25th and Saturdays, Oct. 6 through Oct. 27th at 7 pm from the ArtsBoston Booth at Faneuil Hall.
 
Get $10 Tix to 'Hamilton':  
At Boston Opera House Thru Nov. 18th

The Broadway smash hit, Tony Award-winning musical "Hamilton" made its Boston debut at the Boston Opera House on Sept. 18th and will be in town through Nov. 18th. 


The musical is based on Ron Chernow's biography of Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton was an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War, was a Founding Father and America's first Treasury Secretary.

The show blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway to have America's present tell Hamilton's story from back in the 1700s.

Also, if you haven't purchased tickets there's still a chance get $10 tickets on the day of show! There will be a release of 40 $10 tickets for every show -- click here to learn more.  Click here for showtimes and more info about the musical.
Live Music at The Steps, Federal Street, Summer Street, Readers Park and More

The Downtown Boston BID's 2018 performance season features more than 1,600-plus live musical performances spread across five different locations.


This week, Zach Ivy, Gypsy Jazz, Square Peg, Nico Rivers and Opera Guy and Friends will perform at The Steps (Franklin and Washington streets). There are daily performances from noon to 2 pm and 4:30 to 6:30 pm on Monday through Friday, noon to 2 pm on Saturday and 4:30 to 6:30 pm on Sunday. With plenty of seating at The Steps, it's a wonderful spot to sit down with your lunch and enjoy the show. 

Soloists Henry Cobb and D'Rafaele will perform at 133 Federal St. this week. Performances are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from noon to 2 pm


Berklee College of Music students, Robbie Pate Trio, Pat Loomis Trio and John Kordalewski will perform outside of Macy's on Summer Street. These performances are on Thursday and Friday, from noon to 2 pm, and again from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Saturday performances, from 12:30 pm to 3 pm, feature the popular ensemble group Sweet Harmony, singing hits from the 80s, 90s, 2000s and today. 

The BID is teaming up with  Exchange at 100 Federal Street to present live music inside the atrium from 4 to 6 pm on Tuesdays. Gypsy Jazz will perform this week.

The BID is also sponsoring live music at Readers Park (School and Washington streets) on Friday from noon to 1:30 pm and Saturday from noon to 2 pm. Zach Ivy is performing this week. 

All performances are subject to change and may be cancelled due to inclement weather.  
Look Out for Redcoats on 
The Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail Foundation and Downtown Boston BID offer the opportunity to experience British soldiers in 18th-century Redcoat uniforms reenacting guard duty like it's 1775.


This historical program utilizes experienced Freedom Trail Players, costumed in the attire of 18th-century British soldiers, who bring the daily actions and atmosphere of British-occupied Boston to life. Residents and visitors can meet the soldiers and engage them in talk about their postings in the hostile environment of colonial Boston as they "occupy" Downtown Boston on Washington, Summer, and Winter streets. The Freedom Trail's Changing the Guard takes place through October on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 2 pm

For more information about Changing the Guard, please call the Freedom Trail Foundation at 617-357-8300 or visit TheFreedomTrail.org.
 
THANK YOU!
Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update

BID Logo Lo Res

For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, Communications & Social Media Manager, at: [email protected]
Featured Stories
Arcade-Themed Bar, Versus,
Now Open in Downtown Boston 

Are you a pinball wizard? Did you always have the top score in Donkey Kong? Well, it's time to reassert your arcade game prowess at Versus (42 Province St.), a new arcade-themed bar that opened last week. 
(Photo by W. Marc Bernsau for
Boston Business Journal)

Versus is the newest venture by the Big Night Entertainment Group (BNEG), led by Randy Greenstein, below left, and Ed Kane, below right. Their new spot has three rooms in an open floor plan of 3,000 sq. ft. with a capacity for 241.  BNEG also owns the very popular Explorateur Cafe, Restaurant & Bar at 186 Tremont St. 

"Having lived in this area for 17 years, I've seen amazing changes in Downtown Crossing and have learned a lot about the uniqueness and character of the area. Big Night Entertainment Group wanted to create a venue that would offer something unique, exciting and complementary to the area," said Kane. "After discussing a number of exciting concepts, we kept coming back to this great barcade concept after a visit to Chicago. After months of of work, Versus was born. It fits the bill -- interactive, fun, convivial and keeps up with the progressiveness of the area."
(Photo by W. Marc Bernsau for 
Boston Business Journal)

There are more than 30 vintage arcade games, including Ms. Pac Man, Frogger, Donkey Kong and Mortal Kombat. There is also tabletop shuffleboard, skee ball, numerous pinball machines, corn hole stations, air hockey, as well as Xbox and Playstation consoles hooked up to TVs that anyone can play. 
(Photo by W. Marc Bernsau for 
Boston Business Journal)

As far as cost goes, it's a definite steal, as it's free to play the games, but with a $5 (daytime) or $10 (night) charge to get into Versus. Compare that to many other video game spots and you're coming out ahead like Super Mario against Bowser.  


The food is the kind of grub you want to grab when shooting some skee ball and racking up a high score on Space Invaders, but with a twist. Cheesesteak spring rolls, flaming hot onion rings with paprika and cayenne flavored batter,  jumbo pretzels, craft beer, wine and thematic cocktails are some of the tasty options.

Please visit versusboston.com for more info, a list of all the games, a full menu and more. Versus is open 11 am to 11 pm Monday through Thursday, 11 am to 1 am on Friday, 4 pm to 1 am on Saturday, and noon to 8 pm on Sunday.
Marisa Kelly Inaugurated as 
Suffolk University's 11th President

Suffolk University  students, faculty, staff, alumni and dignitaries, many garbed in royal blue Suffolk academic robes, celebrated  President Marisa Kelly during a procession and inauguration ceremonies on Oct. 12th


"At a time when there is doubt and cynicism about the worthiness of a college degree, I will not mince words. The value of higher education is indisputable, and for many Suffolk students, it is literally life-changing," said Kelly.

Kelly has led Suffolk University since 2016, initially as acting president, and was named the permanent president in March 2018. 

Mayor Martin Walsh said the university is an "institution that holds up some of our greatest values. It calls on students to think for themselves as citizens, active members of our society, people who shape our future... This university is an engine of upward mobility. Already President Kelly has built on this proud legacy. She is embracing our city's diversity and expanding those opportunities even further... I'm proud to have her in this role as we grow as a leader in education, a champion for equal rights and a city of opportunity."


"This university uniquely promotes civic duty. It encourages and prepares its students to pursue careers in government, in nonprofits, in service of communities, families and individuals," said Massachusetts Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo, who said his Suffolk Law degree is one of his "top credentials" for his legislative role. "I know that Marisa Kelly will lead Suffolk into the future with passion, with excellence and in keeping with the University's tradition of cultivating public servants."

Other speakers included U.S. Sen. Edward MarkeyJustice Elspeth Cypher of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and Suffolk University Board Chair Robert Lamb.

The ceremony was part of a full weekend of inauguration events, including a Partnership Breakfast, at which Kelly spoke to the students.

"You are our future. Each of you has a unique story. And each of you is adding your story to the Suffolk story... The city and the world await; the possibilities are endless; and we are in awe as we watch you make your way," said Kelly.
Ronald Druker Honored with Norman B. Leventhal Excellence in City Building Award

Ronald Druker, President of The Druker Company and BID Board of Director, was honored with a Norman B. Leventhal Excellence in City Building Award on Oct. 9th.


"This award is really important to me because it embodies Norman's values, and he was a person I valued," said Druker.  

The awards are n amed in memory of A Better City's founding director, Norman B. Leventhal, and recognize, "The leaders and innovators who have made significant contributions to our built environment in the areas of Transportation, Land Development, and the Environment." Druker received an award for Land Development.

As the president of the Druker Company, he is known in Boston for the mixed-use developments he has created throughout the city. Some of the developments include the Heritage on the Garden, The Colonnade Hotel and Residences on Huntington Avenue and Atelier/505 in the South End. 

Click here for more information about the awards.
Vendors Wanted for 
2018 Downtown Boston Holiday Market

Vendor applications are now being accepted for the Downtown Boston BID 2018-2019 Downtown Holiday Arts Market presented by Bank of America. 


This year's market is in a pop-up location at 467 Washington St. The market will run from November 23rd through January 6th. There will be  numerous local vendors showcasing artisan products such as jewelry, woodcarvings, metal sculptures, food, candles, clothing, holiday goods and more throughout these winter months.
 
The market is open seven days a week from 11 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday, and 11 am to 5 pm on Sundays. The market's last day will be January 6th. 

Meetings & Notices
Tonight: Downtown Boston Residents' 
Association Meeting

The Downtown Boston Residents' Association (DBRA) will host its next monthly meeting tonight (Monday, Oct. 15th) at the Suffolk University Modern Theatre at 7 pm


Representatives of the Boston Police Department will lead a discussion about public safety. There will also be three local restaurants spotlighted: Democracy Brewing, Boston Chops and Taste Wine Bar & Kitchen. This is a public meeting.
Public Meeting to Discuss Proposed Changes to  47-55 LaGrange Street Project
Oct. 22nd 

The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) is hosting a public meeting Monday, Oct. 22nd to discuss the proposed changes to the previously approved project at 47-55 LaGrange St.


The previously approved project was for "up to 130 dwelling units" and the proposed change is to make it "up to 176 dwelling units." No other aspect of the project, such as the building size, is proposed to change.

This meeting is being held at the Hyatt Regency Boston (1 Avenue de Lafayette) from 6 to 8 pm. Please contact Casey Hines at [email protected] or 617-919-4244 for more info.
Announcements
Calling All Downtown Boston Residents:
Volunteers Wanted for DBRA Committees 

The  Downtown Boston Residents' Association (DBRA) is in the process of rounding out its committees and is looking for residents who are interested in volunteering their time and talents. 


Learn more about the organization, committees and check out the DBRA's new website at downtownra.org. Click here to signup to volunteer for committees.  
Last Week of  Downtown Boston 
Arts Market  on Summer Street

This is the last week of the  Downtown Boston Arts Market  on  Summer Street between Macy's, Primark and Roche Bros. until next spring. The market is from  11 am to 6 pm on Thursdays and Fridays. The BID will be hosting a Downtown Boston Holiday Market starting Nov. 23rd (please see above).


The market is a great place to get a gift for yourself or a loved one. Handmade jewelry, antique maps, artisanal food, soaps and candles are just some of the items being sold at the market this year. This week's vendors are: Intaglio Antique Prints & Maps, Karol Peralta Jewelry, Speakeasy Travel Supply, Oiseaux, EPOCA, Charged Glassworks, Simply Chickie, Fiber and Water, Marcart, Aribella Design, Wyllo, McCrea's Candies, Design of Mine, DLR Designs and Urban Kitchen Handmade. 
BID Little Free Libraries at 
Readers Park and 175 Federal St.

The Downtown Boston BID's very popular  Little Free Library  at  Readers Park (School and Washington streets) is for anyone to take a book and leave a book. The Readers Park Little Free Library was so popular that a second one was added to the district at 175 Federal St. (Summer Street side)


The general public is invited to donate free books to the BID's Little Free Libraries by dropping off books at the libraries or by contacting Kristen Flanagan at [email protected] to organize a pickup in the downtown area.

The BID's Little Free Libraries are officially registered with the  Little Free Library non-profit organization. There are actually more than 50,000 registered little free libraries across the country and world!  The BID's Little Free Libraries are  open daily from 10 am to 6 pm   (closed during inclement weather). 
Deals & Promos
Primark Debuts New Skincare Line

After two years of research and development, Primark is excited to reveal an incredible skincare collaboration with beauty expert Alex Steinherr


The collection is fragrance-free, gentle and results-driven and has been carefully curated by Steinherr to feature her must-have skincare actives including Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide and Squalane. Each product is priced from $4.50-$6.50, so everyone -- whatever their lifestyle, skin concern or budget -- can achieve beautiful skin.   
Metro Meeting Centers Offering 
Pre-Cyber Monday Sale

Metro Meeting Centers (101 Federal Street, 4th Floor) is offering a pre-Cyber Monday Sale leading up to the actual day on Nov. 26th.


You will receive 20% off a full-day package value of the meeting when you reserve space for a new meeting to occur in 2019. A deposit of 50% or more for that space by Nov. 26th must be made to take advantage of the offer.

Please call 617-737-1200 for more info and to make reservations.
 
Boston Area Spanish Exchange Offering Discount for Fall Courses 

Boston Area Spanish Exchange's (101 Arch St., 8th Floor) next course period begins the week of Nov. 5th. Boston BID newsletter readers are being offered a 5% tuition waiver when using the coupon code BOSTONBID5. 


The registration deadline is Oct. 26th. Click here to register for classes.

BASE also offers free Spanish conversation opportunities at 6 pm on Tuesdays in October. 
 
Take Your Shot at These 
Special 'Hamilton' Deals

Local businesses are very excited about "Hamilton" being in Boston and are offering special menus, drinks, parking discounts and more. 

Artisan Bistro (10 Avery St.) is serving three "Hamilton" inspired cocktails:  Eliza, A Despicable Opinion, and The Price of Truth. Each cocktail is $15.

Back Deck (2 West St.) is offering a "Hamilton" inspired menu with a Hamilton Old-Fashioned, Monticello White Bean Soup, Cider-Braised Beef Brisket Pot-Roast, Indian Pudding and a Rattle Skull (Goslings dark rum, Blacklash Molasses Stout, lime and nutmeg). Click here for the full menu and descriptions.

Hyatt Regency Boston (One Avenue de Lafayette) is offering two tickets to the Nov. 2nd "Hamilton" show when you reserve a semi-private dining experience. This offer is valid for dinner receptions with a $5,000 food and beverage minimum by October 31st.

The Marliave (10 Bosworth St.) is offering 10% off entrees with a ticket from that day's performance. 

The Merchant (60 Franklin St.) is offering 
10% off food only with a ticket from that day's performance. Also, the restaurant is offering $6 validated parking at the 33 Arch Street Garage after 3:30 pm during the week and all day on the weekend. The restaurant will validate your parking ticket. 

PABU (3 Franklin St., 2nd Floor) is offering 
complimentary chicken karaage or edamame for anyone who presents their theater ticket for that date's performance.
 
Construction, Utility 
Work and City Updates
New Developments Under Construction, Proposed Projects and More

Downtown Boston is continually transforming, with new buildings rising, as well as transportation projects taking place underground and at street level. Looking for the latest updates on developments, construction, sidewalk closings, and more? Click here. 


 

City Services & 
Important Hotlines    


Important Phone Numbers
Boston Fire, Police & Emergency Services: 911
Non-emergency requests: 311
Eversource gas and electric: 1-800-592-2000
National Grid: 1-800-322-3223
Boston Water & Sewer Commission: 617-989-7000
Mass Water Resources Authority: 617-242-6000
City of Boston Tow Lot: 617-635-3900
National Weather Service: 508-822-0634
Verizon: 800-837-4966
Boston Animal Care and Control: 617-635-5348
Cold Relief Heatline: 800-632-8175
Elderly Commission: 617-635-4366
Emergency Shelter Commission: 617-635-4507
MBTA: 617-222-3200
MEMA: 508-820-1428
Mass. Road and Traffic Conditions: 617-374-1234
City of Boston Neighborhood Services: 617-635-3485
State Police: 617-740-7600
Transit Police: 617-222-1212
City of Boston Veterans Services: 617-635-3957
BID Services & Links
BID Ambassadors Provide Clean & Hospitality Services  in Downtown 

The  Downtown Boston BID Ambassadors provide clean and hospitality services seven days a week, nearly 24 hours a day. Ambassadors create a friendly, welcoming Downtown presence by helping visitors with directions, notifying fire and police personnel of incidents and more.
 
 
B ID Ambassadors  provide walking escorts when needed and they'll even tote an umbrella if it's raining! Please call 617-261-0066 if you want to contact our BID ambassador services program. You can also email [email protected].                
  • Ambassadors remove litter and graffiti
  • Ambassadors clear crosswalks, handicapped ramps and storm drain openings
  • Ambassadors shovel in Downtown Boston during winter
  • Ambassadors maintain the BID's landscaping 
  • Masonry Ambassadors fix sidewalks and more
Additional BID Services & Info
  • Communication and Business Networking
  • Meetings with individual BID members to discuss neighborhood issues 
  • Entertainment programming
  • Member Advocacy
  • Capital/Public Improvements
  • Wayfinding
  • Please click here for the Downtown Boston BID's Welcome Guide that provides a look at many of the BID's accomplishments in leading the transformation of Downtown Crossing 
  • For additional details and information on the complete range of BID services please contact Doug Meyer, Membership Services & Database Manager, at [email protected].