Written by Peter Gailunas
We’ve all heard of Allston Christmas, right? You know when the new residents/students of the area are moving in/out and then abandon “gifts” like couches, dressers and bad artwork. For the past few years, I’ve noticed that Southie also has its own Christmas.
I once found a 3ft. tall ceramic giraffe statue that I brought home thinking it was a find. We thought of using it as a spot saver but it ended up getting dumped because we got sick of looking at it. So Southie Christmas is coming soon because September 1st is this week. So brace yourself for moving trucks, no parking moving permits, and lots of trash on the sidewalks.
I have a feeling the 311 app is going to be working overtime next week. I’ve noticed some new residents are already moving in and I’d like to offer some advice from a seasoned life-long resident about being courteous of your new neighbors:
Don’t park like a jerk. What is “parking like a jerk?” It’s when someone doesn’t pull all the way up to the car in front of them, thus giving themselves a spot big enough for two cars. It’s also not parking at the edge of intersections and driveways. This is not to be confused with parking spot “jockeying.” This is a strategic maneuver and it appears to be “parking like a jerk” but in actuality you are holding a spot for someone else like your spouse, or roommate or neighbor. When that said person comes home, you pull up your car and “voile” another spot. “Parking like a jerk” just keeps two spots all night long or worse for a few days. In my neighborhood, we once had a “parking like a jerk” incident that lasted a week and a half. So be courteous.
Let the car pass. If you are at an intersection like say N and East Sixth with two stop signs and you want to make a left onto Sixth and the other person wants to go straight on Sixth, let the person going straight go first. You look like a complete dick when you take the left and barely get by the other car. Let the other car go first and you’ll have plenty of room to make your left turn. What’s the hurry?
Know how to double park. In Southie, it’s an age-old tradition to double-park but there are rules. Do not double park on the opposite side of the street of someone who is already double-parked on the same block, especially if you are on a two-way street. This seems like common sense but apparently it is not. If you do this on a one-way street, drivers must traverse from side to side like test drive cars going in and out of cones on the commercials. Not a big problem. Do this on a two-way street and drivers will be backing up, beeping the horn, and experiencing mild road rage directed at whomever was the second double parker. This can be avoided by parking on the same side of the street as the first double-parked car. Then you only have to listen for the beep of the car you blocked in.
Don’t trash up the neighborhood. For the love of God don’t put your trash out too early. And bring in your recycle bins and trash barrels the next day. Nothing worse than weaving in and out of dirty barrels left in the middle of the sidewalk. You have a designated trash day and you can find out which day trash pick up here: http://www.cityofboston.gov/myneighborhood/
Know how to order. There are so many great local independent businesses around Southie. Know their ordering system. You just can’t march into Java House and order your large iced coffee. You’ve got to get in single file order and wait your turn. The best thing about Java is the staff. They memorized people’s orders like it’s their job. Bam, your coffee is ready and you exchange cash – cash only – don’t be an idiot and try to pay for a $2 cup of coffee with your debit card. Make a trip to the ATM! After you pay for your coffee – you tip – read this blog here: https://caughtinsouthie.com/feature/defense-tipping and then you get the hell out of the way. If you venture to Sullivan’s – you need to read this – there is a system there too – https://caughtinsouthie.com/feature/how-order-sullys
As you can see, Southie loves rules and wants to make sure your following the rules. Lastly, I will leave you with the Holy Grail of rules – How to Park in Southie after a Snow Storm. https://caughtinsouthie.com/tips/unofficial-rules I know it’s premature, but winter is coming.
6 Comments
Comments are closed.
All these rules were great until the last one. Southie is becoming a hot spot for young proffesionals and honestly we have our own way of doing things. The last part of your post made its seem like you wanted us to conform to southies old way of doing things when its becoming clearer and clearer every year that Southie IS changing (3 year resident) and it's slowly becoming out with the old and in with the new. Millienials are a bit different then older generations and some tolerance and ability to adapt is going to make your life a lot easier. Just some feedback loved the website.
Car jockeying , aka eff around is a major offense. You are treating your neighbors like they are stupid. It is a selfish ignorant practice. Believe me, everybody knows what you are doing and takes note. So when you start seeing nails, beer bottles, and other sharps turning up around your car don't be surprised.
You'll be gone within the next 3, so smell ya later.
Why can you not adapt to our way of doing things? You tell us to adapt to your lifestyle, when the majority of these millienials moving into the neighborhood show their older neighbors no respect. We are likely the same age. If you are younger than me, it is not by much. (27 year resident)
I'm pretty sure what was meant by 'Old ways' was conducting yourselves in a dignified way and acting respectfully towards the other people who live here (both old and new) i.e. not urinating on peoples doors, screaming at the top of your lungs on a roof deck at 3AM etc. etc. You are quite correct pointing out that they are different but I promise you that the vast majority will not adapt to any behavior similar to what I described above–and it will go alot easier on newer residents if they avoid this behavior in this community–if not they will have a rough go of it- guaranteed.
DONT.