While I was sorry to see the Improper Bostonian magazine fold after 28 years — I’d pick it up in order to give my eyes a screen break on the train — I imagine locals won’t be sorry to see the blue plastic boxes go away now that they no longer contain the publication.
It’s now been a month-plus since the magazine’s farewell, and boxes remain on the streets of Wellesley. I also pass by at least 9 of the blue boxes on my sub-mile morning and evening walks in Boston between South Station and my office (though think a few have disappeared over the past week or so).
The boxes always remind me of a college antic that I may or may not have been party to long past the statute of limitations involving the transport of a heavy metal USA Today newspaper box from a Commonwealth Avenue sidewalk to a dorm room…
Who’s in charge of getting rid of such boxes in Wellesley?
It depends on where they are. Those on town property, such as the sidewalk by Marathon Sports on Washington Street in Wellesley Hills, are owned by the town. The one at the Wellesley Hills train station is the MBTA’s concern.
The town used to issue permits for the boxes but hasn’t done so in quite some time, perhaps because there are fewer requests to distribute print publications. The Department of Public Works has picked up defunct ones in the past.
Improper Bostonian publisher Wendy Semonian Eppich got right back to me when I inquired about plans for the boxes, and she asked me if I had any good ideas. I’d be glad to take one off her hands to store stuff in, but Mrs. Swellesley has given that a hard and fast “No.”
Semonian Eppich says: “We have had some interesting requests for them. I just need to take some time to explore them further.”
Got any ideas? Let us know: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com
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Tell her to come get them. She can store them at her house while she “explores what to do with them.” Get them off our streets. They are an eyesore. They are rubbish at this point.
Wellesley has historically been bad about rubbish, which is why the Wellesley Dump has always been such a social hub. Maybe invite people for coffee over a defunct box? Could become a thing. My $0.02
Thanks Jonathan, splendid idea, Bob
Why not recycle the boxes and make something for a local charity?