JP Readers React to Parking Space Saving

The comments about whether you should be able to save an on-street parking space in winter have been pouring in.

The debate about whether it's OK to save your on-street parking space in Jamaica Plain during the winter months rages on. Here are a few of the dozens of comments JP Patch received over the past week. Jerry O'Connor writes: "I have always been somewhat perplexed, and mildly curious, about this phenomenon. People say "I dug that space out" as if they had excavated a flat space out of a hillside, like a prairie homesteader." Though most people agreed the practice is unfair, a few readers said they like the idea. Zooloo writes: "THIS is a GREAT idea! Then people can have their spots when they come back! I am SO AGAINST residential parking permits!" Reader Scott offered his own solution: "Bring Resident Parking to all of JP and it will solve …

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Jamaica Pond Winter Woods Walk Today

Boston Natural Areas Network and the Boston Urban Forest Council, invite you and your family to join local tree experts for an invigorating walk around Jamaica Pond. Dress warm!

5 Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 27

How about that weather.

1. Some winter weather hit the region last night, and there's more to come for the next few months. 2. Twitter followers, such as @DavidTornado, predicted just freezing rain. 3. If you have any cool winter photos, feel free to upload them to JP Patch. 4. Today we've run the top 10 stories of the year, did we forget any? 5. If so, tell us in the comments.

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TELL US: When Do You Turn On Your Heat?

With heating prices on the rise, when's a good time to turn on your heat? Before Columbus Day? After Halloween?

Brrr! If you're like me, you like to save money wherever you can and that includes heating costs.  This year, I'm doing my best to save on heating costs by wrapping up under nearly every blanket in the house. I'm hoping to not turn on the heat until well after Halloween this year, but it's getting chilly! Boston had its first frost advisory Friday night, meaning temperatures flirted with freezing.  What about you? When do you turn on the heat? Tell us in our comments section!

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MBTA Promises to Plow Busiest Bus Stops This Winter

JP/West Roxbury District Councilor Matt O'Malley called for public hearing after receiving many complaints about public areas not being shoveled.

When the snow falls this winter hopefully it won't be blocking bus stops and public ways for long after a Boston City Council hearing determined what organization will clear certain areas in the city. JP/West Roxbury District Councilor Matt O’Malley held a hearing on Tuesday to discuss which public agencies have jurisdiction of certain public properties that have not been cleared in the past. "The MBTA particularly stepped up to the plate. They've now pledged to clean up bus stops focusing on the 15 busiest routes in the city," said O'Malley. "That comprises almost 50 percent of T ridership, and two of those go through District 6 – the 39 and 32 bus routes. [The MBTA] is now going to plow from bus stop to bus stop sign something they haven…

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Winter Biking Tips from Ferris Wheels' Clinic

Sunday's clinic provided some great tips for people considering a snowy bike commute.

As snow begins to fall, many start packing their bikes away for the winter. However, some say there's no need to stop riding simply because the weather is frightful. Two of those people, John Partridge, Service Manager at Ferris Wheels Bike Shop and year-round bicycle commuter Roger Winn, presented a winter riding clinic Sunday.  "Ice is a bigger concern than snow," explained Winn, a seven-year veteran. "Sometimes you have to walk instead of ride."  There are several types of studded tires which perform well on ice. Winn prefers a style with rows of studs along the outside of the wheel so they engage when he begins to slip. It's not just ice to worry about. Winter riders run the risk of skidding on the sand and salt used to pave roads as …

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