There was a special presentation by Jack Leary, assistant Chief of Probation, South Boston District Court. Mr. Leary told of the threat of a synthetic opium product called oxycotin. This drug is manufactured as an extremely effective pain relief medication. The drug is expensive and highly addictive. Mr. Leary explained that people are easily addicted to oxycotin and then are apt to turn to heroin as a less expensive high. Heroin is usually taken by injection, which exposes the user to hepatitis and AIDS. In addition, the addicted users often turn to crime to raise money to by the drug.

Mr. Leary wants West Roxbury to take the offensive against these drugs by educating residents of their dangers. He said there are plans to speak about the perils of oxycotin and heroin at local schools.

The rooftop façade with existing cell phone antenna, owned and operated by Nextel, will be extended to provide additional cellular phone coverage for Sprint/PCS. The structure will be ten feet longer and eight feet wider. Sprint/PCS will mount four additional antennae on the front of the façade.

According to the Sprint/PCS lawyer, because they are not increasing the height of the building, a zoning variance is not required. However, Sprint/PCS still needs BRA approval before they are issued a building permit.

Neighbors in attendance were overwhelmingly against the proposal. They are concerned about the potential health risks from the microwave transmissions, and the poor aesthetics of the faux "penthouse" on the roof. The Bellevue Hill Improvement Association and Highland Civic Organization opposed the project.

The West Roxbury Neighborhood Council did not have to vote on the proposal because there is not going to be a zoning hearing. However, a representative from Nextel stated that they had a "gentlemen’s agreement " with Sprint/PCS to cooperate in expanding the rooftop façade, only if Sprint/PCS received approval from the Neighborhood Council. Both Larry Costello and Steve Smith spoke in favor of the proposal saying in effect, that because the cellular phone companies have a right to install antennae; they will put them somewhere; and that the location and scope of this proposal is better that others the Council has reviewed. A motion to approve the proposal passed by a seven to two margin.

Steve Smith gave an update on the planned improvements for Billings Field. The retaining wall will be rebuilt, and an access road for use by police and maintenance vehicles will be added. The Clubhouse will be refurbished by spring 2002.

The Joyce Kilmer School is getting a new playground. This fall architects will present three proposals, and one will be selected.

Centre Street reconstruction has started. Phase I will include Centre Street from the intersection with Spring Street to Mount Vernon. A left turn lane will be added to the intersection at Lagrange Street.

The following request for zoning relief were made at the June meeting:

3 Summer Street: Application to create two off-street parking spaces, configured to look like a driveway. No opposition. RECOMMEND APPROVAL.

30 Sunset Hill Road: Application to install 16’ x 14.5’ addition, there is an insufficient side yard violation. No Opposition. RECOMMEND APPROVAL.

11 Church Street: Application to construct deck on existing sunroom. There is an existing side yard violation for the sunroom. The deck does not exacerbate the side yard violation. No opposition. RECOMMEND APPROVAL.

The Neighborhood Council unanimously approved the recommendation

15 Gloria Road: Application to remove top half story of the house and expand it to a full story with gable roof. Adding the full second story does not exacerbate an existing side yard violation. No opposition. RECOMMEND APPROVAL.

The Neighborhood Council unanimously approved the recommendation

15 Fernwood Road: Postponed for a second time at the request of the owner.

A resident of Lasell Street was upset about the amount of traffic and speeding at the corner of Lasell and Lagrange. He was advised to call Sergeant Chambers at the West Roxbury Police Station.

Kay Ryan complained that the MWRA did not give sufficient notice to the residents of New Haven and Salman Streets of the planned construction of a large wastewater tunnel.

This is the last regularly scheduled meeting until September.

Larry Costello, Stephen Smith, Brian Smith, Judy Settana, Bill Smith, Bill McDonough, Don Torok, Kay Ryan, Joe Conran, Sandi Serkess, Jim McDonough

(Minutes prepared by Don Torok)

These and prior West Roxbury Neighborhood Council minutes are available on the Internet at http://members.aol.com/lcostello/wrnc