As threatened, state lawmakers led by Senator Jack Hart have successfully used their legislative powers to effectively block the construction of a new trash transfer facility on Columbia Point. By nullifying an earlier land swap deal okayed by the Legislature in 1999, the Boston Water and Sewer Commission will no longer be able to build a new facility on land now owned by the University of Massachusetts.

The legislators' actions have been properly interpreted as a win for Dorchester, in that the construction of the proposed Boston Water and Sewer facility would have cemented Columbia Point's future as a dumping ground for decades to come.

However, the fact remains that the city of Boston is using Columbia Point for the self-same purpose right now- and there is no indication that the practice will end anytime soon. The Legislature's action, while praiseworthy, does not equate to a complete victory. Hopefully, it will be the first step in a long overdue public process about Columbia Point's future.

There are myriad questions about the peninsula's development that are in urgent need of a full and open discussion. Most of it involves the University of Massachusetts' plans for expansion, which could very well include, for the first time, dormitories. Now that the coveted Calf Pasture Pump Station will remain in the city's custody, what will become of it? UMass Boston wants it for a science center, but others have proposed uses that would make it more open to the general community, everything from a new home for the city's archives to a much needed restaurant on the Point.

It is time for the neighborhood's State House delegation, the City Council, the Mayor, Boston Water and Sewer's commissioner and UMass Boston's top brass to put aside their differences on this issue and sit down with community organizations and residents for a meaningful discussion.

Columbia Point, with its many prestigious private and public institutions, would seem the ideal place to initiate such an undertaking. It is unfortunate that it has not yet happened.

-Ed Forry

Brian, We Hardly Knew Ye

There were many tears shed in Dorchester last week when news spread that Brian Honan, the affable and talented city councillor from Allston-Brighton, died from the effects of an apparent blood clot.

Brian was just 39 years-old and his career in politics was just beginning to blossom.

We remember seeing Brian on numerous ocassions over the last few months: at the opening of the new Nonquit Street garden off Dudley Street; speaking to civic members on Meetinghouse Hill; at the Dorchester Park Family Fun Day; greeting T riders outside the Red Line stop on Savin Hill Ave; handing out books to kids in Grove Hall. When neighbors organized a fundraiser to support Lower Mills activists being sued by a wealthy developer, Brian showed up to lend his support.

Yes, Brian was running for district attorney. But, it says something about Honan that he spent so much time in so many different parts of our community. Unfortunately, that is not politics as usual in Boston.

Brian understood that a big part of life was just showing up. He was compassionate and kind, two traits that can be quickly whittled away in his business. He didn't let that happen.

We will remember Brian Honan for his easy-going style, his humility and his passion for service. And, sadly, we will always wonder, 'What if?'

So long, Brian. And thanks for everything.

-E.F.