There continue to be significant issues looming in Lower Mills. Residents there urgently need to regroup and reassemble the civic association that once played such a vital role in that part of town.

The Dorchester Lower Mills Civic Association has been dormant for more than two years now, mired in a legal dispute over the proper use of the so-called "Hadaya property" on Washington Street. A civil lawsuit against the former president of the Lower Mills group resulted in the shutdown of the group's activity. To all appearances, there has been no meetings of the Lower Mills group for more than two years.

That inactivity has come at a critical time: While many significant "quality of life" issues have surfaced, there's been no sign of any public vetting of the issues among the residents, the very people who will have to live with any changes that take place.

Chief among those issues is the sorry state of the Roper Bridge over the Neponset River, a seemingly endless project that disrupts traffic in the village. Mass Highway, the state agency responsible for the project, said last week the work will continue at least until next fall, and completion is now slated for next year. An active, aggressive role by a civic association certainly was missed, as the state dawdled over the long months of inactivity.

There are other issues on the horizon, too. Last week, we reported the Stop & Shop companies has sold its neglected property at 36 River Street and an adjacent parcel to a private developer, who plans to build new housing there. Early reports suggest the developer is a responsible man with neighborhood ties, but Dorchester people have learned long ago to be wary of Stop & Shop, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the huge Dutch Ahold food conglomerate. The old K of C building at that site is said to have a significant historical importance in Lower Mills, and the plan to demolish the property deserves to undergo public review.

There are big concerns as well about the future of the old Star Market on River Street at Central Avenue, closed last summer when a new Shaw's Market opened for business. The Shaw's people have left the old building closed and unattended, and each week it becomes more of an eyesore. It can be predicted that some scheme soon will be proposed for that parcel and the neighborhood must have some input about the decisions.

Neighborhood development issues can have significant effects on adjacent residential neighborhoods - for good and for bad. For decades, civic groups have played a vital role in keeping people informed on issues that impact their daily lives.

Let's hope that some responsible neighbors pick up the gauntlet and resume the task of watching over that little neighborhood.

-Ed Forry

The New Police Commissioner

Mayor Menino deserves congratulations for his appointment of Kathy O'Toole as the new Police Commissioner in Boston. This former Boston cop and current South Boston resident has had an exemplary career in public service at all levels- in Boston, in the state and at national and international levels.

Now, her unique blend of community policing knowledge and superior managing skills can be focused on improving life in the city.

We welcome her appointment.

- E.F.