Baker square NEWS

Cobblestone Newsletter Summer 2025

by | Jan 27, 2026 | News
In this issue

In the community

  • From the Board of Trustees and Management
  • Project updates
  • Important reminders
  • What’s happening?
  • Spring 2025 Heat Pump PM Retrospective

In the neighborhood

  • Events
  • Business news
  • Amenity updates
Your contacts
In the community
From the Board of Trustees and Management
Annual Meeting 
The Annual Meeting of unit owners will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Park Mill Function Room, as called by the Board of Trustees and in accordance with Baker Square Condominium governing documents. Registration for unit owners begins at 6:00 p.m.

We strongly encourage your participation. The agenda includes a business meeting and the election of two Trustees for three-year terms. A quorum—51% of the beneficial interest in the Condominium—is required for the election. If you cannot attend, please complete a proxy ballot and return it to the Management Office before the meeting or give it to your designated proxy to vote on your behalf at the meeting.

Fitness Center maintenance
With gym equipment no longer under warranty, the Board has approved a new preventive maintenance contract, with service scheduled twice a year. This proactive approach aims to minimize equipment issues and reduce downtime.

Please do your part – always wipe down equipment after each use to help keep the facility clean and hygienic for everyone.

Sign up for e-statements on the owner portal
Did you know that you can sign up for e-statements on the owner portal? Owners with outstanding balances receive condo fee statements by mail but can receive them by email if they opt-in on the owner portal. If a payment is missed or delayed, having e-statements ensures you’re informed and can act quickly. It’s the most reliable way to stay current with your account and all owners are encouraged to sign up.

To enroll:

  1. Log in to CINC  
  2. Go to “Account Info” > “My Profile” > “Communication”
  3. Select “Receive E-Statements”

Need help accessing your account? Contact the Management Office for assistance.

2026 budget planning
Starting in July the Board and Management will begin work on the 2026 operating budget. The goal is to complete the required operating budget and update the 5-year capital plan.

HVAC incident reporting
Management has created an incident report as recommended by the HVAC Committee in the spring. If you experience issues such as a condensate pan overflow or sediment buildup in your heat pump, please contact the Management Office so we can track these common problems. Mechanical malfunctions do not need to be reported.

Project updates

Forbes fire alarm panel
Installation has taken longer than expected, delaying in-unit inspections. An updated testing schedule will follow.

Baker Mill boiler replacement
Duggan Mechanical will begin replacing the boilers and domestic water tank in the Baker Mill boiler room on Monday, June 23. Heat will be unavailable in Baker Mill units during the 4–6 week project. Two hot water shut-offs are expected; other disruptions will be minimal.

EV charging station
We anticipate final approval from Eversource imminently. More details to come.Park Mill elevator
Permits for the elevator modernization project have been submitted. We expect to begin the project this fall.

Carpet cleaning
This year, carpet cleaning is scheduled for the Forbes and Water Mill buildings. Cleaning will begin once carpentry repairs from the Forbes fire panel project are completed—targeting July.

Window washing
Thank you to all the residents that signed up for window washing, scheduled for Monday, June 23 through Friday, June 27. Participating residents will receive a highlighter piece of paper this week to display in each of your windows that are being washed. For your privacy close all windows, blinds, and shades.

Here are special instructions for each building:
Forbes & Park Mill: Screens are located on the outside of the windows. If possible, please open screens slightly from the inside before the window washing to allow the vendor to slide the screens open from the exterior.
Bridge Units: Screens are located on the outside of the windows and are sliding. Please unlock the screens from both sides of the base and slightly open. The window washers will be able to slide the screens open from the outside. Please contact Management if you will need assistance.
Baker Mill, Carriage House, & Water Mill: Screens are located on the inside of the windows and no action is needed.

 
Pet policy violations
Per community rules, all pets must be on a leash and under control when outside a unit. We’ve received several reports of pets leashed but not actively held by their owners—this is a violation of the policy.

Parking regulations
At the April quarterly meeting, residents expressed concerns about parking violations. In response, we have sent reminders to owners, addressed violations with offenders, and issued printed notices.

The parking regulations along the driveway are:

  • Driveway parking: Limited to 15 minutes. Vehicles parked longer may be fined or towed at the owner’s expense.
  • Handicap ramps: Must remain unobstructed, except when in use.
  • Overnight parking: The night watchman has been instructed to tow any vehicle parked overnight in the driveway, as this violates the 15-minute rule.

Please be sure to inform guests and service providers of the rules.

Spring cleaning reminder: no personal items in common areas
Common areas including garage spaces, outside of storage units, and hallways must always be kept free and clear of personal belongings. In the Forbes building the Fire Department will inspect common areas during the final fire alarm review and can issue costly fines for conditions that violate fire prevention regulations.

Pest control services
Our vendor is onsite the first and third Thursdays of each month and our contract allows servicing up to five units per visit for issues such as ants, spiders, insects, or mice. Contact Management to request service.

   
Community Engagement Committee

Music on the Patio
Kick off summer with your neighbors and the return of the popular Conscious Reggae Band on Saturday, June 21 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. With local merchant Bobin Nicholson (owner of Eye & Eye Optics) on bass, the band delivers a lively mix of classic reggae and reggae-influenced pop covers. Good vibes, good music, and great company!

Many thanks to Vargas & Vargas Insurance for generously sponsoring the event. If it rains, we’ll move the fun inside to the Park Mill Community Room.

Save the date! The Willie J. Laws Band brings its high-energy blues to the patio on Saturday, September 6 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.—you won’t want to miss it!
      

Movie Club
Be sure to sign up to be on the email list for the Movie Club. The club is interactive; members suggest shows and share recommendations with the group (just hit “reply all”). From beloved classics and recent releases to major sporting events, many programs have aired on the big screen in the Park Mill Community Room. Join the fun and help shape what we watch next!

Got ideas?
The CEC welcomes your ideas – for events, activities, and speakers. Email Claire Hughes.
– submitted by Sarah Brooks and Tom Tanury

Landscape Committee
The landscape committee has been hard at work!  The gardens are lush. However, we are undergoing a rabbit invasion – the perennials are being decimated by brutal (but cute) chompers. Protective cages have gone up, and Rabbit Scram spread around. Wish us luck!  (For those who are anxiously awaiting the cutting garden – it is on a temporary hold until we figure out the irrigation but will appear soon).
– submitted by Heidi Lyne

Book Club
Hosted by Mary Weafer, Forbes 606, Sunday, July 13, 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to discuss White Teeth, Zadie Smith’s dazzling debut novel, which “revels in the ecstatic hodgepodge of modern life, flirts with disaster, and embraces the comedy of daily existence.” Light refreshments served. In-person or Zoom. (email for link)

Website calendar
Programs and meetings are posted on the calendar page of the Baker Square Condos website.

Spring 2025 Heat Pump PM Retrospective

On June 2, I submitted the retrospective report on the Spring 2025 Heat Pump Preventive Maintenance (PM) experience with A. Hohmann Company, Inc. to the participating stack captains, our Baker Square Barkan Property Managers (Meghan Grzybinski and Yazid Brahimi), and Baker Square Board of Trustees President, Laura Gleason.

The report includes:

  • Homeowner participation and cost savings data – broken down by building and in total
  • Feedback summary – highlights from both Baker Square participants and the A. Hohmann Company team
  • Successes and challenges – key factors that supported or hindered this PM cycle
  • Looking ahead – anticipated adjustments for the autumn 2025 PM cycle
  • New resource – the introduction of the Heat Pump Incident Form, developed by our Barkan Property Managers

This report complements the findings from the heat pump PM checklist submissions, which will be presented at the upcoming Baker Square Condominium Annual Meeting on June 25.

If you did not receive the report and would like a digital copy, please email me at  mcarbonara123@gmail.com.
– submitted by Mary Carbonara

In the neighborhood
Events 

Milton Farmers Market
The Milton Farmers Market launches the 2025 season on Thursday, June 19, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Located at Milton Landing, 98 Wharf Street, the market will run every Thursday until October 9.

Juneteenth community celebration 
On Saturday, June 21 an afternoon filled with live music, family-friendly activities, food, and joy will take place at the Eustis Estate, 424 Canton Avenue, Milton, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free, donations are welcome.

Barn Day at Forbes Museum

On Sunday, June 22 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the community is invited to check out the progress on the Barn and Carriage House preservation at the Forbes Museum, 215 Adams St., Milton. RSVP to Miranda. (m.silverman@forbeshousemuseum.org).

Milton Music Fest and Fireworks
On Saturday, June 28 at 5:00 p.m., the fest will feature live music, food, activities for all ages and amazing fireworks. On Sunday, June 29, at 1:00 p.m. enjoy an afternoon of Celtic music, food and your favorite beverage. Governor Hutchinson’s Field, Milton. For details. 

Summer Jazz at the Eustis Estate

In partnership with Historic New England, Mandorla Music has announced its lineup of summer concerts on the grounds of the beautiful Eustis Estate, 1424 Canton Avenue, Milton.

  • Camila Cortina Bello Trio, Thursday, July 10, 6:30 p.m.  For information and tickets.
  • David Chesnut Jazz Festival, Saturday, August 9, 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
    Celebrate the legacy of David Chesnut—coachman, chauffeur, musician, and community member—with a lively mix of jazz. The festival honors his life and contributions while highlighting the diverse stories that shaped the estate’s history.
    Learn more and get tickets.
  • Clear Audience, Thursday, September 11, 6:30 p.m. For information and tickets.

– submitted by Mary Carbonara

Ashmont Hill Chamber Music 
Ashmont Hill Chamber Music is a non-profit organization presenting affordable, live chamber music in the acoustically beautiful venue of Peabody Hall of All Saints’ Church in Dorchester. The artistic director, our neighbor Mary Beth Alger, has done a marvelous job planning concerts with a wide variety of musical offerings for the 2025 – 2026 season. Please consider supporting this valued neighborhood program by attending a concert, spreading the word, and/or making a donation.

Business news

Something new is coming to Lower Mills!
Get ready to explore a fresh new home style store filled with charm, character, and everything you didn’t know you needed for your space. From cozy finds to stylish essentials this new spot will soon become your go-to. Stay tuned… Boston Homestyle store in the old Delaney Insurance space at 2287 Dorchester Ave. is opening soon.
– submitted by Carlos Vargas

Ice Creamsmith receives Legacy Business Award
The Ice Creamsmith was recently honored with a Legacy Business Award from the City of Boston—an accolade that celebrates impactful, long-standing businesses. Current owners Chris and Sarah Skillin along with founders Dave and Robyn Mabel received the award in recognition of their dedication to serving generations of ice cream lovers and enriching the neighborhood. Stop by to enjoy a scoop (or two!) and congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.

Bank of Boston building gets approved as a new market
The Milton Planning Board granted the go-ahead for the former Bank of Boston building at 2 Eliot St. to become a retail food market with an outdoor patio. A collaboration between JD Wild (owner of Webb Mill building and Muscle & Flow) and Dan Kerrigan (co-owner of Steel & Rye), the market will be called Two Pence Market and will include specialty and ready to eat items.

Support our local businesses by sharing on Instagram
Whether having a meal, getting a special gift or utilizing a service, snap a photo and tag the business. A simple post or story can go a long way in helping small businesses thrive—and it’s a great way to spread the word about the hidden gems in our community.

Amenity updates

Dorchester Park improvements
The City of Boston has launched a $1.7 million project to improve Dorchester Park’s pathways, trees, entrances, and other infrastructure. While the park remains open during construction, please use caution when navigating work zones and remember to keep dogs on leash. Thanks to our neighbor and business liaison Carlos Vargas for sharing this informational letter.

New bus service to Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area
The MBTA and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) are piloting expanded Saturday bus service to Houghton’s Pond in the Blue Hills Reservation. Starting June 21 through October 11, Route 716 will run every 90 minutes on Saturdays from approximately 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This route connects Cobbs Corner in Canton with Mattapan Station.
Your Contacts

Trustees
Laura Gleason, Chair, F609, lmgleason@gmail.com 
Leslie Giddings, Secretary, F111, lkgiddings1600@gmail.com
Mary Beth Alger, WM303, alger.marybeth@gmail.com
Matthew Booth, B306, mhbooth4849@gmail.com
Kyle Brichall, B508, kjbirchall@gmail.com
Michael Ouellet, F108, mikeouellet@comcast.net
Tom Tanury, WM301, tom.tanury@pm.me

Condo Management Office 
Park Mill, to right of the entrance
Meghan Grzybinski, Baker Square Condo Association, 617-296-2287, manager@bakersquarecondos.com
https://barkancompanies.securecafe.com/residentservices/baker-square/userlogin.aspx
After Hours Barkan Emergency Contact Number : 1-800-570-9145
Boston Police 617-343-4911 (quicker than 911)
State Police 617-698-5840 (for state property: park, boat ramp, bike path)

If you have information you would like included in future newsletters please contact Mary Weafer, maryweafer@gmail.com
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Baker Square Condominium
1241 -1255 Adams Street
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