Citizen Engagement and Community Development
Myrtle Street Garden - Bob Kiss pursued creating this pocket park and Community Garden in the Old North End
As Mayor, Bob:
- Established the Citizen Budget Task Force, which has worked over the last three years to make recommendations for the City budget
- Promoted extensive public outreach and involvement in decisions about the Moran Redevelopment Project
- Initiated an expansive and inclusive community selection process for Police Chief hiring
- Provided numerous other opportunities for citizen engagement through the Environmental & Energy Coordinating Committee, Climate Action Plan process, Retirement Task Force, Stormwater Task Force, and Afterschool Committee
- Created “social equity” position for the Legacy Project
- Reopened Blanchard Beach at Oakledge Park, after years of closure for environmental reasons
- Increased City fine for graffiti offenses and supported graffiti clean-up program
- Supported the creation of the Myrtle Street Pocket Park through the Conservation Legacy Fund with proponents of a neighborhood pocket parks
- With several community partners, completed work on the Gosse Court Armory, a multi-use recreation center in New North End (Robert Miller Community & Recreation Center)
- Provided unprecedented financial support of City’s two senior centers and commitment to address their long-term sustainability
- Promoted bicycle and pedestrian safety initiatives with police department, DPW and Local Motion
