We received news this week that the Boston City Council has set a hearing date of Thursday, August 15 at 1 p.m. to consider a plan to relocate the City's Archives to a permanent location in Charlestown. Under the plan, the City Archives would be moved from an old, little-used public school building in Hyde Park's Readville neighborhood to a permanent location at the Ropewalk Building in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

The archives have reposed in what was considered a temporary location in Readville for the past 13 years. Boston's historic records and artifacts are stored in the building, in a status best described as "out of sight, out of mind."

Advocates for the move say the archives have long outgrown this facility, and that its is "inconvenient" for researchers and "inadequate in terms of space and other archive building requirements."

The Ropewalk Building in the old Charlestown Naval Yard has been identified as an ideal alternate location, offering, advocates say, "protection for Boston's municipal archives, autonomously administered in a purpose-designed, conveniently located facility."

The City Council's Committee on Government Operations will hold the hearing in the Christopher A. Iannella Chamber, 5th floor, Boston City Hall.

Persons who wish to make their opinions known on this matter are encouraged to attend. If you can't be there, you may send a letter to Councillor Maureen Feeney, Chair, Committee on Government Operations, Boston City Hall, One City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA 02201.

These are clearly tough economic times for the city, but advocates for the move say there are priceless documents and historic treasures for the city that urgently need a new home.

-Ed Forry

Revitalized Waterfront Offers Relief from Dog Days of Summer

These hot August days truly are the "dog days" of this summer. At mid week, Dorchester and environs was trapped in the midst of a six-day heat wave with temperatures topping 90 degrees every day since last Sunday. The summer scorchers were predicted to last at least through this Friday, and perhaps into the weekend.

Happily, there is some relief along Dorchester's shoreline, and the good news is much of Dorchester's waterfront is rehabilitated and open to the public. An early evening walk along Tenean, Malibu and Savin Hill beaches, or along the walkways at Pope John Paul Park at Neponset and Columbia Point adjacent UMass and the JFK Library afford brief respites from the oppressive heat of the day. It was delightful to see so many area residents taking advantage of these sparkling outdoor public facilities this week.

We have often repeated the old adage that Dorchester is a waterfront community, and it is encouraging to see that state and city government agencies have opened up our waterfront lands to the public in recent years.

These newly restored public spaces help foster a new strong sense of community, as they have become a place to meet neighbors and enjoy a little relief with the cooling breezes from off the water.

E.F.